The latest hotel news and travel trends to follow …
David Attenborough’s recent series Secret Garden has reportedly resulted in an increase of interest in garden visits, which is affecting travel trends too. For green-fingered travellers, there’s no shortage of hotels set within gorgeous grounds around Ireland. For example, every aspect of a stay at Lyrath Estate, Co Kilkenny, is defined by its gardens, created by former owner Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe, a celebrated botanical artist, gardener and plant collector. The hotel is celebrating 20 years this summer. @lyrathestate
There’s also much to admire at Armada House, Co Clare, which has been transformed by interior designer Suzie McAdam. She drew inspiration from the distinctive flora and fauna of The Burren – sea pinks, lichens, heathers and dune greens – and from the hues of the Atlantic Ocean to create a calm, layered aesthetic. Hand-painted murals by Michael Dillon, fabrics by Teyssier and Manuel Canovas, Pierre Frey wallpapers, and artworks by Irish artists such as Mick O’Dea, Geraldine O’Sullivan, Rosie Lynch and Katherine Halford Greene are some of the standout details. @armadaspanishpoint
Revamped and restored by interior designer Aisling Healy of O’Donnell O’Neill, The Manor at Mount Juliet Estate & Spa, Co Kilkenny, has remained true to its Georgian roots while adding colour, statement wallpapers, a new library and cinema. Don’t leave without a walk through the garden, leading to the romantic ‘Moongate’ that frames the setting beautifully. @mountjulietestate
The Bollinger Champagne Garden has just opened at Culloden Estate & Spa, Co Antrim, offering prime views of Belfast Lough. Of note are its refreshed Garden Rooms and spacious marble-effect bathrooms. @cullodenestate
The 450-acre Westport Estate has been undergoing a careful transformation, from restoring natural habitats to creating new cultural experiences. Highlights include the Grace O’Malley interactive experience, a landscape journey by Mary Reynolds and a new visitor centre. The Grace, Co Mayo, is its most ambitious project to date. A stay at the new five-star hotel should include a Ground Wellbeing treatment in its spa followed by a drink in Kelly’s bar (where Grainne Weber has designed the interiors) before dinner in the Black Sheep restaurant. @thegracewestportestate
There’s even a new Glasshouse for seeding and planting at Dromquinna Manor, Co Kerry, in addition to regular summer garden tours and a botanically-inspired lunch menu in the airy Boathouse Bistro. Extend a visit with a stay in one of its pretty Potting Sheds, where private patios are scented with sweetpea. @dromquinnamanorofficial
Since taking ownership of Barberstown Castle, Co Kildare, part of the Ireland’s Blue Book portfolio, Amanda Torrens has embarked on a programme of sympathetic renovation and enhancement, bringing an understated elegance to the castle. The light-filled Garden Lounge, Suite and Bar have been reimagined with quirky wallpaper and artworks by contemporary artist Patrick Rubinstein, while many rooms overlook the magnificent rose gardens. @barberstowncastlehotel
Inspired by the Cotswolds, the redesign of bedrooms at Killarney Royal Townhouse, Co Kerry, celebrates Irish craftsmanship. Guests will find serene rooms, some with four-poster beds, artworks by Declan Mulvany and collaborations with Mucross Weavers. Try the two-night Natural Pause package that includes a guided walk of Killarney National Park with a local expert and optional lunch in its new Fig Restaurant. @killarneyroyaltownhouse
Finally, one further bonus of any visit to Ballymaloe, Co Cork, is its new woodland sauna, best enjoyed with a dip in the outdoor pool. @ballymaloe_house
