Irelands Blue Book Romantic Houses

Irelands Blue Book Romantic Houses
AHERNE'S TOWNHOUSE & RESTAURANT CO. CORK
Open wood fires and the warmest of welcomes await
you in this family run hotel in the Historic walled port
of Youghal. The bedrooms exude comfort and luxury,
stylishly furnished with Antiques and paintings. The
Famous Seafood Bar and Restaurant Specialise in the
freshest of the local landed Seafood (Lobster, Oysters,
Crab Prawns, Mussels, Salmon, Squid, Sole, etc
today's catch). The Bar is renowned for its
friendliness; you will enjoy a chat with the locals
along with your Guinness & Seafood. Gluten Free
Meals have been served in both restaurant and Seafood bar for 20 Years.
ARDTARA COUNTRY HOUSE CO. DERRY
“Most Romantic Hotel of the Year” (AA Award). Ardtara is an elegantly restored 19th century
mansion, situated between Belfast and the Giant's
Causeway Coast. Once the home to the Clark
family, world famous linen makers, Ardtara is
now widely regarded as one of the finest country
house accommodations in Northern Ireland. The
nine spacious en-suite bedrooms are all
individually styled with deluxe king-size beds,
charming antiques and original grand (working)
fireplaces. All set in the privacy and quiet of eight
wooded acres. Ardtara offers all the comfort,
atmosphere and high standards of food and accommodation expected by the most discerning
visitor. Perhaps topped only by the warmth of your welcome.
BALLYFIN DEMESNE CO. LAOIS
Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains just
over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin has long been
admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in
Ireland. It is a place of history and romance, of
tranquility and great natural beauty. Activities include
boating and fishing on the lake, biking riding, picnics,
exploring the 600 acre estate, swimming pool and
fitness center, spa treatments, wine and whiskey
tasting, and feasting on Chef Cordonniers fine food.
BALLYMALOE HOUSE CO. CORK
The bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes, from large and airy to cozy including ground floor
rooms in the courtyard. Amenities include a small
golf course on the premises and within easy reach of
several other championship golf courses. Sea and
river fishing can be arranged within 5-20 miles.
Outdoor heated pool (summer use). Babysitting
available. Outdoor children's play area. Tennis court.
Members of the family also run an excellent craft and
specialist kitchenware shop on the premises, the
Ballymaloe Cookery School & Gardens in Shanagarry
and the café in the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork city.
The food is largely produced on the home farm and has won high recommendation in all
important food and restaurant guides.
BARBERSTOWN CASTLE CO. KILDARE
If as part of your Country House tour of Ireland you wish to visit Dublin, Barberstown Castle is
the nearest Country House Hotel to the City.
With only a thirty minute drive from Dublin
Airport and Dublin Port, the Castle is an ideal
first or last stay over on your visit, avoiding all
the stress of city centre traffic. Using
Barberstown Castle as a base will open up the
attractions of the area for you. A visit to
Dublin City, Newgrange, Glendalough,
Kildare Village (Chic outlet shopping) and the
Japanese Gardens are just some of the trips to
enjoy in a county famous for Racing, Golf (Ryder Cup 2006), Historic and Country Pursuits. We
would be delighted to recommend to you 101 other interests in the area!
BELLE ISLE CASTLE CO. FERMANAGH
Belle Isle is situated on one of 8 islands that are
owned by the Estate on Upper Lough Erne, with a
bridge connecting it to the mainland. Expect an
authentic Country House atmosphere without the
frills of modern restorations and furnished with a
fine collection of antiques and pictures. There is a
tennis court, croquet lawn and boats for hire on the
435 acre estate Belle Isle Castle is licensed for civil
weddings for up to 60 guests. The recently
redecorated en suite bedrooms in the Castle can accommodate up to 16 of the wedding party with
additional guests staying in the courtyard apartments, coach house and estate cottages.
