Blue Book Press Releases

July 2012: Ireland's Blue Book is delighted to announce that during his tour of the “Unspoiled Northwest of Ireland”unbeknownst to us and our country house owners travel writer and expert Andrew Harper stayed in a number of Ireland’s Blue Book houses. His complete article can be found in his 2012 July Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report. Here is a small sample of some of his thoughts.

Ballyfin House in Co. Laois is described as “providing a scene to stir the souls of Downton Devotees” providing a “dining experience that few hotels can match”.

Simon O’Hara the owner of Coopershill House in Sligo is described as “a young man who is the exemplification of Irish Hospitality.” Harper compliments Coopershill's chef Christina McCauley’s cooking, describing how Christina “scours the local producers and markets in pursuit of a “farm-to-fork” menu. According to the July Report “the results are exceptional…..”.

Rathmullan House in Donegal also impressed the seasoned travel writer. “Our superior room charmed us from the start….”. The writer goes on to describe the dining room in Rathmullan House as “spectacular”.

Harper then crossed over the border to another Blue Book House, Ardtara Country House in L’Derry. The bedrooms in Ardtara are described as “charming and comfortable in every way” and the “wood panelling and a distinctive frieze make the dining room an exceptionally congenial place for dinner”.

Leaving Ardtara the writer moved south to Castle Leslie in Co. Monaghan, where his favourite room was the library. “..my favourite room was the library, with it's huge fireplace and deep couches, where I spent one rainy morning reading contently”. Overall the writer found Castle Leslie to be “a wonderful mix of architectural splendour and homey authenticity”.

About Andrew Harper:

The company employs about 60 full-time staff with offices in Austin, Chicago, New York and Idaho, and is best known for producing a respected monthly travel publication, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report. The writer known as Andrew Harper (a pseudonym) pays full rates as he travels to ensure objective editorial information.

In addition to travel publishing, Andrew Harper provides dues-paying members of its private travel community with access to an in-house travel agency, the Andrew Harper Travel Office, whose staff of consultants specializes in personalized planning and booking of vacation travel based on Mr. Harper's recommendations.

The company also negotiates benefits such as room upgrades, discounted rates and complimentary breakfasts with recommended properties and partners. Each property and partner must first receive Andrew Harper's distinguished recommendation after an anonymous stay. In return for increased exposure to members, properties agree to provide an added measure of attention and care.

.

About Ireland’s Blue Book:

Ireland's Blue Book is a 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 holiday vacation in Ireland.

Activities vary from golf, fishing, spas and cookery schools or just relaxing in warm and comfortable surroundings.

With a choice of elegant Georgian Manors, Stately Castles, Historic Hotels, cosy Bed and Breakfast accommodation, Luxury Boutique Hotels and Designer Lodges, there is something to suit everyone's tastes and requirements.

Also included in the collection are three of Dublin city's finest Michelin star restaurants.

Ireland's Blue Book is the sole Irish representative association of Europe's leading heritage accommodation provider - Historic Hotels of Europe.

For further information contact:

Michelle Maguire on 01 6769914 or email mail@irelandsbluebook.com

« Go Back