In Pól Ó Conghaile’s article “The 100 best hotels in Ireland for 2025 – from three-star thrillers to surprise luxury stays” published by The Irish Independent, journalist Pól Ó Conghaile discusses the “annual list of the island’s top 100 properties celebrates the best of the best, from rising stars to old reliables and stand-out reinventions.”​

​”This colourful and creative hotel pushed the boat out big time with the launch of its Woodland Suite Experience last year, a stunning resort-within-a-resort overlooking the River Lee and docklands. Larch-clad suites and hexagonal stays that look like black nests in the trees feel like genuinely fresh thinking, and a new level of immersive, luxury stays (while the hotel is a four-star, Fáilte Ireland has rated these at five), with their own clubhouse. “Rebellious luxury”, its former general manager Frits Potgieter told me. You can also stay in the hotel proper of course, and all guests have access to its cinema, Glasshouse cocktail bar, open-plan brasserie, spa and pool. Food has lacked consistency on my stays, but its sense of fun, unique art and dynamism distinguish Frankie and Jo Whelehan’s city slicker.”

Pól Ó Conghaile | The Irish Independent | September 2025