Leisurely hotel breakfasts are the perfect treat …
THE EDDISON AT DYLAN, DUBLIN
THE USP A chic city bolthole, Dylan Dublin allows non-residents to live the hotel life vicariously with three dining options.
START YOUR DAY Book a table in The Eddison for an early morning midweek meeting or a leisurely weekend breakfast with friends. Feast on the Dylan Breakfast with two eggs, smoked rashers, Ballinwillin wild boar pudding, sausages, grilled tomato, roast mushroom, fried potatoes, and toast or American-style pancakes. For smaller appetites, comforting porridge oats with cinnamon, apple, and almond crumb, or freshly baked scones with cream and jam fit the bill.
WHAT ELSE? Breakfast (€20) is served Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 10.30am and on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 7am to 1pm. Dylan Hotel, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4, 01 660 3000; www.dylan.ie.
THE GARDEN ROOM AT THE MERRION, DUBLIN
THE USP A city centre breakfast in the genteel Georgian surroundings of one of Dublin’s most iconic fivestar hotels.
START YOUR DAY Breakfast at The Garden Room at The Merrion will leave you wanting more – not more food, you will be well looked after in that department – but more of the entire Merrion experience. The service is charming and efficient. Choose from a buffet of charcuterie, fish, cheeses and pastries before moving on to the main event, with options including tofu turmeric scramble, or chorizo baked eggs.
WHAT ELSE? Breakfast (€35.50) is open to non-residents, but do phone ahead to secure a table at the window overlooking the pretty manicured garden. The Merrion, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, 01 603 0600; www.merrionhotel.com.
BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE, CO GALWAY
THE USP Breakfast is served in Ballynahinch’s gorgeous Owenmore Restaurant which overlooks the river of the same name, with a clove-studded baked ham (the kind most of us only cook and eat at Christmas) stealing the show.
START YOUR DAY While the whole roasted ham is indeed a showstopper, there are plenty of other dishes that vie for well-deserved attention at the breakfast buffet. Start the feast with freshly squeezed juice, flaky pastries, fresh fruit and crunchy granola from the buffet. Then choose from a menu that includes the Ballynahinch Castle Grill, avocado toast with chilli and peanut sauce, or, my personal favourite, steamed cod with free range poached eggs, wilted spinach and hollandaise sauce. Yes, three-course breakfasts are a thing.
WHAT ELSE? Breakfast is available for non-residents at Ballynahinch (€35), but do phone ahead to confirm availability and reserve your table. Ballynahinch Castle, Recess, Co Galway, 095 31006; www.ballynahinch-castle.com.
ORCHIDS RESTAURANT AT HAYFIELD MANOR, CORK
THE USP With gleaming silverware and starched linens, breakfast at Hayfield Manor in Cork City offers an indulgent dining experience, every day of the week.
START YOUR DAY Breakfast at Hayfield Manor is in the grand country house style, with a tempting array of dishes from the best of local producers. Breakfast for non-residents (€27) includes a generous buffet with meats and cheeses from The English Market, fresh fruit, smoothies, juices, yoghurt, pastries and cakes – do not leave without trying the chocolate banana bread. Breakfasting guests are also invited to choose a hot dish from the menu, with a variety of gluten-free options available.
WHAT ELSE? If you do want to make a night of it, book the Gourmet Experience overnight offer with four-course dinner and full Irish breakfast. Hayfield Manor, Perrott Avenue, College Road, Cork City, 021 484 5900; www.hayfieldmanor.ie.
THE IVY, BELFAST
THE USP We know, The Ivy is not a hotel, but we wanted to include this very civilised hotel-like breakfast with (non-alcoholic) cocktails in pretty surroundings overlooking Donegall Place. Expect lush plants, floral prints and plenty of buzz.
START YOUR DAY Try a Virgin Mary cocktail, accompanied by coconut yoghurt with fresh berries, crushed pistachio, chia seeds, basil and maple syrup, or potato bread with two free range eggs, your way. A set breakfast menu is (£18.95stg) includes a peach iced tea or Virgin Rossini, maple and almond butter granola, and your choice of The Ivy Ulster Breakfast with smoked streaky bacon, Blackhill pork sausage, potato bread, soda farl, and free-range eggs, or The Ivy Vegetarian Breakfast.
WHAT ELSE? A children’s option includes a choice of juice and a main course for £7.95stg. The Ivy, Cleaver House, 56 Donegall Place, Belfast, 0044 28 9568 0074; www.ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivybelfast- brasserie.
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