Blue Book Press Releases

2016 is set to be a an exciting year for Ireland’s Blue Book with Brown’s Restaurant, Derry/Londonderry, Killarney Royal, Co. Kerry, No.1 Pery Square, Co. Limerick, Viewmount House, Co. Longford and for the first time some incredible Private Rentals including Coolmore Manor, Co. Donegal and The Shannon Princess, Co. Westmeath joining the illustrious collection. Minster of State for Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Ring TD, launched the 2016 Edition of Ireland’s Blue Book at The Merrion Hotel on Wednesday 25th November, with genial MC, Marty Whelan entertaining guests throughout the evening.

The celebrations drew a host of well-known names with over 100 guests gathered and those in attendance included, Minister Michael Ring, TD, Senator Catherine Noon, MC Marty Whelan, TV3’s Colette Fitzpatrick, Aisling O’Loughlin, Sybil Mulcahy, Tommy Martin, Patrick Kavanagh; RTE’s Ruth Scott, Siobhan Russell (Ray D’Arcy Show producer) Geraldine O’Leary, Maureen Catterson and Dara Meany, Newstalk’s Shona Murray, Paul Doyle and from The Blue Book Collection, Francis Brennan, Kevin Dundon, Catherine Dundon, Derry Clarke, Sallyanne Clarke (new President of Ireland’s Blue Book), Kevin Thornton and Muriel Thornton.

Speaking today Minister Ring said: ‘I commend Ireland’s Blue Book on this wonderful publication of luxury accommodation and fine-dining establishments across the island of Ireland. A warm welcome and great customer service are an essential part of the Irish Tourism industry and the members of the Blue Book exude these qualities. Tourism is a key sector in Ireland’s economic recovery and the Blue Book establishments are playing their part by offering a very appealing and distinctive product that is attractive to overseas and domestic tourists alike. We have made great strides in tourism and I believe that by working together, Government and industry, we have succeeded in restoring Ireland’s reputation as a great place for a holiday’. 
 


“I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role of President of Ireland's Blue Book. It is such an exciting time, with 2016 being Northern Ireland's Year of Food & Drink, and with positive tourism initiatives such as Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way our hotels & restaurants are looking forward to a busy year ahead' said Sallyanne Clarke, President Ireland's Blue Book & proprietor L'Ecrivain. 
 


Tindal wines kindly sponsored the drinks reception including its delicious Henriot Champagne. The Merrion delighted guests with an array of canapés especially selected for the occasion including Crozier Blue Cheese and Apple Mini Croquettes •Poached Salmon Fingers with Saffron Aioli •
Sugar Cured Duck with Vietnamese Dressing on Sesame Crisp • Portobello Mushroom with Béarnaise Sauce •
Cherry Tomato Compote with Pesto & Black Olive in a Crisp Filo Cup. 
 


For details on Ireland’s Blue Book please contact: Michelle Maguire| Marketing Manager | Ireland’s Blue Book | 63 Fitzwilliam Square | Dublin 2 |
T +353 1 6769914 | W: www.irelandsbluebook.com
 


PRESS CONTACT: 

Ailish Cantwell
INSPIRE PR
T: 01-8222330 M: 087-6999159
E: ailish@inspirepr.ie
 


NOTE TO EDITORS: 

Founded by Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House and 11 other country houses in 1974, Ireland’s Blue Book is a romantic collection of Irish Country Houses, Manor Houses, Historic Hotels and restaurants located throughout the island of Ireland. There are 49 gorgeous properties in the 2016 collection. 
Sallyanne Clarke of L’Ecrivain is President of Ireland’s Blue Book.
NEW MEMBERS:
Brown’s Restaurant, Derry/Londonderry
Proprietors: Ian Orr & Marcus Roulston
Since rebirth in 2009, “Browns Restaurant” has gained a reputation for excellent food, genuine hospitality and great service. The Critics have not only established this multi-award winning restaurant as the best in the North West but have placed it in among the best in Ireland. 
Located in the heart of the iconic city of Derry/Londonderry and overlooking the River Foyle, Browns with its Art Deco interior is the sister restaurant to Ardtara Country House. Chef Patron Ian Orr, driven by his passion for great local produce and seasonality is tipped as one of Ireland’s top talents and the awards and critical acclaim have flowed over the years. 
Killarney Royal, Co. Kerry
Proprietors: The Scally family
Killarney town’s most charming boutique hotel. For three generations, the Scally family has held the mantle of caring for guests at the 4-star Killarney Royal, where visitors have been welcomed for over 100 years. Committed to delivering gracious hospitality and creating outstanding memories its wonderful team delivers friendly personal service and true Irish hospitality. Luxurious accommodation, exceptional and innovative cuisine and with a town centre location, the ideal abode from which to explore the bustling town of Killarney. 
No.1 Pery Square, Co. Limerick
Proprietors: Patricia Roberts
Overlooking the handsome, tree-lined Peoples Park in Limerick’s historic Georgian Quarter, No. 1 Pery Square is a luxurious and intimate boutique town house. The house comprises of 20 bedrooms all individually named and styled, while delicious food and wine is served at Sash and the Park room lounge. No.1 also houses an organic Voya spa tucked away in the vaulted cellar, its very own kitchen garden, rooms full of personality and style throughout this Georgian House. 
Viewmount House, Co. Longford
Proprietors: Beryl and James Kearney
Discover this boutique gem, a secret tucked away in the heart of Ireland. This magnificent 17th century country house is complemented by its incredible countryside surroundings, and by the four acres of meticulously maintained gardens that surround it; within the house you will find open fires, beautiful furniture, fresh flowers and Irish literature. It retains its stately, historic charm, and blends it with thoughtful renovation that incorporates modern comfort. Enjoy Viewmount’s exquisite dining experience –VM Restaurant is candlelit, with exposed stonewalls, contemporary paintings, and linen tablecloths. It is these aspects with the impeccable service, that create a superb atmosphere in which to relax
Private Rentals
Coolmore Manor, Co. Donegal
Proprietors: The Schwander Family
A luxurious early 19th century Georgian House with Breath-taking Ocean views overlooking Donegal Bay set on 11 acres of pastureland. An elegant yet cosy “home away from home” where a contemporary ambience is combined with antique furniture and warm hospitality with breathtaking views overlooking Donegal Bay. The Manor House has kept a lot of its original character with many period features (e.g. sash windows with original wooden shutters, high ceilings with ornate plasterworks, wooden floors, marble fireplaces, flagstone floors.) The Living Room, Study and each bedroom have stunning panoramic ocean views towards Donegal Bay, Slieve League and the Blue Stack Mountains. 
Shannon Princess, Co. Westmeath 
Proprietors: The Gibbons Family
The Shannon Princess is a luxury Boutique hotel barge, cruising the river Shannon. Family run and with a professional crew, the Shannon Princess is the perfect way to explore what the river and her loughs have to offer. Guests on board will enjoy all the indulgent comforts of their own private floating luxury hotel, an unforgettable experience that will create memories forever.