BLAIRSCOVE HOUSE CO. CORK
In this Georgian country house standing at the head of
Dunmanus Bay, everything revolves around the
courtyard. Finely restored with cobbled paths, shrubs
and flowers, its 250 old stone outbuildings contain four
beautiful guest apartments as well as the restaurant,
with its magnificent dining room converted from the old
stable block.
BUSHMILLS INN CO. ANTRIM
One of Ireland’s most well-known luxurious hotels, The Bushmills Inn is situated in an enviable
location a stone’s throw from Royal Portrush Golf
Club, Old Bushmills Distillery, The Giant’s
Causeway and Dunluce Castle. Roaring peat fires,
nooks and crannies and a secret library set the
tone. In the bar, still lit by gas light, try a glass of
malt from the hotel’s private cask and make sure
to sample some of the finest North Antrim
produce in the AA Rosette restaurant. The 41
sumptuous guest rooms and suites, many with
views extending over the River Bush are
beautifully appointed. Whether you wish to linger by the fire, enjoy afternoon tea on the garden
courtyard, partake in water sports, hike in unspoilt countryside or play golf on some of Ireland’s
finest courses Bushmills Inn is the ideal location.
CARRIG COUNTRY HOUSE CO. KERRY
Hidden away on the shores of Caragh Lake, on
the Ring of Kerry, discover enchanting Carrig
Country House & Restaurant where you will
"escape from it all", relax and enjoy some of the
most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in Ireland.
Whether you wish to just laze, read and sip an
Irish whiskey or partake in outdoor pursuits,
such as golf, fishing, water sports, beach horse
riding, hiking in the magnificent hills or tour the
Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney
National Park or World Heritage site Skellig Michael, Carrig Country House is the ideal location.
CASHEL HOUSE HOTEL CO. GALWAY
Cashel House, formerly one of Connemara's
most gracious homes, set in 50 acres of grounds
on the beautiful coastline of Cashel Bay with
Cashel Hill rising behind. It has been our our
pleasure to welcome guests for the past 40
years.The location is an ideal base from which
to enjoy walking, beaches, sea and lake fishing,
golf, horse riding, Kylemore Gardens and trips
of Aran and Inish Boffin islands. Guided hill
walks are available by arrangement.
CASTLE DURROW CO. LAOIS
Built by Viscount Ashbrook in 1716 on the banks of
the river Erkina in the Irish midlands. Lovingly
restored by Shelly and Peter Stokes, now open as one
of Ireland's most popular luxury four star hotels and
conveniently located about 1 hour from Dublin and 1
and a half hours from Cork. Walk the estate and
surrounding woodlands and forests or stroll along the
miles of river pathways. Visit the Cafes, Bars,
Restaurants and Shops of Durrow.
CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE CO. MONAGHAN
Steeped in history, full of character and charm,
Castle Leslie Estate is the ultimate Irish rural escape.
Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish
countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and
glittering lakes. Castle Leslie Estate, is one of the last
great Irish castle estates still in the hands of its
founding family. The Castle, at the heart of the
Estate, offers authentic original interiors and oldstyle hospitality.
COOPERSHILL HOUSE CO. SLIGO
If you are looking for a genuine, romantic, Grand Irish Country House with comfort, character
and sublime cooking, then you are going to
love Coopershill in Co. Sligo. A stunning mile
long avenue crossing the River Unshin and
winding through ancient woods and deer
pastures on the 500 acre Private Estate brings
you to this fabulous Georgian mansion.
Coopershill has been the family home to 8
generations of O'Haras and personal attention
from the owners is guaranteed. Dinner is a
highlight served at candle lit tables set with
family silver and crystal. Ingredients straight
from the estate vegetable and fruit gardens produce wonderfully fresh flavours.
CROMLEACH LODGE CO. SLIGO
"Hideaway of the Year 2004" - Cromleach
Lodge is set in the quiet hills above Lough
Arrow - a spectacular vista of unspoiled
mountain, lake and valley. Bedrooms are
beautifully appointed and exceptionally spacious.
