It’s National Picnic Day on June 18 reminding us of the pleasures of eating al fresco and packing a hamper …
No 1 Pery Square, Co Limerick
For a special picnic escape, No1 Pery Square Hotel, in the Georgian Quarter of Limerick, has a pampering package which includes two nights’ accommodation in one of its club-style rooms. With breakfast each morning and dinner in the Sash and Park room lounge on one evening, a posh picnic comprising local Limerick produce is offered too – take it to The People’s Museum of Limerick, The Hunt Museum perhaps or one of the Riverside walks or on a trip to King John’s Castle. Also included is a back and neck massage – delivered in the organic Voya spa tucked away in the basement of the hotel. From €598; www.irelands-blue-book.ie
Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara
Residents can book in advance and pick up a picnic in a Ballynahinch rucksack or bicycle basket filled with traditional sandwiches, goodies and refreshments – the ideal accompaniment for those going on a hike, wandering through some of the spectacular 700 acres of the hotel’s lush estate or a cycle on the nearby greenway. There’s also a cheese and wine hamper to enjoy on the grounds or the ultimate picture-perfect picnic – laid on the terrace overlooking the river. Booking in advance is required and picnics start from €25 per person; www.ballynahinchcastle.com
Adare Manor, Limerick
Guests can choose from three picnics. The Wyndham Quinn Picnic to go, from €30 per person, includes sweet and savoury bites, a decadent chocolate brownie, a surprise chef’s cake of the day, fresh fruit and mineral water or soft drinks. The Earl of Dunraven Picnic Basket, €50, is packed in a traditional wicker picnic basket full to the brim with the best of Irish produce. For a very special picnic indeed, pre-book A Picnic Beyond Everything complete with your very own Picnic Butler who will set up a table for two anywhere on the grounds of the resort and serve an indulgent menu. This begins with a crisp flute of Taittinger Champagne and caviar served with blinis, before enjoying a selection of Irish cheeses and charcuterie as well as Galway oysters with shallot vinaigrette. Sweet treats include a macaroon tower, Tahitian vanilla posset and handmade chocolates from the chocolate room at Adare Manor with tea, coffee and soft drinks. A Picnic Beyond Everything costs €300 per person; adaremanor.com
Station House Hotel, Co Meath
As part of its “Bike The Boyne” break, participants can hire onsite bikes and explore historic Dunsany Castle, Bective Abbey or the magical Hill of Tara, all within a 10km round trip cycle from the hotel, with a picnic made from matriarch Thelma Slattery’s goodies. In the evening there’s dinner at the Signal Room restaurant. From €290 for two people sharing; www.stationhousehotel.ie
Carton House, Co Kildare
Carton House picnic baskets are €60 per adult and €30 per child. With an array of Irish cheeses accompanied by homemade chutney, crackers and quince, the basket also has freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves and sandwiches.
There’s also a fresh fruit salad, Keoghs crisps, chocolate macarons, lemon drizzle cake and a chocolate tart to indulge in. For refreshments guests can chose to add a snipe of Laurent Perrier Champagne for an additional €29 per person or a bottle of wine for €46; www.cartonhouse.com
Coopershill House, Co Sligo
Climb majestic Benbulben and enjoy a delicious picnic on top of the world – part of a two-night offer at when you stay at the romantic Coopershill House in Co Sligo, which has belonged to the O’Hara family since it was built in 1774. The climb up and down takes approximately four hours (and requires good, waterproof walking boots and wet weather gear!). The rewards are breath-taking views of Sligo’s Knocknarea mountain, Coney Island and the Slieve League cliffs in Donegal. Once you get back to base, a four-course dinner awaits. Served at candlelit tables set with family silver and crystal, the menu features vegetables and fruit from the gardens and local produce. The cost for two for this break, including, picnic, breakfast and dinner on one night is €644; www.irelands-blue-book.ie
