November 2019. Historic Glin Castle, Co. Limerick owned by Catherine FitzGerald and actor Dominic West and The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin 2 are two new properties joining Ireland’s Blue Book, the unique collection of stylish country house hotels, manor houses, castles and restaurants located throughout the island of Ireland. The announcement of the new members was made at the Blue Book Annual General Meeting which took place on the 5th of November at Ballymaloe House in Co. Cork. The new additions bring the total number of properties in the Ireland’s Blue Book collection to 56.
Glin Castle, home for 800 years of the FitzGerald family, hereditary Knights of Glin, is available to hire exclusively for private rental accommodation, events, golf tours and small weddings. Standing proudly in its 400 acre wooded demesne on the banks of the River Shannon, it comprises 15 luxurious, uniquely decorated, en-suite bedrooms, a grand entrance hall, dining room, comfortable library and elegant light drawing room, all with open fires.
In addition to its very desirable city centre address, just five minutes stroll from St. Stephen’s Green, there is an air of refinement and charming character to The Wilder Townhouse which dates from the Victorian era. Originally a home for retired governesses, the property offers a range of different room styles and sizes as well as the art deco style residents bar, The Gin and Tea with indoor and outdoor seating, serving a large selection of bespoke craft gins from across Ireland.
Commenting on the inclusion in the collection, Frankie Whelehan owner of The Wilder comments “Ireland’s Blue Book is a wonderful collection of beautiful historic properties which we are delighted to be a part of. Creating “The Wilder Townhouse“ allowed us to bring a beautiful structure back to its former glory, in addition to creating a truly unique hotel experience in the heart of Dublin 2”
Newly elected chairperson Laura Bowe is thrilled with the new additions, saying “I am delighted to welcome The Wilder Townhouse and Glin Castle to Ireland’s Blue Book. Both properties are beautiful and completely unique , which is a true representation of what a quintessential Blue Book property is. I also feel privileged to have been elected to the role of chairperson for 2020 and am looking forward to an exciting year ahead”
About The Wilder Townhouse
There’s an air of refinement and charming character to The Wilder, in addition to the very desirable city centre address, just five minutes stroll from St. Stephen’s Green. Dating from the Victorian era, with its stunning red-brick facade, The Wilder evokes a real sense of history, perfectly combining its rich heritage with modern elegance and comforts.
All 42 guest rooms are distinctive, varying in size with en-suite bathrooms with walk-in rainforest showers. There are four room categories, from the aptly named cosy Shoebox rooms, and Small Doubles, to larger Popular Rooms, and luxury Suites.
Delicious home-cooked breakfast is served daily featuring Irish artisan produce. In the evening, The Gin and Tea Rooms, and a stunning private terrace provide the perfect haven to relax and enjoy a quiet drink.
About Glin Castle
Glin Castle, home for 800 years of the FitzGerald family, hereditary Knights of Glin, and now owned by Catherine FitzGerald and Dominic West, stands proudly in its 400 acre wooded demesne on the banks of the river Shannon. Behind the house lie romantic pleasure grounds and a vibrant walled garden which supplies flowers, vegetables and fruit for the kitchen. Glin Castle is available to hire exclusively for private rental accommodation, events, golf tours and small weddings.
The castle comprises 15 luxurious, uniquely decorated en-suite bedrooms, a grand entrance hall, dining room, comfortable library and elegant light drawing room, all with open fires. The kitchen offers the best in Irish country house cooking. Activities such as clay pigeon shooting, yoga and archery as well as evening whiskey tastings with Irish music, can be arranged on site. Glin Castle is the perfect gateway to the southwest and the Wild Atlantic Way, and is within half an hours drive of Ballybunion and Adare golf courses and an hours drive of Tralee, Doonbeg and Lahinch courses.
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. Ireland's Blue Book is the sole Irish representative association of Europe's leading heritage accommodation provider - Historic Hotels of Europe.
Katy Walsh| Marketing Executive | Ireland’s Blue Book, 63 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2
T +353 1 6769914 | W: www.irelandsbluebook.com | E: katy@irelandsbluebook.com
Editors notes:
More about The Wilder Townhouse
- The Wilder was constructed in the Victorian era, the same period when Oscar Wilde resided in Dublin. Its original use was as a “Home for Retired Governesses”.
- A range of different room styles and sizes to choose from, from cosy, practical Shoebox rooms to larger Popular Rooms and Suites.
- The Gin and Tea is an art deco style residents bar with indoor and outdoor seating serving a large selection of bespoke craft Gins from across Ireland. The bar features an original, mosaic tiled floor, French glass lights, a walnut bar with a marble top and original art.
More about Glin Castle
- Several colourful characters have held the title of hereditary Knight of Glin, including Edmund, Knight of Glin, whose son was taken hostage and tied to the mouth of a cannon during the famous Siege of Glin in 1601; to the much loved 25th “Knight of the Women”, who installed mistresses in each of the Gothic lodges; to “Cracked Jack” the 26th Knight, who used to ride his horse up the flying staircase to bed
- The flying staircase is a rare architectural feature of the castle and the only one of its kind in Ireland, which consists of two flights of stairs which connected to a single unsupported central “flying” staircase which leads up to the bedrooms.
- 'Shanid Abu' means 'Shanid for ever' and was the war-cry of the FitzGeralds. It can be seen on the coat-of-arms on the ceiling of Glin Castle and on many pieces of silver in the house
- Notable guests include Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithfull and Taylor Swift
- Activities such as clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry are available, as pre-dinner entertainment such as traditional Irish music, Irish dancing, whiskey tasting or history discussion.
Glin Castle
The Wilder
