Ireland's 10 Finest Hotels (PHOTOS)

It was said that when Vikings first arrived in Ireland in the ninth century to plunder and conquer, it wasn't long before they fell victim to the charms of the Irish and were converted into settled, peaceful citizens. A few hundred years later, the knights of Normandy landed on Ireland's shore to make it their own, yet they too quickly adapted to the ways on the Emerald Isle, eventually becoming "more Irish than the Irish themselves," so the saying goes. So if marauding invaders wielding sharpened swords can't defend against the charms of Ireland and its people, what chance do the rest of us have?

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, hotel search trivago celebrates Ireland by putting together a collection of the most splendid places to stay during a visit to this charismatic island nation. Known for its sprawling green countryside, rich mythology, hospitable folk and large quantities of dark beer, Ireland takes center stage this month as we take a peek into its finest hotels -- places that make this land all the more easy to fall in love with.