Ireland’s Blue Book offers an impressive range of discreet, luxuriously appointed properties. Comprising country house hotels, elegant Georgian manors, stately castles, historic hotels, luxury boutique hotels and barges there is something to suit all tastes and requirements. Ireland’s Blue Book Vouchers are welcomed at all the properties.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway

The ideal location for exploring the West of Ireland – Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, dating back to the 18th century, has 2* Rosettes from the AA, Best Private Dining with the Restaurant Association of Ireland and a Gold Medal award for Ireland’s Fine Dining Restaurant. Guests are spoiled for choice for dining and entertainment and options include the River Room Restaurant overlooking the estate, the Pullman Restaurant, the Oak Cellar Bar, and three elegant Reception Rooms in the Main House which exude old world charm. With a 138-acre lakeside golf estate, its unique championship 9-hole golf course comprises rolling hills, lakes and fabulous views of Lough Corrib. Other activities that can be organised include fishing, horse riding, boating, tennis and the ancient sport of royalty – falconry. Setting the scene for romance from the get-go is “The Ultimate Love Story” package – guests arrive in style to a chilled bottle of champagne in the comfort of their stylish bedroom. The choice of activities includes cycling around estate, watching a rom-com in the fabulously intimate Abbey Theatre and on an evening of choice experiencing a four course, candlelit dinner for two aboard the iconic Pullman Restaurant (formed from two original carriages from The Orient Express). This deluxe experience also includes a decadent couples treatment from Elemis-trained experts at the Glo Spa & Wellness in addition to a romantic candlelit turndown service with chocolates. The two-night experience costs from €878 per couple, subject to availability; www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie.

Hayfield Manor, Cork

The five-star Hayfield Manor provides the charm of a country house with all the amenities of Cork city on its doorstep. Splendid rooms and suites are classically styled and individually decorated. Guests can dine in the gourmet restaurant Orchids (overlooking the beautiful private gardens) or the contemporary dining space, Perrots Garden Bistro. The in-house Beautique Spa offers a range of specialist Elemis treatments as well as an indoor pool. Hayfield’s current “Five Star Offer” includes one night of luxurious accommodation in a Manor room including full Irish breakfast and four course dinner in either Perrotts Garden Bistro or Hayfield Manor’s signature restaurant, Orchids. Residents enjoy exclusive access to The Beautique Spa with indoor swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, steam room, gym and a full range of Elemis Spa Treatments. From €394 per night; www.hayfieldmanor.ie.

Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny

Mount Juliet Estate is the sum of many parts: the elegant grandeur of a magnificent Georgian Manor House, coupled with the chic sophistication of Hunter’s Yard. The two residences draw on centuries of local history and provide memorable moments for every guest who stays. The estate appeals to many interests; it’s a magnet for golfers who find the Jack Nicklaus signature-designed golf course stunning. For gourmets, its Michelin-starred restaurant delights, while for couples it offers a chance to unwind in a secluded sanctuary. The whole of February is dedicated to love and pampering guests even more and includes fun and fine dining, country walks and cosy evenings. A romantic overnight break includes accommodation in the Manor House with breakfast and dinner at the estate and complimentary use of the impressive Health Club. From €320 per room; www.mountjuliet.ie.

The Merrion, Dublin

The Merrion, located in the heart of Georgian Dublin, is a marriage of exquisite comfort, relaxed elegance and thoughtful guest facilities. These include an 18m pool, spa and gym as well as an impressive art collection. As for gourmets, they are well catered for. The Merrion is home to the 2-star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, The Cellar Bar, The Garden Room, and the intimate No. 23 Cocktail Bar. Where better therefore to celebrate “Lasting Love at The Merrion”. This package includes overnight accommodation in a double room in the stylish Garden Wing, full Irish breakfast in The Garden Room the next morning with a bottle of chilled rose champagne and heart-shaped chocolates on arrival. Available until February 28, excluding international rugby weekends, from €395 per room per night; www.merrionhotel.com. Valid during February 2022, subject to availability.

Ballyfin, Co Laois

Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains Ballyfin is a place of history and romance, of tranquillity and great natural beauty. A stay includes exploring its private grounds and parkland, with follies and grottoes – as well as enjoying the exquisite collection of Irish art and antiques. Guests have at their disposal 614 acres of private parkland, a 28-acre lake, an indoor swimming pool, gym and treatment rooms as well as a range of experiences including falconry, wine and whiskey tasting, horse riding or clay shooting. Currently on offer is a one night romantic package – perfect for a proposal or mini-moon – during which couples can explore the demesne on a tandem bike or by golf buggy, or enjoy a boat trip across the lake. Afterwards, a rose petal bubble bath with champagne and strawberries is the perfect prelude to a pre-dinner drink in the Library, followed by dinner in the State Dining room. This package is based on full board and includes lunch or afternoon tea on arrival day, teas, coffees with homemade cake and cookies, soft drinks, a pre-dinner drink, gourmet dinner and a soft drink minibar, vat and gratuities. Prices start from: €1040.00 for a classic room midweek and €1110.00 at weekends; www.ballyfin.com.

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.irelands-blue-book.ie.