Top Boutique Hotels in Carlow (2026)

Step House Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel located in the picturesque village of Borris. Mountains are just 6.2 mi away and the river is 1.2 mi from the property. The M9 motorway can be reached in 9.3 mi. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. All rooms feature a 42" LCD television with satellite channels, and tea and coffee facilities are available at no extra charge. The rooms are fitted with a private, marble bathroom equipped with a bath and rainforest showers. Complimentary toiletries are on offer. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, and there is 24-hour front desk at the property. The award-winning Cellar Restaurant serves cuisine using local ingredients. Guests can also relax in 1808 Bar where lunch and an evening bar menu is served daily. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as walking trails, fishing, and two championship golf courses, Gowarn Park and Mount Juliet, which are located only a 30-minute drive from the hotel. The property is located 70 mi from Dublin and 112 mi from Cork. Waterford is 31 mi away, and Wexford is 22 mi from the hotel.

- "Wonderful stay as always, look forward to our next visit." - "A lovely log fire greeted us, this fire is lighting everyday of the year we were told. A beautiful feature. Staff are naturally friendly and very pleasant. Our room was one of these in photo above so we had that lovely balcony to admire the sunrise over mountains." - "Went from the worst breakfast we ever had at a previous hotel in kildare to one of the best we ever had. Very good quality of food and staff were extremely pleasant and polite for breakfast."

Located in Kildare, The Rooms at Cunningham's Adults Only has a bar. This property is located a short distance from attractions such as Kildare Town Heritage Center. Irish National Stud is 1.6 mi from the guest house and St. Brigid's Cathedral is 656 feet away. The units are located in a separate building to the rear of the bar and are accessed by electric gates. All rooms are fitted with a desk, wardrobe, flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. At The Rooms at Cunningham's Adults Only, guests will find a restaurant serving Thai and European cuisine. Kildare Village Shopping Outlet is 0.6 mi away and the Japanese Gardens are 1.6 mi from the accommodations. Dublin Airport is 40 mi from the property.

- "Very central, over a lovely traditional pub. Room was beautiful, very clean and very comfortable!" - "This was our second stay at this hotel. We were assigned a room in a residential area, separate from the main building. While the key card initially malfunctioned, the issue was resolved. The room was nicely decorated and the bed was comfortable, however, noise from neighbouring room was easily heard due to the thin walls." - "The room was amazing, And the staff went out of there way to please."

The Rooms At Firecastle is set in Kildare's market square, overlooking St Brigid's Cathedral. The property offers an onsite bakery, an artisan grocery store and a take away breakfast and lunch served daily. Rooms feature private bathrooms, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can also book classes at the onsite cookery school. The Rooms At Firecastle is less than a 10-minute walk from Kildare Village Outlet Shopping and 1.2 mi from the Irish National Stud. The Curragh Racecourse and Newbridge Silverware are a 10-minute drive away. Dublin Airport is 40 mi from the property.

Set amid 170 acres of parkland, Lyrath Estate Kilkenny is located on the outskirts of Kilkenny City. It offers air-conditioned rooms, Oasis Spa with indoor infinity pool, leisure center and 2 award-winning restaurants. Free WiFi is available throughout. Guests can enjoy a peaceful night's sleep at Lyrath Estate as rooms are soundproof and have blackout curtains. Each room includes a 43-inch flat-screen TV and overlooks the estate. The Leisure Center features a 56 foot swimming pool, a gym, steam room and jacuzzi with a smaller splash pool for younger children. Oasis Spa offers a range of treatments, pre-booking of appointments is essential. Contemporary Irish cuisine is on the menu at Yew Restaurant which uses locally sourced ingredients while Tupper's is a traditional Irish bar which also serves bar food. The Grill & Bar features an open kitchen, cocktail bar and panoramic views. It is located on the mezzanine level and features dishes such as Tomahawk steak and lobster. Kilkenny Train Station is a 5-minute drive away. Free parking is available.

- "Everything was excellent, Food fantastic." - "Everything, the staff were so friendly and helpful. The facilities were excellent, with many dining options available. Beautiful setting and perfect for a family getaway." - "We’ve been a good few times now to the Lyrath & we love it every time. Such a lovely place to spend the NY’s weekend. Most of the staff are very friendly. I particularly like the Spa. It’s such a relaxing experience & all the therapists are well trained & lovely. Breakfast is lovely, good choice of food. We didn’t have dinner this time as we were quite disappointed in the summer. It’s not worth the money. We rather go into Kilkenny & have food there."

With a stunning outdoor infinity pool, a hot tub, and an Aveda spa, Newpark Hotel is 10 minutes’ walk from Kilkenny center. The house is set within 40 acres of parkland and beautiful gardens. The leisure club at the Newpark offers an indoor pool, a spacious sauna, and a steam room. Guests can exercise in the modern gym, and Escape Spa provides a range of relaxing Aveda treatments. Each bright room overlooks the gardens and trees, and includes free Wi-Fi, free tea and coffee, and a TV. All rooms offer a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries. Gulliver’s Restaurant serves an extensive à la carte menu, a wide range of wines, and cooked buffet breakfasts. The Scott Dove Bar and Bistro provides carvery lunches, drinks and coffees with live piano entertainment on most nights. Free parking is available, and Kilkenny Castle can be reached in 25 minutes on foot. The Cathedral of St Mary is also 25 minutes’ walk away, and Kilkenny train station is 15 minutes away on foot.

