Make Mother’s Day truly special this year with a voucher, stay or visit to one of the gorgeous properties in Ireland’s Blue Book …
If you are in search of inspiration for a gift that will impress even the most discerning of mothers, then look no further than Ireland’s Blue Book. The guide offers an impressive range of discreet, luxuriously appointed properties. Comprising country house hotels, elegant Georgian manors, stately castles, historic hotels, luxury boutique hotels, barges and gorgeous restaurants there is something to suit all tastes and requirements. Why not offer a gift voucher to one of the properties or book one of these tempting treats?
No.1 Pery Square, Limerick
Overlooking the tree-lined Peoples’ Park in Limerick’s historic Georgian Quarter, No.1 Pery Square is a luxurious boutique bolthole, a five minute walk from the city centre and train/bus station. The townhouse house comprises 20 bedrooms all individually named and styled, with a Voya spa tucked away in its basement vaults. As for the food – with its own kitchen garden and boutique wine shop – guests can dine at Sash or for lighter snacks and meals in the Park room lounge. Nearby, guests can enjoy the wonderful Hunt Museum, King John’s Castle and riverside walks. Why not book the Champagne Afternoon Tea at No. 1, served in the pretty drawing room, which includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats accompanied by Cahill’s Tea of Wickham Street – who operate from the historic old snuff factory in Limerick – and toast Mum with a glass of prosecco, €45 per person. Alternatively there’s a special offer “Sunday Sleepovers at No. 1” from €298, which includes a three-course late lunch, cheese board for two later in the evening, and a la carte breakfast the following morning; www.oneperysquare.com.
Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry
With its mature gardens, chic interiors and open log fires, this 18th-century country house hotel is a haute hideaway. Following a great night’s sleep (in one of the hotel’s luxe Seventh Heaven beds), guests can explore Killarney National Park which surrounds the house and is within walking distance. Currently on offer is an overnight stay with breakfast and late check out from €209 per person sharing; www.cahernane.com.
Campagne Restaurant, Gas House Lane, Kilkenny
Campagne, the Michelin star restaurant located in the heart of medieval Kilkenny beside the old arches of a disused railway line on Gashouse Lane, was opened by the acclaimed former chef of Chapter One in Dublin, Garrett Byrne and his partner and restaurant manager, Brid Hannon. Though “Campagne” means country in French, there is nothing rustic about this chic restaurant which is decorated with colourful contemporary murals from Irish artist Catherine Barron. The menu is equally creative and combines French cuisine using the finest local and regional produce. The three-course lunch menu is €45, and the three-course dinner menu is €70; www.campagne.ie.
The Tannery, Waterford
The success and popularity of The Tannery is down to its owners – the husband-and-wife team Paul and Máire Flynn who opened The Tannery in the seaside town of Dungarven in 1997. Since then, Paul’s innovative menus which focus on flavour and fresh Waterford produce are matched by the bright, buzzy atmosphere in the wine bar. Why not enjoy a scenic drive along the Copper Coast and Comeragh Mountains, before booking lunch or an overnight stay at the Tannery Townhouse? A Sunday lunch three-course set menu is €35 and overnight stays are from €150 per person sharing; www.tannery.ie.
Cashel Palace Hotel, Co Tipperary
Cashel Palace, the 18th-century Palladian pile owned by the Magnier family has reopened as a posh five-star hotel. The original hotel, which played host to Jackie Kennedy, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Diana, Princess of Wales has been closed since 2015. After extensive renovation it has been extended to include 42 luxe bedrooms and suites, a slick spa, ballroom, and Guinness Bar reflecting the hotel’s historical links to the father of Arthur Guinness. Guests have three acres of gardens to wander; the original “Bishop’s Walk” allows guests private access to the Rock of Cashel, home to a 13th-century cathedral. Why not treat Mum to Afternoon Tea, gift a voucher to the spa or for an overnight stay – rates for these are from €300 to €900 depending on room or suite. For a truly exclusive experience, the spa has partnered with leading facialist Olga Kochlewska. Through her “Signature SKIN By Olga Facials”, Olga promises to transform complexions through a highly personalised and prescriptive treatment; www.cashelpalacehotel.ie.
Need to know: For further information on all of the 59 properties in the Ireland’s Blue Book collection, which also includes a number of award winning restaurants, four of whom have been awarded Michelin stars, visit www.irelandsbluebook.com.