Armed with Ireland’s Blue Book, ticking off your bucket list is made so much easier and you will be impressed with its range of discreet, luxuriously appointed properties around the island. 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. We’ve selected four staycation ideas where you can be as lazy or as active as you wish. Ireland’s Blue Book Vouchers are welcomed at all the properties.
The Burren
It’s been said The Burren National Park in County Clare resembles the surface of the moon, due to its 1,500 hectare area of exposed limestone pavement. Officially called a karst landscape, there is beauty in its barrenness and shades of grey, and the surface is ideal for walkers and cyclists. One of Ireland’s six national parks (have you visited all the others yet?) Doolin Pier from where the views of the Cliffs of Moher are outstanding, are just two of its many attractions. Other must-sees are the ruins of Kilfenora Cathedral, and for shopping at the Burren Perfumery.
Where to stay
Gregans Castle is the ideal base from which to enjoy the Burren and surrounding area. The 18th-century manor house is the ultimate gourmet hideaway, boasting breath-taking views, an idyllic location, elegant bedrooms and an indulgent relaxing atmosphere. It’s been a favourite with the arty set – JRR Tolkien, Sean Scully and Seamus Heaney have all been former guests, and no doubt found the pretty gardens and views of the bay and mountains inspiring. There are 21 bedrooms and suites each individually decorated with a mix of antiques, books, contemporary design and modern amenities. The Corkscrew Bar and Drawing Room do not disappoint on either menu or ambiance and are the perfect finales to outdoorsy day trips. From Gregans Castle, guided walking and cycling tours can be organised, as can boat trips to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands; www.gregans.ie.
Donegal
Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League sea cliffs, Fanad Head lighthouse and its abundance of blue flag beaches make Donegal the perfect backdrop to any Irish staycation.
Where to stay
A Georgian family run country house set on the shores of fjord-like Lough Swilly, Rathmullan House is gracious and elegant, defined by its spacious drawing rooms and low key charm. There are 34 rooms – with a style to suit everyone from romantic garden rooms with freestanding bath tubs to large garret rooms for whole families. Book one of the large bay-windowed ones to the front with sea views, highlighting the perfect location. It is a mere stone’s throw from a (3km-long) Blue Flag beach which overlooks the hills of Inishowen on the far side of the water. It couldn’t be a more inspiring or picturesque corner of Donegal and a good base from which to enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way.
With the second generation of the Wheeler family now looking after the four-star hotel, good food with a relaxed personal service are the cornerstones which Rathmullan House has been built on. Their award winning restaurant, The Cook & Gardener restaurant is renowned for its locally sourced and expertly cooked food, with many ingredients sourced from its own Victorian walled garden. The Tap Room (serving pizza and local craft beer) is a firm favourite with locals, and guests wishing to dine somewhere informal. Rathmullan village is only a short stroll away, via Batts Walk, and from the pier you can catch a ferry across the lough to Buncrana; www.rathmullanhouse.com.
Connemara
With bogs lakes, mountains and the Gaelic speaking south, Connemara is a colourful region made up of breath-taking views and a dramatic landscape. Although very popular, Connemara’s natural beauty remains largely unspoiled and is the very definition of splendid isolation.
Where to stay
Beautifully situated just one mile from the Connemara National Park, overlooking Ballinakill Bay, Rosleague Manor House Hotel is a Georgian house converted into a first-class hotel by the Foyle family. Standout features include its Victorian-style conservatory, open log fires, and individually decorated bedrooms featuring fine antiques and paintings. Its setting in 30 acres of secluded coastal woodland makes it the perfect place to stay when exploring Connemara. The area’s spectacular scenery provides the backdrop for activities including golf, horse-riding, cycling, hill-walking and fishing, while the hotel is minutes from Kylemore Abbey, The Twelve Bens, Lough Inagh and Clifden, the largest (and prettiest) town in Connemara. www.rosleague.com
Sunny South East
Ireland’s “Sunny South East” is known for its vibrant towns, rural getaways and coastal villages surrounded by popular beaches.
Where to stay
Marlfield House, Co Wexford, located one hour south of Dublin outside Gorey, is set on 36 acres of woodland featuring an ornamental lake, rose, vegetable and herb gardens, with ponies, peacocks and hens completing the sense of a pastoral idyll. Inside, there are 19 luxurious bedrooms from cosy standard rooms to master suites and impressive staterooms – each has its own character defined by beautiful antiques, paintings and vases of flowers, all overlooking the gardens. Not forgetting the Frette linen and Floris toiletries. It’s the attention to detail which impresses all guests as does the range of dining from breakfast and lunch in the airy Conservatory, Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room and casual dining at The Duck Terrace Restaurant, Cafe and Bar. It’s no surprise that Marlfield House was awarded “Hotel of The Year 2019” and is the perfect base from which to tour all the south east has to offer, such as the medieval city of Kilkenny and the monastic settlement at Glendalough; www.marlfieldhouse.com.
For further information on these and other properties visit www.irelands-blue-book.ie.
