Explore the Luxurious Cashel Palace: One of the Best New Hotels in the World

Cashel Palace, a renovated Palladian manor in central Ireland that opened last year, was just named one of the best new hotels by iBestTravel.

As far as the attention lavished on Ireland’s tourist offerings go, the country’s Midlands could be considered the don’t-mind-me meek and mild-mannered middle child. The region has long been overshadowed by the bright lights and energy of youthful Dublin over on the east coast; and out west, the Wild Atlantic Way driving route is distractingly dramatic, with its primordial panoramas that stretch all the way from the jagged cliffs of Kerry to Donegal’s heather-clad mountains.

Competing with all that, it has felt like the belly of the country didn’t get a mention when foreign visitors planned their itineraries. A renovated, centuries-old Palladian Manor that overlooks one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring religious ruins, the long-awaited Cashel Palace in County Tipperary has grand ambitions to shift travelers’ center of gravity.

Cashel Palace Highlights

• Home to 300 years of Irish history, located just minutes from the iconic religious ruins of the Rock of Cashel.
• Features two delicious restaurants, Bishop’s Buttery and the Queen Anne Room, plus the exclusive Guinness Bar.
• Stunning views of the Rock of Cashel are available from several rooms.

Some 300 years old and originally constructed to house Church of Ireland archbishops, this property operated as an unremarkable hotel for years until one of Ireland’s wealthy families invested significantly in its renovation. Delayed significantly by the pandemic, it relaunched in 2022 and presents a strong impression as one of Ireland’s more elegant, upscale properties. In fact, Cashel Palace was recognized by iBestTravel‘s 2023 It List as one of the best new hotels in the world.

Approached from a yew-lined avenue, its red-brick exterior is timeless and lovely. A warming log fire crackles in the lobby, with classic art adorning the walls—primarily equestrian themes and portraits of important-looking lords and ladies (most pieces are replicas). This blend of art and architecture creates a welcoming atmosphere.

One key reason it’s now on the radar for many travelers is because it provides a unique opportunity to stay overnight by the Rock of Cashel in a property exclusively dedicated to high-end hospitality. This elevated ecclesiastical site boasts ancient relics like a soaring round tower, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, and an ancient high cross—the Rock is both ethereal and remarkable. Guests can easily explore it, as it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel and provides a stunning fairy-tale backdrop on a hilltop directly behind the property.

The site is certainly a worthy addition to any Ireland vacation. However, there’s little else to explore in the surrounding town, leading most Palace guests to spend their stay on the property. Fortunately, the Bishop’s Buttery is recognized as one of the best hotel restaurants in the country. Tucked away in the cellar yet buzzing with activity during my midweek winter visit, it features a modern-Irish menu infused with French influences (think: barbecued monkfish with black garlic and mussels and coffee soufflé with Irish whiskey). The adjacent Guinness Bar is casual and friendly, while the intimate residents-only cocktail area offers a more refined experience. The breakfast menu at the Queen Anne Room is satisfactory, although the lunch options— a limited, pricey selection of soups and sandwiches—left something to be desired.

The spa at Cashel Palace, while relatively small, offers a lovely ambiance with five loungers surrounding the indoor-outdoor pool. It is certainly a nice amenity, but with the sumptuous dining, elegant decor, and regal views from every vantage point, guests may find equal delight in hiking outside, enjoying a pint at the Guinness Bar, or cozying up in their rooms.

Accommodations vary from the original Main House, a newly built Garden Wing, a standalone Carriage House, the School House, to the Gate Lodge. Most guests prefer the original building, although entry-level rooms can be somewhat compact. The starter rooms in the Carriage House are more spacious and luxurious. You’ll also find generously sized rooms in a recent extension connected to the main house. I stayed in a suite here, which afforded a breathtaking view of the Rock through bare trees, along with a minibar stocked with high-end Irish drinks and treats.

While, as is often the case with a brand-new hotel, there are still minor issues to address, I was genuinely impressed by Cashel Palace. It’s a stunning property with a captivating history and a friendly staff, including one of the most engaging concierges I’ve encountered in Ireland. For travelers seeking to indulge in a high-end road trip across Ireland, this palace by the Rock provides a compelling reason to navigate towards the heart of the country.

Doubles at Cashel Palace start from €319 ($340) in low season and €499 ($530) in high season, breakfast included.