November 2021. Cashel Palace Hotel in Tipperary, Browns Bonds Hill in Derry and The Wicklow Escape in Wicklow are the three new properties joining the Ireland’s Blue Book collection of country houses, historic hotels and restaurants for 2022. The new additions bring the total number of properties in the Ireland’s Blue Book collection to 59.
The five-star Cashel Palace Hotel, a regal manor dating back to 1732, is a luxury hideaway in the heart of Ireland. Spectacularly located by the Rock of Cashel in Co. Tipperary, Cashel Palace Hotel will offer elegant bedrooms, suites, perfectly pruned gardens, a world class Spa, exceptional dining and a convivial Guinness Bar. Under meticulous restoration since 2017, Cashel Palace Hotel will proudly open its doors to guests in March 2022.
Hailed as putting the North West on the foodie map, Browns Bonds Hill is known for its fine dining menus and numerous award wins. The restaurant is renowned for its sumptuous food and impeccable service with patron chef Ian Orr at its helm. Overlooking Derry’s Peace Bridge, Browns has a sleek art deco interior while being luxurious and comfortable.
The Wicklow Escape is an 18th century secluded mountain lodge that has been creatively restored by owner Lisa Wilkinson. Set in the foothills of the West Wicklow Mountains, The Wicklow Escape offers an immersive, culinary experience fronted by head chef Danni Barry. The 7 luxuriously rustic garden rooms step out into an acre of woodlands with mountain views, a perfect escape for lovers of food, nature and hillwalking.
Commenting on the inclusion in the collection, manager of Cashel Palace Hotel, Adriaan Bartels, says “As a previous member of the Blue Book the Cashel Palace is absolutely delighted to have the honour of being a member of this prestigious collection once again”.
Owner of The Wicklow Escape, Lisa Wilkinson, says “The Wicklow Escape is honoured to join Ireland's distinguished Blue Book and we very much look forward to welcoming valued guests to our unique culinary immersion”.
Incoming Blue Book chairperson Joe O’Flynn warmly welcomes the new additions, saying “I am delighted to welcome Cashel Place, Browns Bonds Hill and The Wicklow Escape to Ireland’s Blue Book. I would also like to sincerely thank our loyal guests for their continued support of the Blue Book this year”.
ENDS
About Cashel Palace Hotel
Set within a magnificent 1732 Palladian manor, and with views of the iconic Rock of Cashel, this landmark address has been meticulously restored to create a truly desirable destination hotel in the heart of Ireland. Optimally located between town and countryside, the dining offering is exceptional. With a deep connection to the surrounding Golden Vale pastures, much produce is sourced from this natural larder with which Executive Chef Stephen Hayes creates an exciting culinary experience.
www.cashelpalacehotel.ie
About Browns Bonds Hill
Browns Bonds Hill is hailed as putting the North West on the foodie map with its fine dining menus and numerous award wins. Located on the banks of the River Foyle overlooking Derry’s Peace Bridge, Browns boasts a stylish art deco interior and is luxurious and comfortable. Recommended by the Michelin Guide every year since opening, the menu is modern Irish using the best local and seasonal ingredients.
www.brownsbondshill.com
About The Wicklow Escape
The property has been creatively restored by owner Lisa Wilkinson and offers an immersive, culinary experience supported by hyperlocal suppliers and a seasonal kitchen garden. Executive Head Chef, Danni Barry, has curated a fully inclusive three-day gourmet food getaway with guests enjoying three days of high-end dining and drinks pairings. The luxurious rustic garden rooms step out into an acre of gardens and woodlands with mountain views. Ideal for those looking to relax in exclusive rustic heaven.
www.thewicklowescape.com
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, Luxury Boutique Hotels and Designer Lodges, there is a property in the collection to suit everyone's tastes and requirements.
Editor’s Notes
More about Cashel Palace Hotel
• Cashel Palace Hotel has a total of 42 bedrooms, including 8 opulent suites.
• On adjacent grounds, the casual dining option, Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen, welcomes locals and hotel guests alike to enjoy indoor and al fresco dining. Lovingly restored and reopened in 2017, Mikey Ryan's has remained a firm town favourite and is an ever popular choice for brunch, lunch and dinner.
• From €300 - €900 B&B.
More about Browns Bonds Hill
• Browns Bonds Hill offers a range of dining experiences throughout the seasons such as wine dinners, cookery demonstrations, private dining & outside catering as well as social outings.
• Since establishing Browns Bonds Hill in 2009, Ian Orr and Marcus Roulston have opened Browns in Town, Strand Road, Derry, Ardtara Country House & Restaurant, Upperlands and Eighteen Ninety Four, Portstewart.
More about The Wicklow Escape
• Head Chef Danni Barry is one of an elite group of female chefs to be awarded a Michelin star in the UK and Ireland.
• Their three-day package includes a four-course forest feast menu with wine pairings, a hot tub under the stars, breakfast in bed, a guided walk in the forest, a picnic lunch, a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, and a sumptuous brunch. Two-day packages also available.
• Featuring seven bedrooms, all individually styled, the property sleeps 18 for gourmet dining stay or up to 26 for private hire. Ensuite bathrooms with rain head shower fed with their own Wicklow spring water invigorates and leaves a glowing shine.
• 3-day package from €493 per person sharing, 2-day package from €246 per person sharing.
For details on Ireland’s Blue Book please contact:
Sophie Carey| Marketing Executive | Ireland’s Blue Book, 63 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2
T +353 1 6769914 | W: www.irelandsbluebook.com | E: mail@irelandsbluebook.com
