From the dog lovers to the city slickers here are six hotel news updates to know …
FOR BEACH LOVERS: With access to four Blue Flag beaches, Roseville House, Youghal (originally built in 1838) couldn’t be more tempting. It has just been renovated by owners Richie and Caroline Foley, who took over the family B&B business and have been finessing the offering. With the help of local designer Catherine O’Flynn they have created two swish self-contained suites. Guests are delivered breakfast baskets each morning, the perfect prelude to a walk on the sheltered Front Strand and Claycastle beaches or the new boardwalk. Rooms start at €65 per person sharing. www.rosevilleyoughal.com.
FOR CITY SLICKERS: The Dean Townhouse Dublin has opened next to the original Dean location in Harcourt Street. Housed in a Georgian building with a newly built mews extension, it contains 49 decidedly feminine bedrooms, where guests will find chintzy details – fabric headboards, nature-inspired prints and bold wallpaper. The Townhouse Bar and outdoor (heated) courtyard is a discreet location for dates or meeting friends for expertly shaken cocktails by the in-house mixologist. From €150 per room. www.thedean.ie.
FOR AN ECO RETREAT: Breac.House, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal has a new guest room. Owner Cathrine Burke explains: “All of our rooms take their names from a key element of the experience here – things which guests taste, touch, see or smell – and so that tradition continues with our new room, ‘Heather’. The rate is €355 per room per night all year for our full experience including breakfast, picnic, use of the sauna, a seaweed bath for two and complimentary evening drinks.” www.breac.house
FOR DOG LOVERS: Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co Cork takes its name from a stream which flows south of the 18th-century manor house. Owner Paul Walsh has revamped its bedrooms and banqueting halls, and renovated an old stone cottage on the grounds, now a cosy two-bedroom cottage with its own courtyard. “We are very excited about the five luxury log cabins we’ve built on the grounds too. They’re a hit with guests and their canine friends, who have space to wander and enjoy a sundowner on the cabin balconies.” Overnight rates with breakfast €75 per person sharing, or €110 per person including dinner. www.springforthall.com.
FOR ROYAL FANS: If you haven’t explored Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, King Charles’ official residence, then make haste and book Arthur’s, the royal village’s new boutique guest house. Each of the twelve rooms has been decorated to reflect local history – the name derives from the Marquess of Downshire. Owners Lynne and Jonathan McCabe also run two other guests houses in the area – Ralph’s and Lisnacurran Country House – they are a mine of information on where to visit and dine, and there is no shortage of excellent cafés or bistros on the doorstep. Overnight rates from £140. www.arthurshillsborough.com.
FOR GARDENERS: Mount Congreve Gardens Gate Lodge is a two-bedroom sanctuary in the middle of 70 acres of gardens, dating back to 1775. The attention to detail impresses, from the 18th-century French daybed, wingback armchairs, and original Louis XVI beds to the Smeg appliances, Bushbuck barbecue and a gin bar (where guests can partake of Mount Congreve Woodland Gin). Guests have “the keys to the gardens” to explore after hours, which include the new wetlands walk. Other treats include a welcome hamper. Guests can also dine at the Stable Café, which overlooks the magnolia treetops, where a plot-to-plate menu is served. The Gate Lodge costs from €195 per night with a minimum of a two-night stay. www.mountcongreve.com.
