Ireland’s Blue Book
Hotels & Restaurants
Choose Destination
Ireland’s Ancient East
Stretching across 17 counties, Ireland’s Ancient East connects a patchwork of mythology, medieval castles, and sacred landscapes.
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Cork
Ahernes Townhouse & Seafood Restaurant
Luxury accommodation and ‘the finest seafood in the world’. Aherne’s is a small, luxury hotel with a world-famous reputation for its warm hospitality, luxury accommodation and outstanding food. Run by the Fitzgibbon family for three generations, Aherne’s is situated in the historic walled seaside resort of Youghal, on the beautiful, sunny south-east coast of Ireland.
discover
Laois
Ballyfin Demesne
Take a walk with Ballyfin’s expert guide and explore deep into the ancient woodlands of the Demesne, passing the winter waterfall, visiting the gate lodges, the church and graveyard. This guided tour explores the history and development of the demesne.
discover
Cork
Ballymaloe House Hotel
Gentle strolls can be taken around the ponds and woodlands of the Ballymaloe grounds, where something is always in flower, be it a carpet of bluebells or vibrant rhododendrons. Maps are available for longer walks around the grounds. Idyllic walks can be taken on the Ballycotton cliffs, and in local woodlands, along the beaches and on the quieter country roads in the area.
discover
Kildare
Barberstown Castle
Barberstown Castle in County Kildare is an internationally known, historic castle and country house hotel. Built in the 13th Century, the castle is situated only 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre, thus making it the ideal first or last stop on your tour of Ireland and the perfect castle to stay in while visiting Dublin.
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Kilkenny
Butler House
Butler House is the charming Dower House of Kilkenny Castle since 1786. Nestled in the heart of vibrant medieval Kilkenny, Butler House brings history, charm, romance and a warm welcome to all who visit. Sleep, dine or celebrate those milestones in life in timeless and unique surroundings.
discover
Kilkenny
Campagne Restaurant
Campagne restaurant is a top Michelin Star restaurant in Kilkenny city. The emphasis is on serving food that is based on high-quality seasonal produce, with French influences, in a relaxed and comfortable dining area.
discover
Tipperary
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.
discover
Laois
Castle Durrow
The nearby Durrow Leafy Loops walks offer the serious walker a loop of 20 kilometres (12,5 miles). There is also a variety of shorter walks for the more casual stroller. Castle Durrow is the ideal starting point from which to take long walks in the spectacular Slieve Bloom Mountains and follow the Heritage Trails of Laois.
discover
Monaghan
Castle Leslie Estate
With its 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is a picturesque rural destination for those in search of an outdoor experience. There are a variety of exceptional walks, from short jaunts to long leisurely strolls, both on the Estate grounds, around the village of Glaslough and in the local area.
discover
Kildare
Cliff at Lyons
Nestled in the heart of Kildare, Cliff at Lyons is a hotel and country retreat encapsulating an exquisite selection of historic rose-clad buildings. Within its idyllic bounds lie the botanically inspired Well in the Garden Spa, period-styled Mill Restaurant, an artisanal gourmet café The Pantry, the luxury retail store CLIFF Home, and a plush suite of event venues. Accommodation includes elegantly furnished rooms and quaint cottages steeped in country charm. Capturing a riveting tale at every turn, this magnificent estate is a true celebration of Irish culture and heritage
discover
Wexford
Dunbrody Country House Hotel
This captivating 1830s Georgian manor house hotel hiding amid 300 acres of tranquil parkland on the idyllic Hook Peninsula yet is less than 1 km from Waterford City. A chic yet informal ambience permeates Dunbrody, where guests have the opportunity to experience sheer indulgence coupled with a tradition of courteous attentive service.
discover
Louth
Ghan House
Ghan House is the ideal base for beautiful walking trails. Just behind the house is Slieve Foy, a hiking lovers dream. When the tide is out, borrow a pair of wellington boots and walk along the seashore, through rock pools and over glistening seaweed. Just a five minute drive away is Ballagan Shore, which is a single track road winding its way through the ancient old Irish farmhouse town of Whitestown, past Lily Finnegan’s pub then onto the open shore, with panoramic views of the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough, Hallbowline Lighthouse, the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Foy.