- "Comfortable rooms, good breakfast options, comfortable lobby area" - "attended a wedding there and though food was excellent" - "Very kid friendly" - "So well equipped for families and great relaxed atmosphere" - "The kids facilities were very good. The kids really enjoyed the pool! Staff were friendly and the hotel was clean. We really enjoyed our stay!" - "Well situated, easy access." - "Staff were friendly and helpful. Food was excellent; both dinner and breakfast. Room was lovely but bed was tiny, room was far too hot. A lovely hotel but overpriced."

Langtons Hotel Kilkenny is located in the heart of medieval Kilkenny, within walking distance of Kilkenny Castle, shopping, the theater, and bars. There is free Wi-Fi throughout, and free parking nearby. The fine-dining restaurant, The Langton Room, serves traditional and international cuisine. Edward Langtons is the hotel’s award-winning bar. Langton House features 34 superbly appointed bedrooms with views across the city. This family-run hotel has won numerous awards, including Black and White Pub of the Year 4 times in a row. The area is renowned for it’s fine selection of boutiques, craft shops and outdoor markets. You can relax in a cafe or wine bar, and visit the many spa salons dotted around the city.

- "The property is beautiful. The staff are so friendly and are cleaning constantly." - "Very clean, tidy, great staff and ideal location" - "Breakfast was exceptional, had the avocado on sourdough with added smoked salmon, was perfect. Was our anniversary and they kindly left some little cakes in the room, really lovely touch. This hotel really is stunning." - "The property is beautiful. The staff are so friendly and are cleaning constantly. The food was lovely."

A 5-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle in the center of Kilkenny, Butler House offers accommodations with access to a garden. This 4-star guest house offers a 24-hour front desk and an elevator. There's a sun terrace and guests can access free Wifi and free private parking. At the guest house, units are fitted with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a bath, a hair dryer, and free toiletries. The guest house provides some units with garden views, and each unit comes with a kettle. At the guest house, all units are fitted with bed linen and towels. À la carte and full English/Irish breakfast options are available every morning at the guest house. There is a coffee shop and bar. Guests at Butler House will be able to enjoy activities in and around Kilkenny, like cycling. Kilkenny Railway Station is a 11-minute walk from the accommodation, while Mount Juliet Golf Club is 11 miles from the property.

- "Loved every minute, beautiful hotel, very relaxing, lovely atmosphere" - "Breakfast was great and the gardens were very nice. Close proximity to the castle and all the bars and restaurants." - "The location was perfect, and the staff was extremely kind" - "Breakfast was excellent, omelette, although not on menu, was provided." - "The breakfast was beyond exceptional." - "Spacious room, garden view was a treat, full breakfast and perfect location."

Pembroke Kilkenny is a 4-star boutique hotel located behind Kilkenny Castle. The property offers air-conditioned rooms, dining, drinks, Mint Medispa and corporate facilities. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Rooms feature king-size beds and modern private bathrooms. Statham’s Bar & Restaurant offers traditional Irish and international food in a relaxed atmosphere. Mint offers a range of beauty, clinical, and spa treatments and the hotel's corporate facilities include a bespoke, personalized service and modern technology. Kilkenny has a wealth of attractions for guests to explore including The Tholsel, Rothe House and plenty of fantastic bars, artisan shops and restaurants. Kilkenny Golf Club is less than 10-minute walk away.

- "Perfect location!" - "Location was excellent, room and linen spotless, breakfast was fab. Parking was close by and convenient." - "Great location!! Staff very friendly." - "Everything" - "Breakfast was unbelievable the best I've experienced in all my stays in any hotel and it should be a guide to ever other hotel to match" - "Breakfast was very good and location was spot on. The room was spacious and comfortable. The Bar was lively and the food was also excellent."

Zuni Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Boutique Hotel is located in Kilkenny city center with free onsite parking. Fine dining is offered in the strikingly decorated restaurant, serving modern Irish cuisine made from the finest local ingredients. The stylish cocktail bar offers a full selection of drinks and cocktails and light meals are served here throughout the day. Stylishly furnished, each room at Zuni includes free Wi-Fi, TV and telephone for guests to relax with. A private bathroom also features in every room. Kilkenny Castle is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel, and Kilkenny Station is 10 minutes away on foot. The central shops of Kilkenny and St Canice’s Cathedral can be reached in a 10-minute walk.

- "Spacious Room, loved da layout and lighting, Best Hotel Shower I have used in years, This Hotel is in da Heart of the City, and very importantly it has its own free Carpark. Louise at Reception and all the Staff, went above and beyond to make our Stay so Enjoyable. The Food is Exceptional, Great Atmosphere in the Restaurant. Will Definitely be Back. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐." - "Service and style, with outstanding, friendly staff." - "Dinner was amazing! The best in Ireland!!!"

In Kilkenny city center, the award-winning Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel offers luxury accommodations, the new Harper's Restaurant and 2 leading bars. In the shadow of Kilkenny Castle, the Hibernian Hotel is in the heart of Kilkenny city. Originally the Hibernian Bank, this building overlooks the Parade, popular because it's close to Kilkenny Castle and the Kilkenny Design Center. Just under 2 hours from Dublin, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel offers you traditional charm in this vibrant city.