Categories: accommodation

Enjoy 5* star luxury in Northern Ireland 

Northern Ireland has stunning 5* accommodation, from glorious country manors and captivating coastal estates, castle demesnes and chic city retreats. A weekend escape in Northern Ireland can be everything you could wish for when you choose to stay in one of these beautiful places.  

5* hotels in County Antrim & Belfast 

If you prefer your retreat with a more urban piquancy, the Merchant Hotel Belfast (5*) could be just the taste you seek. While this former bank headquarters may leave a dent on your bank balance, it'll be for all the right reasons, with an unforgettable blend of Art Deco chic and Victorian pomp making for a sumptuous stay in the heart of the city. 

A stunning luxury spa, fine dining, glorious afternoon teas and exclusive fashion boutique await your arrival. High above the city, a rooftop gymnasium affords panoramic city views. And with the Cathedral Quarter on your doorstep, another quick look to the heavens in thanks may also be in order. 

Standing discreetly but proudly beside the Grand Opera House is five-star superstar, the Fitzwilliam Hotel (5*), one of the top hotels in Northern Ireland. 

This design masterpiece on Great Victoria Street remains the blueprint for boutique hotel chic. It oozes elegance and effortless cool from every corner. As for the walk to your room – not to mention the room itself – well, you only get one chance to make an impression. Five-star fabulousness surrounded by state-of-the-art splendidness all wrapped up in the most attentive service you’ll ever experience. 

5* accommodation in County Armagh 

From the moment you walk in the doors of Newforge House (5*), an Ireland Blue Book member, you feel to the manor born. 

A cosy drawing room, a pot of artisan leaf tea or fresh coffee and homemade biscuits – now that feels like a welcome. This exemplar of Georgian gorgeousness really does take warm hospitality to another level. Their passion for seasonal produce is reflected in their breakfast and dinner menus. A small orchard provides fruits for desserts, chutneys and preserves and the owners raise friendly chickens that lay eggs for the legendary breakfast. 

Picture yourself cradled in lush green surroundings and stunning gardens where tranquillity emanates from your breath. Keep it all to yourself for an unforgettable romantic break or share its wonderfulness with family for an intimate gathering or magical small wedding. Whatever you choose, you’ll feel at home. 

5* star accommodation in County Down 

Standing on the sylvan slopes overlooking Belfast Lough stands the Culloden Estate and Spa (5*). When they originally chose this site back in 1876 as an official palace for the Bishop of Down, divine inspiration surely played a part. 

Outside your bedroom window are acres of heavenly mature gardens. Inside, it’s cathedral calm with quiet nooks to reflect. The luxurious spa is a sanctuary for body and soul, a tranquil antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And all backed up with the type of service that can only be described as your eternal reward here on earth. 

Nestled between the Royal County Down Golf Course, the Irish sea, and the Mourne Mountains stands The Orchard (5*). This self-catering accommodation boasts four bedrooms (3 king & 1 single), complete with 500-thread-count sheets offering an unparalleled blend of comfort and opulence. 

5* accommodation on the Causeway Coastal Route 

If you’d rather be nestled away in quiet countryside, set your satnav for Crowfield House (5*) on the banks of the River Rhee. This hidden gem some four-and-bit miles from Coleraine has just what you’d hope for in an intimate luxury B&B. But then it delivers more. 

A short drive brings you to the Giant's Causeway’s epic scenery. A simple walk along the quiet country lanes surrounding Crowfield House brings you peace and tranquillity. A taste of the imaginative home cooking from your award-winning chef-owner bring you epicurean joy. That’s 5* and more. 

At less than a mile from Royal Portrush Golf Club and conveniently located for exploring the entire Causeway Coastal Route, you'll discover Blackrock Beach House (5*), a luxurious 5-star retreat perfect for extended families and groups of friends. With six spacious en-suite bedrooms, including one with a jacuzzi bath, this stunning home offers plenty of space for relaxation and entertainment. Sliding glass walls open onto stunning views of West Strand Beach. After a day of fun in the sun, rinse off in the heated outdoor shower and wind down in your own private home cinema, complete with a twinkling ceiling.

5* luxury accommodatione in County Fermanagh 

Lough Erne Resort (5*) in Enniskillen could win awards just for its spectacular views alone. Well, from the 600-acre peninsula between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, you certainly have enough of Fermanagh’s Lakelands all to yourself to marvel at. 

But it’s everything else that it does that merits the well-deserved garlands. Home to two championship golf courses, unique Thai-inspired luxury spa treatments and culinary wizardry from the acclaimed kitchen, it goes beyond the definition of 5* luxury. Indeed, anyone who has sampled the famous Afternoon Tea would attest to this. 