Most Deluxe and Superior rooms have private
balconies and enjoy the breathtaking panorama
of south Sligo. For a quiet breakaway or an
exclusive wedding the atmosphere is warm and
relaxed - newspapers with breakfast and the scent
of fresh flowers all around.
CURRAREVAGH HOUSE CO. GALWAY
Old fashioned (in the best sense of the word),
Currarevagh House is a Victorian country manor
romantically situated on the shores of Lough Corrib
in 150 acres of private woodland. Built by the
present owner's ancestors in 1842, it is still run more
along the lines of a private country house rather than
as a hotel, and the tranquil informality lends itself to
those seeking a relaxing few days. Lough Corrib is
famous for its wild brown trout fishing and Ghillies
(guides) can be arranged at current rates.
DUNBRODY HOUSE CO. WEXFORD
This captivating 1830's Georgian Manor House
Hotel hides amid 300 acres of tranquil parklands on
the idyllic Hook Peninsula yet is less than 10km
from Waterford City. A chic yet informal ambience
permeates Dunbrody, where guests have the
opportunity to experience sheer indulgence coupled
with a tradition of courteous attentive service.
Relaxation is the order of the day starting with one
of our famous late breakfasts (served till Noon daily)
and later on sitting back before treating yourself to
some of Ireland's finest cuisine from both the award-winning gourmet Harvest Room Restaurant
and also Dundon's Champagne Seafood Bar & Terrace.
ENNISCOE HOUSE CO. MAYO
Enniscoe House is listed as a Heritage House of Ireland and has passed to the present through
twelve generations of the family to the present
owner, Susan Kellett. She has now been joined
by her son, DJ Kellett. The family portraits,
antique furniture, open fires, good food and
wine, and a warm welcome, all contribute to
the pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The
house is situated on the shores of Lough Conn,
with attractive views of the lake across the
parkland. The old walled garden has been
restored, and another garden produces
organically grown vegetables. One farmyard
now houses a small agricultural museum, tearoom and shop, and the genealogy centre that
researches names and families of Mayo origin.
GREGANS CASTLE HOTEL CO. CLARE
With breathtaking views across Galway Bay and
idyllically situated overlooking the unique Burren
landscape, this is the ultimate luxury and gourmet
hideaway. Simon and Frederieke manage this oasis of
comfort and offer genuine Irish hospitality, award
winning innovative cooking and elegant bedrooms
free from the intrusion of televisions. Antiques,
modern art, turf fires, candlelight and garden flowers
add to the indulgently relaxing atmosphere. The ideal
location from which to enjoy the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Walking, Cycling, Aran Islands, Horse
Riding, Surfing, Sea Angling and Golf.
HAYFIELD MANOR HOTEL CO. CORK
Reside in truly elegant surroundings at Cork's premier 5
star hotel. Nestled within a private walled garden,
Hayfield Manor provides the charm of a country house
with all the amenities of Cork city on your doorstep,
while popular tourist attractions such as Blarney, Kinsale
and Cobh are just a short distance away. Hayfield Manor
offers a choice of luxurious accommodation.
HUNTER'S HOTEL CO. WICKLOW
Ireland's oldest coaching inn, now in the 5th
generation of the same family, with a long-standing
tradition of friendliness, hospitality and good food. Its
picturesque gardens along the banks of the river
Vartry provide a delightful setting for a delicious
afternoon tea or pre-lunch drink. The hotel is an ideal
base from which to visit Mount Usher Gardens,
Powerscourt, Russborough, Killruddery, Glendalough
and the other attractions of County Wicklow, "The
Garden of Ireland".
KING SITRIC RESTAURANT & TOWNHOUSE CO. DUBLIN
Established in 1971, Aidan and Joan MacManus
have earned an international reputation for fresh
seafood in their harbour-side restaurant in the
picturesque fishing village of Howth. In 1999,
they extensively rebuilt their old Harbour
Master's house, relocating the restaurant to the
first floor with panoramic seaviews, and adding
eight guest bedrooms. All the bedrooms are
named after Lighthouses and have sea-views.
