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The 2008 edition of Ireland's Blue Book was launched today at the RHA Gallery in Dublin.October 2007

This prestigious guide features some wonderful old favourites who have been members of the Blue Book since its inception in 1974. It includes one new entry for 2008. The chosen one for 2008 is Ballyvolane House in Castlelyons, Co. Cork, home to the Green family. Ballyvolane, has been welcoming guests for over two decades under the ownership of Merry & Jeremy Green. Their son Justin took over the property four years ago having returned from working for several years as General Manager of Babington House in Britain.

Membership of the Blue Book is by invitation only and hotels and restaurants consider it a prestigious accolade to be invited to join the ‘Blue Book Family’. This superb little publication enjoys wide recognition as the connoisseurs guide to the finest Country Houses Hotels, Castles and Restaurants in Ireland.

Ray Byrne, the current President of Ireland’s Blue Book and owner of the Wineport Lodge near Glasson said ‘whilst the Blue Book is one of the oldest marketing associations a striking feature for the 2007 season was the changing age profile of guests as properties have responded by offering additional amenities and facilities such as cookery courses, spas, WIFI.

The importance of associations such as Ireland’s Blue Book cannot be over emphasized. Ireland has enjoyed considerable success in attracting overseas tourists and the Blue Book has been a major contributor to this success. Members have featured in various publications such as Condé Nast Traveler; In Style etc. showcasing the country at its best. The Blue Book has an exceptionally high ranking on the website search engines and offers a portal for online reservations.

Several members have won prestigious awards and accolades recently such as Cashel House winning the Best Country House in Ireland with the Good Hotel Guide and Rathsallagh House winning the Best Country House Hotel at the recent Hotel & Catering Review awards.

The 2008 is available from the Association mail@irelandsbluebook.com or tel: 01 6769914 www.irelandsbluebook.com (free of charge) or through major bookstores and tourist board offices.

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Issued 18th October 2007

Contact: Hilary Finlay, Ireland’s Blue Book, 8 Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2.
Tel: (+353) 01 6769914 E mail: mail@irelandsbluebook.com

Ireland's Blue Book of Country Houses & Restaurants
7/8 Mount St Crescent, Dublin 2. Ireland
Tel: (+353) 01-6769914 | Fax: (+353) 01-6314990 | Email:enquiry@irelandsbluebook.com