5 Unique Places To Stay In Ireland And The UK

Lodging Accomodations In The UK & Ireland

The Rugged Beauty Of Ireland's West Coast

Things To Bring on Your Next Vacation

• Travel size toiletries that won't take up too much space
• Keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones with a laundry bag
• A money belt for easy access to cash & cards
• If you're traveling with kids, you might want to bring along some games
• Depending on your preference, either a backpack or some nice luggage
• Cozy pillows can improve any long flight or car trip
• If you're going to a country where you don't know the language, a translator can be a big help
• A travel mug for your coffee or tea

5 Facts About Ireland

1. Celtic tribes first arrived on the island between 600 & 150 BCE
2. As of a 2011 estimate, 66.1% of Ireland's land is used for agriculture
3. Over 40% of the population resides within 100km of Dublin
4. As of 2016, 78.3% of Irish people identify as Catholic
5. Ireland gained independence from the UK in 1921

The Difference Between The UK, Great Britain, and England

In Depth

Due to their storied pasts and unique geographies, the UK and Ireland have no shortage of singular, historic places for people to stay. From stately country manors to hotels overlooking majestic stretches of shoreline, visitors will find plenty of options that combine tradition with contemporary luxury. For those seeking a memorable trip, here, in no particular order, are some distinctive accommodations on the British Isles.

For #1 we have Clare Island Lighthouse. Perched high on craggy cliffs just off Ireland's western Atlantic coast, the lighthouse has been a nautical landmark for nearly two centuries. Once a safe haven for sailors, the heritage property has since been transformed into a fully catered, luxury accommodation, complemented by panoramic sea views and a natural environment filled with diverse geologies and bird life.

Clare Island Lighthouse comprises a tight-knit collection of buildings including two towers, several small cottages, and a converted outhouse. The original lighthouse keepers' residence houses three of the guest rooms, while the Tower House boasts accommodations on two floors. Guests are welcome to wander the property's kitchen, drawing room, library, and conservatory. They can also enjoy the island's many amenities, including hiking, cycling, horse riding, and fishing.

Clare Island Lighthouse comprises a tight-knit collection of buildings including two towers, several small cottages, and a converted outhouse.

At #2 is Stapleford Park Country House Hotel & Sporting Estate, which is surrounded by 500 landscaped acres in the heart of Leicestershire, England. A historic mansion, it bears the imprints of architectural styles ranging from Tudor to Victorian, and boasts luxury rooms, suites, and cottages that marry tradition with modern amenities. On the grounds, guests can partake in classic country pursuits including archery, falconry, and clay pigeon shooting.

The hotel grounds are also home to a championship golf course, which wraps around the estate in two extended loops, never being more than a couple holes wide. Two spa locations, meanwhile, offer amenities such as an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and steam room. Guests can take an afternoon break for tea in the drawing room, and in the evening can dine at the Main House's Grinling Gibbons Restaurant.

For #3 we come to Harvey's Point, a luxury hotel in Donegal, Ireland. Set in the peaceful surroundings of Lough Eske against the backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains, the property encompasses a main hotel with over 60 palatial suites, as well as a lodge with thirteen compact cabin-style rooms for small groups and individuals. There's also a ballroom ideal for weddings and cabaret, and a garden suite for conferences and special gatherings.

Set in the peaceful surroundings of Lough Eske against the backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains, the property encompasses a main hotel with over 60 palatial suites, as well as a lodge with thirteen compact cabin-style rooms for small groups and individuals.

Select accommodations at Harvey's Point feature whirlpool baths, private dining areas, and balcony and lake views. Penthouse suites, the highest-end option, feature living rooms and lounges. When it comes to dining, guests can unwind at Harvey's Bar & Terrace and feast on a four-course dinner at the hotel's lakeside restaurant. Additionally, there are complimentary in-house activities such as cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.

Arriving at #4 is Congham Hall Hotel & Spa in Norfolk, England. Built in the late 18th century by a wealthy merchant, this manor is now a privately-owned hotel situated among thirty acres of parkland and extensive gardens. It features twenty-six bedrooms, a restaurant, and a state-of-the-art spa, and allows guests easy access to nature trails and historic sites in the surrounding countryside.

At Congham Hall Hotel's award-winning restaurant, the chefs utilize local, seasonal ingredients sourced daily from the property's kitchen and herb gardens. The latter contains nearly 400 different herb varieties, and is free for guests to explore. Those looking for some rejuvenation, meanwhile, can head to The Secret Garden Spa, which boasts a swimming pool, thermal suite, hot tub, treatment rooms, and more.

At Congham Hall Hotel's award-winning restaurant, the chefs utilize local, seasonal ingredients sourced daily from the property's kitchen and herb gardens.

Finally, for #5 we find St Brides Spa Hotel, which is set on a clifftop overlooking Saundersfoot in Wales' Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It provides guests with seascapes and coastal paths, a marine spa offering recovery treatments and an outdoor heated infinity pool, and a restaurant that serves local seafood. Nearby attractions include old churches, castles, harbors, village shops, and over fifty beaches.

Accommodations encompass thirty-four individually styled bedrooms, most with a sea view and balcony, as well as six two-bedroom apartments. Guests can also stay at the hotel's self-catering village apartments, which are a short walk from the beach. On-site dining options include the Cliff Restaurant, Gallery Bar, and Marine Spa, while the village features the restaurants Beachside Barbecue and Marina Fish & Chips.