November 2016: Ireland’s Blue Book is delighted to announce the addition of three new properties to their collection of Country Houses, Historic Hotels and Restaurants for 2017. Joining the collection are Belleek Castle, Co. Mayo; Hilton Park Manor, Co. Monaghan; and The Tannery Townhouse and Restaurant, Co. Waterford.
The announcement was made at the association’s Annual General Meeting in Dunbrody House, Co. Wexford, on November 8th 2016. The new additions bring the total number of properties in the collection to 50 for 2017, the highest number since the Blue Book association was founded in 1974.
Chairperson of Ireland's Blue Book & proprietor of L'Ecrivain Restaurant, Sallyanne Clarke said “We are delighted to have Belleek Castle, Hilton Park and The Tannery as part of the Blue Book Family. I am privileged to continue my role as Chairperson of the association, and with 2016 being one of the strongest years for Irish tourism, our Hotels & Restaurants are looking forward to a very busy year ahead.”
About Belleek Castle:
Built on an Abbey dating from mediaeval times, this 1820’s neo-gothic Castle is informal, cosy, warm and friendly. Enter the Castle and be welcomed in the original Great Hall, an open fire with the sweet smell of burning turf to warm your steps back through half a millennium. All rooms are individually furnished with antiquities, some of which have beautiful four poster beds and offer period experience to our residents. Enjoy a contemporary dinner, in the unique eclectic dining room. The Kitchen team is led by local chef Stephen Lenahan, his philosophy is to use classic and imaginative cooking with local, seasonal ingredients from the land, sea and air combining a depth of flavour with the traditions of the castle. The elegance and splendour of the 19th Century Manor House is the perfect place for the elaborate 2AA Rosette cuisine.
About Hilton Park
Hilton Park is a “majestic one off”. Now lived in by the 9th & 10th generations, the Madden family have been welcoming guests to their home for over 30 years. Highly skilled cuisine, home-grown produce and an intimate but extremely relaxing atmosphere, gives the guest a uniquely authentic experience. Staying at Hilton truly is an experience, with fine portraits and paintings, antique furniture and an atmosphere that cannot be reproduced. The house is set in stunning grounds, with majestic views. With over 600 acres of parkland, lakes, superb woodlands, croquet lawn and a historic herb and walled gardens; complimentary golf is also available. Ideal for private parties and people looking for an alternative to the conventional hotel experience.
About The Tannery:
Since Paul and Máire Flynn opened The Tannery in 1997, it has become one of the most original and welcoming experiences in Irish food. What makes it special? There is Paul’s cooking, of course – his fresh Waterford ingredients, ever-changing menus and mouth-watering focus on local produce. There is the unique location in the seaside town of Dungarvan, a stone’s throw from the Copper Coast and Comeragh Mountains. But most of all, there is the Tannery’s knack for serving up that most important of ingredients: a great time. Staying overnight in the Tannery Townhouse, the compact and cosy rooms in the heart of downtown Dungarvan completes the Tannery experience.
About Ireland’s Blue Book
Ireland's Blue Book is a unique collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, Castles and Restaurants. Located throughout the island of Ireland, these charming and stylish hideaways are the perfect choice for your romantic escape or weekend retreat. Activities vary from golf, fishing, spas and cookery schools or just relaxing in warm and comfortable surroundings. We have something for everyone.
With a choice of elegant Georgian Manors, Stately Castles, Historic Hotels, cosy Bed and Breakfast accommodation, Luxury Boutique Hotels and Designer Lodges, there is a property in our collection to suit everyone's tastes and requirements. Ireland's Blue Book is the sole Irish representative association of Europe's leading heritage accommodation provider - Historic Hotels of Europe.
