DUBLIN — With Preferred Hotels and Resorts’ Legend Collection, historic homes, local experiences and bespoke amenities are just the beginning for creating long-lasting memories for clients.
Hosting its inaugural media trip recently, Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ five Legend Collection properties in Ireland showed how they are adept at hosting guests for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, or for couples, families or multi-gen groups wanting to discover Irish culture and history.
“The Legend Collection represents the highest level of luxury and elevates extraordinary properties in remarkable destinations,” explained Preferred Hotels and Resorts CEO Lindsey Ueberroth.
“These inspiring properties define their destination and deliver the highest level of luxury and personalized service,” she told Travelweek.
Whether it’s fine dining, pub culture, wellness options, on-site activities or a round of championship golf, the Legend Collection hotels are all encompassing with their five-star offerings.
THE K CLUB
A half hour from Dublin International Airport, The K Club offers a warm greeting to County Kildare with 128 refined and spacious rooms amid 550 acres. The French-chateau styled manor house built by the Barton family in 1832 is filled with Irish art and decor and has private access to the River Liffey.
Seven options for dining on property include afternoon tea in the drawing room, a pint of Guinness at The Straffan Inn or dinner at The Palmer Restaurant, overlooking two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and host to the 2025 Horizon Irish Open. There’s also archery, fly fishing and partnerships with celebrated horse trainers for behind-the-scenes tours, like noted Jessica Harrington Racing.
A deluxe room at The K Club
HAYFIELD MANOR
The second largest city in Ireland, Cork is home to elegant Hayfield Manor nestled adjacent to University College of Cork. Antique furnishings and lavish textiles are found throughout cozy sitting areas, six dining options and the 88 sophisticated rooms and suites, each featuring its own golf putter.
Hayfield Manor’s lobby fireplace is perfect for Ireland’s ‘cozy season’
Newly-added is Bloom, a bar/resto in the lush courtyard garden, housed within a glass-walled room.
Visit the inhabitants of the hotel’s aviary, reserve a spa treatment or walk downtown in less than 15 minutes to The English Market, dating to 1788, or plan a tour to newly-renovated Midleton Distillery, home of numerous Irish whiskey brands including Jameson.
A lovely brunch at Hayfield Manor’s Bloom restaurant
CASTLEMARTYR RESORT
In the woodlands of East Cork, Castlemartyr Resort offers modern amenities in a light-filled 18th century manor home with 108 guest rooms, adjacent to 800-year-old castle ruins and 38 self-catering residences.
Walking trails lead to pastures with horses and farm animals and the 18-hole inland links course.
Six dining options include Terre Restaurant, which received its second Michelin star in February. Terre guests tour the kitchen garden, are welcomed by Chef Patron Vincent Crepel and staff with champagne and canapes before an eight-course tasting menu and a post-dinner treats in the salon.
The beautiful accommodation at Castlemartyr Resort is even dog-friendly, with a dog bed and bowls
THE EUROPE HOTEL AND RESORT
The Europe Hotel and Resort is secluded within the endless green of Killarney National Park, with easy access to the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula or Gap of Dunloe. With 180 rooms and suites, expansive terraces and lavish gardens encourage guests to wander to the shores of Lough Lein. Premiere lakeview rooms have been upgraded with a palette of soft grey, turquoise and gold paired with blonde wood cabinetry.
Several lounge areas offer space for convivial moments, 50,000 square feet dedicated to spacious ESPA Spa and another floor has multiple pools, jacuzzi and adult-only hydrotherapy area. Five dining options including popular Riva, The Brasserie and Panorama Restaurant, offer tasty cuisine based on Irish ingredients inspired by European flavours.
The Europe Hotel and Resort is secluded within the endless green of Killarney National Park
DROMOLAND CASTLE
County Clare’s best-known address is Dromoland Castle, the 16th century home of the O’Brien family, with 97 rooms, 14 suites, several dining options and an 18-hole championship golf course.
The curious can visit the Clubhouse with its golf academy, Fig Tree Restaurant and Bar and golf shop; the castle is only accessible to guests. Nearby is the must-see Cliffs of Moher while Galway is a worthy excursion for to purchase a Claddagh ring or for a food tour to taste this city’s numerous gourmet options.
Avian residents at Dromoland Castle include Mr. Pickles the owl
Guests can wander walking trails, explore the walled flower garden and visit the castle’s avian members including Mr. Pickles the owl, while live music is on offer in evenings, as guests indulge in European cuisine at the Earl of Thomond, with decor by celebrated American interior designer Dorothy Draper. And although you’re in most storied surroundings, “it’s a place to let your hair down,” said Dromoland Castle’s Managing Director, Mark Nolan.
Dromoland Castle Hotel
With a global portfolio of more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, and residences in over 80 countries, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has expanded its Legend Collection to over 100 hotels around the world. For more details click here.