LISS ARD ESTATE CO. CORK
Protected by acres of stupendous greenery, Liss Ard
Estate dates back to Victorian times. Nestled on 200
acres of undulating Irish countryside dotted with
beautiful woodlands and a private 50 acre glittering
lake, Liss Ard Estate is a place of enchantment and
relaxation.Situated just one mile from Skibereen
village in beautiful West Cork, Liss Ard Estate is full
of character and personality. It is the perfect Irish
rural escape and offers a magical setting in which to
respite.
LONGUEVILLE HOUSE CO. CORK
Set in 500 acres of wooded estate in the heart of
the Blackwater Valley, Longueville House is a
1720 Georgian Heritage Mansion owned and run
by the O'Callaghan family. Longueville House is
an ideal base for touring or golfing in the scenic
southwest and provides a peaceful and tranquil
setting for those who wish to relax or laze by the
fire. The Longueville estate offers a variety of
activities to guests, including salmon and brown
trout fishing on the River Blackwater, walk up
shoots between the months of November and
January and scenic walks throughout the estate.
MARLFIELD HOUSE CO. WEXFORD
Marlfield House is a beautifully restored Regency period house set on 36 acres of fine gardens
and woodland and close to miles of golden
beaches. The Bowe family opened its doors to
guests over 30 years ago and it has continued as a
highly acclaimed country house and restaurant
ever since. Rooms are filled with beautiful
antiques, paintings and vases of flowers from the
garden. All overlook the gardens and grounds,
have marble bathrooms and the six grand state
rooms open on to the lake and wildfowl reserve.
The extensive gardens include a croquet lawn,
tennis court, woodland walks, a lake and a rose,
vegetable and herb garden which provides much of the produce for the kitchen. Marlfield's
conservatory restaurant with frescoed walls is highly acclaimed as one of Ireland's most charming
dining rooms serving classical food using home grown and local produce.
THE MERRION HOTEL CO. DUBLIN
The Merrion, Dublin's most stylish 5 star
hotel is situated opposite Government
Buildings in the city centre. Created from
four Georgian Townhouses and a
contemporary Garden Wing, the 142
bedrooms and suites are arranged around
two 18th century style gardens. Stunningly
restored interiors provide the perfect
backdrop for one of Ireland's most
impressive private art collections.
MOY HOUSE CO. CLARE
The sensitive restoration of this early 19th century
15 acre estate recreates a contemporary and
elegant ambience for today's traveller in search of
natural and warm hospitality. Each of the nine
comfortable bedrooms are individually crafted
with a mixture of classic and contemporary
functionalism. The wonderful Romance Junior
Suite or Signature Suite "The Well Room" brings
a new level of luxury to Moy House with soft
lighting, open fireplaces, elegant furnishings all
capturing the ever changing views of the ocean.
THE MUSTARD SEED CO. LIMERICK
Nestled in the heart of the Co. Limerick countryside is
The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, a converted 19th
century convent. The celebrated and comfortable Echo
Lodge is set on ten acres of mature trees, herbaceous
borders, orchard and kitchen garden. Home to The
Mustard Seed restaurant, the busy, buzzy dining room
has long been highly acclaimed, attracting lovers of good
food and fine wine from around the globe.
NEWFORGE HOUSE CO. ARMAGH
Cradled in mature gardens and green fields in the village of Magheralin this Georgian Country
House, built in 1785, and has been in the family for six generations. Extensive, yet sensitive,
restoration works were undertaken over twoyears before John and Louise Mathers opened
the family home to guests in 2005. Newforge
boasts light and airy reception rooms and six
individually designed bedrooms. Period
features and antiques blend seamlessly with
contemporary comforts- fireplaces, shutters and
cornicing, for example, have been lovingly
restored, whilst elegant modern bathrooms and
excellent beds have been added to ensure guests
enjoy a most relaxing stay. A wide selection of
books and DVD's are available for those rainy days.
