Northern Ireland Luxury Hotels: 10 Regal Epitomes of Splendour

Updated On: December 24, 2023 by   Aya Radwan

Are you planning your next visit to Northern Ireland? Or is it, perhaps, the first time to step foot on the island? How about we suggest the top Northern Ireland luxury hotels to make your visit extra special, regal and, most importantly, memorable? We went around, from city to city, from county to county, to bring these hotels that will cater to your every need from the moment you step inside, during your stay and as you’re bidding your goodbyes.

Come with us to explore these luxurious hotels and accommodations. We promise you, they’re utterly worth it.

Northern Ireland Luxury Hotels: Your Regal Accommodation Await You

The luxury hotels we’re bringing you are in various spots; some are in Belfast, while others are far in Ballymena. Our list includes hotels, boutique hotels and resorts to satisfy every taste.

The Culloden Estate and Spa, County Down

Northern Ireland‘s most luxurious five-star hotel is an opulent palace overlooking Belfast Lough. The hotel’s motto is “Built for a bishop, fit for a King.” And we couldn’t agree more. The prestigious estate stands on the Holywood Hills with magnificent views of the entire estate to immerse you in the green luxury of nature. The 98-bedroom estate once housed the Bishops of Down but is now an elegant modern hotel that combines the originality of its ancient roots and the modernity of new-age facilities and technologies.

Culloden Spa, on the other hand, is a unique experience on its own. Paved with the finest and most delicate and effective treatments in the realm of therapy and massages, the spa is an exquisite oasis. You can expect the spa experts to use only the finest materials, oils, salts and plant extracts to take your mind and soul off life’s tumbling rollercoaster and into a tranquil oasis.

To add to the magnificence of Culloden Estate, it presents the ideal location to hold your special occasion. Think about the lush plains surrounding the estate, with a modern interior infused with the aroma of the past. Where else would you want to celebrate and commemorate such special moments?

Slieve Donard, Newcastle, County Down

A majestic old palace sits at the heart of the greenery just a short distance from the heart of Newcastle. The 125-year-old Slieve Donard Estate is a splendid mixture of tradition and modern-day advancement. A tower stands at the heart of the estate, adding to its antique feel. The late 19th-century Victorian glorious luxury hotel is strategically situated at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. After recent renovations, Slieve Donard set in stone its rank as one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious hotels.

Luxury at Slieve Donard expands to include all the hotel’s services. You can choose between rooms and suites, sumptuous food offered by the hotel’s experienced cuisines and warm and inviting bars to compliment your day. The hotel’s very own spa will lift any pressure off your body and soul so you feel rejuvenated, dare we even say, reborn! Don’t worry about exploring Newcastle; a luxury hotel wouldn’t miss assigning help to assist you in finding local wonders to enjoy your trip. One more thing: if you love golf, Slieve Donard will give you the ultimate golfing experience.

The Old Inn, County Down

How about booking your next vacation to a magnificent 17th-century inn in the heart of Crawfordsburn, minutes away from Belfast? This cosy inn hides various luxurious treats for its guests. With its unique location between Belfast and Bangor, the Old Inn will take you away from life’s everyday trials. Forget everything as you soak in the inn’s atmosphere and indulge in its rural luxury.

Even the accommodations here follow the same cosy theme; you’ve got regular rooms, suites, junior suites and even cottages. If you fancy a gourmet meal and a refreshing glass of your favourite liquor, look no further than the inn’s restaurant and bar, and we cannot forget about afternoon tea. There are multiple seasonal menus that infuse the authenticity of traditional cooking and the elegance of modern dining. Worry not; relaxation is all but taken care of here, with the inn’s spa and treatment facilities.

The Grand Central Hotel, County Antrim

Imagine a cutting-edge architectural design that cuts through the Belfast City skyscape and reflects off its bright, warm sun, and you’ve got yourself the Grand Central Hotel Belfast. As a luxurious five-star hotel in the heart of the city, the Grand Central promises you a unique Belfast experience. The profound principles of luxury the hotel adopted throughout the years have manifested in each aspect of the hotel’s corners. The Grand Central gives you a bird’s eye view of Belfast; an invitation to get out there and explore the city.

The luxury accommodations at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast include deluxe rooms and suites with city or mountain views, including the magnificent Sir William Hastings’ Suite. You can enjoy breakfast meditative afternoon tea at the hotel’s restaurants and cafés and a sensual dining experience at the hotel’s Seahorse restaurant. Further equipped with meetings and events facilities, you can also request to have your special occasion celebration at the hotel’s elegant venues.   

Galgorm Spa and Golf Club, County Antrim

Galgorm Resort in Co. Antrim is an all-inclusive accommodation and recreational facility. From its delicate accommodation options to its spa, Christmas festivities and various wedding options, the resort is the accurate translation of a luxury hotel. Galgorm doesn’t offer regular hotel rooms; it gives you 125 suites, deluxe rooms, Shepherds Huts, Log Cabins and Cottage suites, just to name a few. Many of these are ideal for families escaping reality into a beautiful fairytale.