If having your own castle wing is on the bucket list, then may we suggest Belle Isle Estate’s Abercorn Wing (5*). 

This stunningly restored five star piece of castellated elegance offers views across Lough Erne like no other. Choose from the opulent Bridal Suite with a grand four-poster bed or sumptuous elegance of the Tower Room. Or for lavish indulgence, fill up the Sweet Pea Room's deluxe roll-top bath with bubbles and relax. Guests also have full use of a private kitchen, library and drawing room.

After reading of all this decadence you’re now ready to trade balance sheets for the Egyptian cotton kind, working breakfasts for more leisurely ones in bed or Q&As for more intimate pop-the-question moments, we hope this has been a handy guide to just some of the best five star hotels and guesthouses in Northern Ireland.

Don't forget to show us the amazing places you uncover during your stay using #DiscoverNI

The Merchant Hotel
Hotel
The Merchant Hotel's Victorian Facade

Situated in the heart of Belfast city centre's historic Cathedral Quarter, The award-winning 5 AA Red star Merchant Hotel is a harmonious blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco inspired sleek modernity with award-winning restaurants and cocktail bar, a tranquil spa and rooftop gym and hot tub.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Hotel
Afternoon tea at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast.

Sleep in one of our 146 elegantly designed guestrooms. Cocoon yourself in sumptuous surroundings and create your own oasis of comfort. Warm American walnut walkways ease you into your personal sanctuary.

Newforge House
Guest House
Newforge House

Luxurious Georgian 5-star Country House accommodation set in mature gardens and fields. Period features seamlessly blend with contemporary comforts. Superb food, using local suppliers and much home grown produce, is central to our offer.

Culloden Estate and Spa
Hotel
View of the hotel and landscaped grounds on a bright sunny day

Standing high on the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co. Antrim coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in Northern Ireland.

Lough Erne Resort
Hotel
Lough Erne Resort

Lough Erne Resort is Northern Ireland's five-star countryside retreat. Dine by the lakes, walk in nature, play championship golf, pamper yourself in The Thai Spa or discover the beautiful Fermanagh attractions.

Belle Isle Estate - Abercorn Wing
Self-Catering
Belle Isle Estate - Abercorn Wing

Indulge at the stunning restored 5* Abercorn Wing, select from luxurious Guest Rooms with roll top bathroom suites as standard, offering private views across Lough Erne.

Crowfield House
Bed & Breakfast
Crowfield House

Crowfield House is situated in a quiet countryside location on the banks of the River Rhee some four and a half miles from Coleraine. Our beautiful en-suite rooms have all the amenities you would expect from a small luxury B&B.

Blackrock Beach House
Self-Catering
Blackrock Beach House

This superlative holiday home overlooks the West Strand Beach in Portrush. There are 6 luxurious bedrooms, all en-suite, one with a jacuzzi bath. Blackrock Beach House has its own home cinema, a games room with surround sound and a fully fitted gym

Grand Opera House
Theatre / Cinema
Grand Opera House

Since opening its doors on 23 December 1895, the Grand Opera House has delivered an unrivalled programme of entertainment, playing host to some of the greatest names in theatre and music.

Royal County Down Golf Club
Links Golf Course
Image showing Royal County Down Golf Course and Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, with Slieve Donard mountain in the background.

Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne.

Royal Portrush Golf Club
Links Golf Course
Royal Portrush Golf Club

Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses - the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller, but equally enjoyable Valley Course. Proud Hosts of The 148th Open in 2019.

West Strand Beach
Beach
West Strand Beach

West Strand Beach, also known as West Bay or Millstrand is a popular resort beach in the heart of the busy seaside resort of Portrush. Bounded at its northern end by the busy habour and flanked along its eastern boundary by a well used pedestrian/cycle promenade, visitors will find easy access to and from the town centre and all associated amenities/services.

Lough Erne Resort - The Castle Hume Course
Golf Resort
Lough Erne Resort - The Castle Hume Course

Situated on the edge of Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, this championship course has a reputation for being one of the most testing golf courses in Ireland.

Lough Erne Resort - The Faldo Course
Golf Resort
Lough Erne Resort - The Faldo Course

Lough Erne Resort is home to two Championship Golf Courses, The Faldo Course and Castle Hume Course. The Faldo Course designed by Six time Major winner Nick Faldo, features in Golf World & Golf Monthly Top 100 Course (UK & Ireland) and is the first Faldo designed course in Ireland.