Irish hotels to book into for a night away this summer

As hotels begin to open back up over the next few weeks, we take a look at how we might indulge in a chic city break, without leaving the country.

The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin (re-opening June 29)

This converted Victorian townhouse on Dublin’s leafy Adelaide Road dates back to the 1830s. With its stunning red-brick facade, the three-story Wilder Townhouse evokes a real sense of history, combining its rich heritage with tasteful elegance and comforts, while every detail comes across as being very thoughtfully considered. The townhouse is by no means stuffy, however, with friendly staff and comfortable nooks in which to retreat from the hub-bub of modern life.

Bullitt, Belfast (re-opening July 20)

Cool 1960s icon Frank Bullitt (Bullitt) would be rightly proud of his namesake hotel in the Ulster capital. Opened a couple of years ago, the Bullitt Hotel has a fresh-faced outlook that may well steal the rep its sister hotel (The Merchant) has as Belfast’s number one accommodation hotspot. Check out the open plan kitchen at the Taylor & Clay restaurant – it adds a frisson of theatricality to an evening spent wining and dining. For afters, Bullitt’s Baltic bar is a must for city break (dancing) movers and shakers. Meanwhile, the hotel is located smack bang in the middle of the city’s best shopping area, so it might be an idea to pack an extra credit card, just in case …

The River Lee, Cork (re-opening: aiming for mid-July)

The River Lee is a relative newcomer to Cork City and a gorgeous addition to the city’s roster of hotels. Its location, opposite Café Paradiso and just a short walk from Ichigo Ichie, make it a huge draw for intrepid sybarites. Rooms are elegantly furnished and very comfortable. Meanwhile, the hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar are very attractive propositions, should venturing outside not appeal. A compromise is its stunning terrace area, where table service adds a luxurious sheen to balmy summer evenings in the ‘real’ capital.

The Twelve, Galway (re-opening: July 8)

Run accommodatingly and knowledgeably by hospitality stalwart Fergus O’Halloran, The Twelve in Barna is a vibrant spot with bags of personality and cool touches aplenty. Spacious rooms are interior design-led, enhanced with comfortable beds and quirky flourishes. Meanwhile, the food and beverage offering is second to none, whether your appetite craves a commendably mixed Old Fashioned, or a taste of place on a plate.

No. 1 Pery Square, Limerick (re-opening: July 1)

A beautiful townhouse on Limerick’s smartest Georgian terrace, 1 Pery Square has been a much-welcomed addition to the city. Rooms are tastefully designed, spacious and have all the luxuries one would expect from a Condé Nast Traveller recommended destination. The interior has
been fully restored, with all its original architectural features expertly reinstated in precise detail.

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