As we mentioned, Galgorm Resort has a spa and wedding venue. The resort has its own golf course, where you can give golf a swing or two. You can choose one of the hotel’s Christmas themes and participate in its merry activities. The luxury hotel has several restaurants and bars, and you can spend some time in the Mulberry Garden before changing anything. One of Galgorm’s best features is a conference room, halls for special occasions, gala dinners and meetings and other formal occasions.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast, County Antrim

The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast is the embodiment of modern luxury. With a clean, edgy, but serene design, the hotel welcomes you to the heart of the Northern Irish capital; Belfast. One of this luxury hotel’s best features is it gives you the option of touring the hotel virtually, which is amazing so you can see the hotel’s available accommodation options, treatment and luxurious fine-dining services firsthand. We must say that staying in the heart of the busiest city in Northern Ireland can be a tad noisy. However, the hotel’s windows do a great job of reducing this noise.

What accommodation options do you have here? There are 146 rooms to choose from, suites, deluxe rooms and superior ones, and The Penthouse. We especially loved the hotel’s turning-down service, which ensures the guests have a quiet and relaxing sleep at night. If you’re interested in trying the hotel’s fine-dining cuisine, you can request the sample menus for a little taste of everything. The Fitz Experiences offer you a multitude of enjoyable experiences, from playing with sweet furry friends to afternoon tea and Christmas-themed experiences.

Killeavy Castle Estate, County Armagh

Have you ever dreamed of staying at a castle before? A luxurious manifestation of mid-19th-century architectural style awaits you at Killeavy Castle Estate. It is a charming castle with Tudor windows and derived features from Gosford Castle. This magnificent castle, Killeavy Castle, unfortunately, fell into disrepair for the inability of its owners to afford to maintain it. With such a deep and heart-yearning history, the current estate owners believed it was their duty to bring back the castle’s glory and help the estate continue performing its role in the community as a favourite tourist attraction and an original piece of Northern Irish history.

Breathtaking nature cradles Killeavy Castle Estate in Co. Armagh, and it was one of the owners’ four main goals to continue this tradition: restoring the vibrant fields surrounding the estate to their former glory. If you’re wondering, yes, you can stay in any of the castle’s 45 guestrooms where history continues to live. The estate also features two self-catering lodges if you’re looking for a luxurious stay but prefer secluded privacy. If you’ve imagined it, Killeavy Castle Estate has it. The luxurious abode offers spa treatments, is the crème-de-la-crème of wedding venues, suggests a colourful itinerary to explore the city, and, of course, there are meeting facilities and Christmas special calendars.

Ardtara Country House, County Londonderry

Ardtara is a beautiful country house in the heart of the beautiful town of Maghera, deep into the Irish wilderness. The nearly 30-year-old estate dates back to the linen industry on the island with its original owner, an adventurous romantic, Harry Clark. Harry forsook his love for travelling to join his family’s linen business but was able to build a successful trade and travel far and beyond. The beautiful and rustic luxury hotel radiates Irish originality, an undisputed rule of the hospitality business in the country.

Besides booking luxurious stays at the hotel, you can benefit from their multiple offers for one and two-night stays accompanied by delicious meals. The estate offers to help you plan your visit around Ireland; you can even book a table at the hotel’s restaurant, even if you’re not a guest. Boasting gift vouchers, events venues and a spectacular wedding venue, Ardtara House Country is an original, luxurious, rustic experience in the heart of Londonderry.

Lusty Beg Island, County Fermanagh

What can be more luxurious than spending your vacation in a secluded beauty in the heart of nature? The Lusty Beg is a luxurious hotel strategically situated on an island on the Lower Lough Erne. The four-star lodging has its own ferryboat to take you from the main island to where Lusty Beg is. It gives you the most suitable destination to escape reality and enjoy a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

At Lusty Beg, you’re also welcome with your furry friends, which is a magnificent bonus for a trip away from home. You can have your pick from various rooms, lodges, chalets and cabins. Complete with varied water activities to fully enjoy your stay, the Lusty Beg has a great spa for therapeutic treatments and a swimming pool to bring the circle full for your luxury vacation must-haves. Your experience at this one-of-a-kind luxury hotel will be one of the memorable parts of your vacation.

Lough Erne Resort, County Fermanagh

Brace yourself to dive deep into the Irish legacy interwoven with the natural wonders of Enniskillen and experience the tranquillity of paradise on Earth. The luxurious Lough Erne Resort is nestled in the Enniskillen countryside to provide you with the most unmatched vacation experience. The mighty estate will give you the feeling you’re stepping into another world as you walk through the doors, and we agree. Lough Erne Resort offers several vacation packages, from an overnight stay with a delicious dinner followed by a hearty breakfast to two-night stays with a special boat cruise.

Accommodations and facilities at the Lough Erne Resort parallel the estate’s magnificence. You can choose between different types of rooms, suites and lodges, or a self-catering abode. The resort offers professional Thai therapeutic treatments, and there are numerous options to choose from for dining, afternoon tea and bars. Besides providing meetings and wedding venues, the Lough Erne has a spacious golf course, all complete with golf membership and club.

Now that we’ve settled on these hotels, how about we help you plan your trip around Northern Ireland? We don’t only have full guides to everything Belfast, from food, hotels, fun activities and even historical museums, and throw a bit of the Game of Thrones in there, but we also have full guides to all counties. We’ve got the Antrim Guide, the Down Guide, the Armagh Guide, the Derry/Londonderry Guide, the Tyrone Guide and the Fermanagh Guide.