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Cork
Hayfield Manor Hotel
Hayfield Manor Hotel is tucked away in a leafy corner of mature private gardens only a 15-minute walk from Cork city centre. Family owned and managed, Hayfield Manor is the ideal retreat to experience Cork’s great art galleries, opera and historic university.
discover
Wicklow
Hunter’s Hotel
Ireland’s oldest coaching inn, now in the 5th generation of the same family, with a long-standing tradition of friendliness, hospitality and good food. Its picturesque gardens along the banks of the river Vartry provide a delightful setting for a delicious afternoon tea or pre-lunch drink.
discover
Wexford
Marlfield House
The long white sandy beaches of the east coast and the many walks and trails through the hills and lakes of Wicklow provide ample choice for the avid walker.
discover
Wicklow
Rathsallagh House
Converted from Queen Anne stables in 1798, Rathsallagh is a large comfortable house situated in 530 acres of peaceful parkland with a walled garden. It is central to some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland.
discover
Meath
Tankardstown House
The opulent surroundings of Tankardstown await you for a truly unforgettable experience. You may choose to stay in the chic courtyard cottages or in one of the six luxurious bedrooms of the main house, which is also available to rent in its entirety…
discover
Meath
The Station House Hotel
Originally built in 1862 as a busy railway junction, The Station House Hotel in County Meath took on a new life in 1984 as an award winning, family owned boutique hotel in the lush Boyne Valley, less than an hour from Dublin.
discover
Waterford
The Tannery Restaurant, Townhouse and Cookery School
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 our 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.
discover
Kilkenny
Tubbrid Castle
There is an abudance of walking and hiking routes in the Kilkenny and on our doorstep. The Crag Loop, a ten-minute drive away, gives panoramic views across Kilkenny, Laois and Tipperary.
discover
Cavan
Virginia Park Lodge
There are four main walks that cover various aspects of the Virginia Park gardens and grounds. The Woodland and Avenue Walk, The Devils Corner Walk, The Boat House Walk, and The Well Walk. Walking times range from a leisurely 20-minute stroll to a more strenuous two-hour wander.
discover
Cork
Ahernes Townhouse & Seafood Restaurant
Luxury accommodation and ‘the finest seafood in the world’. Aherne’s is a small, luxury hotel with a world-famous reputation for its warm hospitality, luxury accommodation and outstanding food. Run by the Fitzgibbon family for three generations, Aherne’s is situated in the historic walled seaside resort of Youghal, on the beautiful, sunny south-east coast of Ireland.
discover
Laois
Ballyfin Demesne
Take a walk with Ballyfin’s expert guide and explore deep into the ancient woodlands of the Demesne, passing the winter waterfall, visiting the gate lodges, the church and graveyard. This guided tour explores the history and development of the demesne.
discover
Cork
Ballymaloe House Hotel
Gentle strolls can be taken around the ponds and woodlands of the Ballymaloe grounds, where something is always in flower, be it a carpet of bluebells or vibrant rhododendrons. Maps are available for longer walks around the grounds. Idyllic walks can be taken on the Ballycotton cliffs, and in local woodlands, along the beaches and on the quieter country roads in the area.
discover
Kildare
Barberstown Castle
Barberstown Castle in County Kildare is an internationally known, historic castle and country house hotel. Built in the 13th Century, the castle is situated only 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre, thus making it the ideal first or last stop on your tour of Ireland and the perfect castle to stay in while visiting Dublin.
discover
Kilkenny
Butler House
Butler House is the charming Dower House of Kilkenny Castle since 1786. Nestled in the heart of vibrant medieval Kilkenny, Butler House brings history, charm, romance and a warm welcome to all who visit. Sleep, dine or celebrate those milestones in life in timeless and unique surroundings.
discover
Kilkenny
Campagne Restaurant
Campagne restaurant is a top Michelin Star restaurant in Kilkenny city. The emphasis is on serving food that is based on high-quality seasonal produce, with French influences, in a relaxed and comfortable dining area.
discover
Tipperary
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.
