For some bucolic offline interludes, channel this latest trend that blends a love of reading with travel …
SEE: For fans of romantic fiction, the Museum of Literature Ireland’s new exhibition “Happy Ever After” takes a playful but thoughtful view of books that revolve around a love story and have a happy ending. Opening in July, it’s curated by literature scholar Paige Reynolds, who explains; “Romance fiction regularly tops the bestseller lists but is often casually written-off as something less worthy of our attention. I’m happy to say that romance fiction increasingly commands the serious critical consideration it has long deserved, and I am delighted to be celebrating these writers and their books in this exhibition at MoLI.” Expect to find an interesting mix of objects including a Sally Rooney chessboard, artefacts from Maeve Binchy’s archive as well as plenty of paperbacks to dive into. If visiting from out of town, I recommend a stay at nearby Stauntons on the Green, especially its garden rooms. Guests also have access to the Iveagh Gardens and a covetable art collection to peruse on site too. @moli_museum @stauntonsonthegreen
BOOKISH RETREATS: I always appreciate hotels with gorgeous libraries and in Ireland we’re fortunate to have quite a few, including Ballyfin Demesne in Co Laois where its grand 80-foot library is home to a collection of over 5,000 books. For a truly bookish retreat, stay in the Little Library suite, brimming with bookcases and a fairytale four-poster bed. @ballyfindemesne
I also loved Ett Hem in Stockholm where the mix of art and fashion books in the reception areas (plus delicious treats) made it was difficult to leave the hotel! On my radar is The Torridon in Inverness, the UK’s most northerly 5 star Scottish Highland resort where its impressive wood-panelled library is the setting for a special dining experience. @etthemstockholm @thetorridon @pobhotelsuk
SEE MORE: Irish and International Hotels With Lovely Libraries
BOOK AHEAD: Are you longing for some guidance on how to put pen to paper? Try the new creative writing retreat at Villa La Massa in Florence, Italy – an inspiring setting just outside the city which inspired Giovanni Boccaccio’s famous collection of short stories. In collaboration with Molly Bloom, a creative writing academy based in Rome, Villa La Massa’s “Decameron” workshops take place over two weekends; the first on June 27 to 30 and the second on October 24 to 27. Attendees can expect a programme of guided writing and storytelling sessions, as well as supper clubs and dinner parties in glorious surroundings. @villalamassaflorence
DIARY DATE: West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry in July features Richard E Grant as one of the its guest speakers at the Maritime Hotel. If staying, why not book Drumbeg Cottage in the coastal village of Ahakista on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula (home to the famous table quiz featuring Graham Norton). Owners Barry and Aoife O’Brien revamped the property over the last three years – perfect for families, friends, artists and writers. @drumbegcottage
RAISE A TOAST: “Mrs Dalloway is always giving parties to cover the silence,” wrote Virginia Woolf about the titular character of her iconic novel which is marking its centenary year. I can’t think of a better place to raise a toast than at the Bloomsbury Hotel in London where its Dalloway Terrace is always an elegant spot for brunch or supper. @hotelbloomsbury
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FOR OSCAR WILDE FANS: The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is a stylish base for visits to Belfast where suites are named after literary legends from Yeats to Heaney. I’ve stayed in the elegant Bronte suite, one of its Writers’ Retreat rooms designed to inspire and encourage reflection. A recent addition is the opulent Oscar Wilde suite at the top of the restored 1879 Victorian townhouse. It includes a writing desk and bay window overlooking the Malone Road. If visiting, a must-see is Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at the Lyric Theatre. Book lovers should make a beeline to the excellent independent bookshops – Books Paper Scissors (opposite the Ulster Museum) and for crime and detective stories, No Alibis, on Botanic Avenue. Both are within walking distance from The Harrison. @theharrisonbelfast @lyricbelfast @bookspaperscissors @noalibisbookstore
See also The Mayfair Townhouse in London, which was the setting for The Importance of Being Earnest. @themayfairtownhouse
SEE MORE: Tour Oscar Wilde’s Merrion Square Home
SCENT & SENSIBILITY: As part of the Jane Austen 250th celebrations in the UK, the posh Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath has collaborated with luxury perfumer Parterre to offer private scent workshops to create a personal scent, which can be added to their special experience package that includes a Regency-themed afternoon tea, unlimited use of The Spa & Bath House and Austen-themed gifts. The overnight package is available until the end of September to take in the Jane Austen Festival. @royalcrescent_hotel
READ BY CANDLELIGHT: Cloon Keen’s Antique Library candle was inspired by the Long Room in the library of Trinity College Dublin. This evocative scent of nutmeg, leather and incense is a worthy tribute to the iconic setting with its vaulted ceiling and polished bookshelves. If you haven’t been for a while, take one of the popular Trinity Trails led by student and alumni tour guides. Departing from the bell tower in Trinity’s Front Square, this is a 45 minute guided loop of the 47-acre campus, exploring and discovering Trinity’s hidden gems which ends in the Old Library where you can continue your journey into the Book of Kells Experience. @cloonkeen @visit_trinity
PACK A BEACH BAG: Is there anything better than the feeling of sand between your toes, the warmth of the sun on your back and reading a page-turner? Read Edel Coffey’s tips for summer reads here: 10 New Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List
For a relaxing coastal escape, check out Redcastle Oceanfront Golf & Spa Hotel in Co Donegal with stunning walks and beaches on its doorstep, in addition to a nine-hole golf club and spa. A current offer is its Relaxing Spa Escape, from €289 per couple.
WATCH: Dublin: One City, Many Stories – a new six-part video series from the Irish Writers Centre that celebrates Dublin’s UNESCO City of Literature status. Described as a love letter to Dublin, sit back and listen to writers such as John Banville, Marian Keyes, Neil Jordan and Emmet Kern sharing their reflections. The first episode features Joseph O’Connor revisiting Dun Laoghaire’s Lexicon and the James Joyce Tower in Sandymount – places that first stirred his passion for storytelling. Follow the conversation using #OneCityManyStories @irishwriterscentre.
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