More about hotels in Munster
Munster is Ireland's biggest province, and it's the one most travellers picture when they dream up a wild, green, coastal Irish road trip. It covers six counties in the southwest: Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. The Wild Atlantic Way runs along its western edge past the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river, cuts through the middle on its way out to sea past Limerick, and inland you'll find the Golden Vale, some of the richest dairy farmland anywhere in the country.
With well over 2,100 properties listed across Munster's six counties, there's a stay to suit almost any kind of trip, from a city hotel in Cork to a castle on its own island in Waterford. Here's where to start looking, no matter which corner of the province you're heading to.
Where to Stay in Munster
- Cork - Ireland's second city runs on food. The 18th-century English Market is still the heart of it, with fishmongers, butchers and cheese counters under a Victorian glass roof, and Blarney Castle and its famous stone are a short drive out of town.
- Kerry - Killarney is the launchpad for the Ring of Kerry and the lakes, ringed by the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains. Expect lake views, log fires and plenty of coach tours through summer. See hotels in Kerry.
- Clare - Home to the Cliffs of Moher, the surf town of Lahinch and the traditional music pubs of Doolin, with Ennis as the main hub. See hotels in Clare.
- Limerick - A compact riverside city where the Shannon widens out toward its estuary. Good value, and the handiest base if you're flying into Shannon Airport. See hotels in Limerick.
- Waterford - Ireland's oldest city, founded over a thousand years ago, with a working harbour, the Copper Coast and the Waterford Greenway cycling trail running out along an old railway line. See hotels in Waterford.
- Tipperary - Landlocked and rural, this is the Golden Vale: dairy country, stone walls and a slower pace than anywhere on the coast. See hotels in Tipperary.
How Much Is Munster Accommodation?
Prices vary a fair bit from county to county. Kerry starts from around AU$113 a night, Clare from about AU$152, Limerick from AU$168 and Waterford from AU$181, so it pays to shop around if your trip covers more than one county.
- Hostels & budget rooms - From around AU$45-60 a night for a hostel bed or a simple B&B room, common around Killarney, Ennis and Cork city.
- Budget hotels & guesthouses - From around AU$70-110 a night, usually a private ensuite room with brekkie included.
- Mid-range hotels - From around AU$110-180 a night, the sweet spot for most of Munster's town-centre and coastal hotels.
- Boutique & heritage stays - From around AU$200-280 a night for a converted townhouse, manor or coaching inn with a bit more character.
- Luxury castles & resorts - From AU$350 a night and up for a full castle-estate stay, complete with grounds, a spa and sometimes a golf course.
Top-Rated Hotels in Munster
- Dromoland Castle (Clare) - A genuine medieval castle estate near Shannon, set on its own grounds with a golf course and a lake.
- Waterford Castle Lodges (Waterford) - Sits on a private island on the River Suir, reached by the hotel's own car ferry.
- Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa (Kerry) - Perched on a hill above Killarney's lakes with views across to the mountains.
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick (Limerick) - Right on the Shannon in the city centre, with an indoor pool and spa to warm up in after a day on the road.
- The Dean Cork (Cork) - A design-led hotel in the city centre with a rooftop bar looking out over Cork's rooftops. See The Dean Cork.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Accommodation in Munster
- Book Killarney and anywhere on the Ring of Kerry well ahead for July and August. Rooms sell out fast and prices climb hard in peak season.
- Base yourself in Cork or Limerick city if you'd rather unpack once, with day trips out to the coast and countryside instead of moving hotels every night.
- Driving the coast from Clare down to Kerry takes longer than it looks on a map. Build in an overnight stop rather than trying to do it in one day.
- Pack for rain no matter the month you're travelling. Munster's weather turns quickly, even in the middle of summer.
- After a slower trip? A farmhouse B&B in Tipperary's Golden Vale is a good change of pace from the busier coastal hotels.
Wherever you land in Munster, you're never far from the next county's coastline, castle or country pub. Have a look at hotels across Ireland if you're planning to cover more ground.