PARK HOTEL KENMARE CO. KERRY
Since 1897 many world travellers have enjoyed the pleasure of Park Hotel Kenmare and its
renowned restaurant. Set in a heavenly location overlooking Kenmare Bay the hotel is in the heart
of Ireland's most scenic countryside. All
accommodations are spacious with sitting
area, antique furnishings and original art while
Deluxe and Suites enjoy a full sea view or
private veranda. Home to the Deluxe
Destination Spa SÁMAS; guests can
experience the virtues of a true spa. This
special and quite unique place blends healing
and therapeutic traditions from the East and
West with the life inspiring scenery of Kerry
to revive the body, mind and soul.
RATHMULLAN HOUSE CO. DONEGAL
With its stunning location, right beside the sea, you can stroll through the gardens of this lovely
old house down to a mile long sandy beach. Inside has a comfortable and informal country house
style with rooms to suit everyone, from romantic garden rooms with freestanding bath tubs to
large garret rooms for whole families. The
beach provides endless entertainment-walk it,
jog it, comb it, ride it, occasionally even lie on
it when the weather is good! But there is also
an indoor heated pool, sauna, tennis courts,
massages and holistic treatments at the hotel.
books, boardgames, DVDs and jigsaws for the
less energetic. Nearby, there are lots of
excellent links, including Portsalon, Rospenna
and Ballyliffin, providing golf at great value.
RATHSALLAGH HOUSE CO. WICKLOW
Converted from Queen Anne stables in
1798, Rathsallagh is a large comfortable
house situated in 530 acres of peaceful
parkland with a walled garden and its own
18-hole Championship Golf Course. Close
to Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains,
The National Stud (with its Japanese
Gardens) and the Curragh, yet Dublin is
less than one hour's drive. The O'Flynn
family and their staff look forward to
welcoming you to Rathsallagh. The
atmosphere is relaxed with log and turf
fires, central heating throughout and luxurious bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms.
ROSLEAGUE MANOR CO. GALWAY
A delightfully situated Georgian house overlooking Ballinakill Bay, which has been discreetly
converted into a first-class hotel with a
Victorian style conservatory and delightful
drawing rooms with open log fires. All of
the bedrooms are individually decorated and
feature fine antiques and paintings. Set in 30
acres of secluded woodland to the ocean's
edge, Rosleague is a beautifully wooded
area on the coast, located just one mile from
the Connemara National Park, an area of
some 5,000 acres and just 5 minutes’ drive
to Kylemore's beautiful Abbey and walled
gardens. Salmon, trout and sea fishing; golf
and horse-riding all available in the area. Tennis court available for guests use.
STELLA MARIS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL CO. MAYO
Stella Maris was built in 1853 as a Coast Guard fortress and subsequently became a convent in
1914. The detailed restoration of
this imposing 19th century
oceanfront structure was completed
in 2002. Antiques are interspersed
with comfortable leather furniture
to create a 'homey' sense for guests.
Visitors enjoy the tranquil setting
from the 100-foot conservatory
fronting Bunatrahir Bay and
Downpatrick Head, a stunning 300foot sea stack.
TANKARDSTOWN HOUSE CO. MEATH
Exuding elegance and luxury, Tankardstown
is a truly special place to stay. Less than an
hour’s drive from Dublin, Tankardstown
Estate comprises an 18th Century Manor
House, adjoining Orangery and a central
courtyard of Cottage Suites. Tucked behind
the Main House finds the ‘Garden Village’,
where dining takes place in the 2AA Rosette
Restaurant , ‘Brabazon’, or for more casual
fare and Afternoon Tea, ‘The Cellar’ offers
cosy fires on chilly days or alfresco dining by
the fountain when the sun shines.
WINEPORT LODGE CO. WESTMEATH
Wineport Lodge has the most unique
setting on the edge of Ireland's
peaceful Inland Waterways. Situated
just 4KM from the M6 Motorway, one
hour's drive from West Dublin, it is
very easily accessible from anywhere
in Ireland. Famously delicious food is
matched by genuinely friendly and
attentive hospitality. An always
enticing Menu changes with the
seasons, and the most flavorsome
local produce regularly appears as a
daily special.