discover
Laois
Castle Durrow
The nearby Durrow Leafy Loops walks offer the serious walker a loop of 20 kilometres (12,5 miles). There is also a variety of shorter walks for the more casual stroller. Castle Durrow is the ideal starting point from which to take long walks in the spectacular Slieve Bloom Mountains and follow the Heritage Trails of Laois.
discover
Monaghan
Castle Leslie Estate
With its 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is a picturesque rural destination for those in search of an outdoor experience. There are a variety of exceptional walks, from short jaunts to long leisurely strolls, both on the Estate grounds, around the village of Glaslough and in the local area.
discover
Kildare
Cliff at Lyons
Nestled in the heart of Kildare, Cliff at Lyons is a hotel and country retreat encapsulating an exquisite selection of historic rose-clad buildings. Within its idyllic bounds lie the botanically inspired Well in the Garden Spa, period-styled Mill Restaurant, an artisanal gourmet café The Pantry, the luxury retail store CLIFF Home, and a plush suite of event venues. Accommodation includes elegantly furnished rooms and quaint cottages steeped in country charm. Capturing a riveting tale at every turn, this magnificent estate is a true celebration of Irish culture and heritage
discover
Wexford
Dunbrody Country House Hotel
This captivating 1830s Georgian manor house hotel hiding amid 300 acres of tranquil parkland on the idyllic Hook Peninsula yet is less than 1 km from Waterford City. A chic yet informal ambience permeates Dunbrody, where guests have the opportunity to experience sheer indulgence coupled with a tradition of courteous attentive service.
discover
Louth
Ghan House
Ghan House is the ideal base for beautiful walking trails. Just behind the house is Slieve Foy, a hiking lovers dream. When the tide is out, borrow a pair of wellington boots and walk along the seashore, through rock pools and over glistening seaweed. Just a five minute drive away is Ballagan Shore, which is a single track road winding its way through the ancient old Irish farmhouse town of Whitestown, past Lily Finnegan’s pub then onto the open shore, with panoramic views of the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough, Hallbowline Lighthouse, the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Foy.
discover
Cork
Hayfield Manor Hotel
Hayfield Manor Hotel is tucked away in a leafy corner of mature private gardens only a 15-minute walk from Cork city centre. Family owned and managed, Hayfield Manor is the ideal retreat to experience Cork’s great art galleries, opera and historic university.
discover
Wicklow
Hunter’s Hotel
Ireland’s oldest coaching inn, now in the 5th generation of the same family, with a long-standing tradition of friendliness, hospitality and good food. Its picturesque gardens along the banks of the river Vartry provide a delightful setting for a delicious afternoon tea or pre-lunch drink.
discover
Wexford
Marlfield House
The long white sandy beaches of the east coast and the many walks and trails through the hills and lakes of Wicklow provide ample choice for the avid walker.
discover
Wicklow
Rathsallagh House
Converted from Queen Anne stables in 1798, Rathsallagh is a large comfortable house situated in 530 acres of peaceful parkland with a walled garden. It is central to some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland.
discover
Meath
Tankardstown House
The opulent surroundings of Tankardstown await you for a truly unforgettable experience. You may choose to stay in the chic courtyard cottages or in one of the six luxurious bedrooms of the main house, which is also available to rent in its entirety…
discover
Meath
The Station House Hotel
Originally built in 1862 as a busy railway junction, The Station House Hotel in County Meath took on a new life in 1984 as an award winning, family owned boutique hotel in the lush Boyne Valley, less than an hour from Dublin.
discover
Waterford
The Tannery Restaurant, Townhouse and Cookery School
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 our 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.
discover
Kilkenny
Tubbrid Castle
There is an abudance of walking and hiking routes in the Kilkenny and on our doorstep. The Crag Loop, a ten-minute drive away, gives panoramic views across Kilkenny, Laois and Tipperary.
discover
Cavan
Virginia Park Lodge
There are four main walks that cover various aspects of the Virginia Park gardens and grounds. The Woodland and Avenue Walk, The Devils Corner Walk, The Boat House Walk, and The Well Walk. Walking times range from a leisurely 20-minute stroll to a more strenuous two-hour wander.
