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 welcome, luxury accommodation and outstanding food. Run by the Fitzgibbon family for three generations, Aherne’s of Youghal is one the beautiful south coast of Ireland.
discover
Laois
Ballyfin Demesne
Ballyfin Demesne has the flavour of a grand private house with the facilities of a five-star resort. set on 614 acres of private parkland. At the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin Demesne has long been admired as one of the most lavish regency mansion in Ireland.
discover
Cork
Ballymaloe House Hotel
Ballymaloe House Hotel is a large family farmhouse, situated on a 400-acre farm, 20 miles east of Cork city. The house is two miles from the coast, near the small fishing village of Ballycotton and many small sandy coves and beaches. The Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains are about one hour’s drive away.
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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
Situated right in the heart of the Medieval city of Kilkenny is Butler House, the Dower House of Kilkenny Castle. One of the best and unique features of Kilkenny is its compactness, allowing you to explore everything it has to offer on foot. The Medieval Mile starts at Kilkenny Castle, taking you through its narrow streetscapes, stopping off at key historical buildings and landmarks on your way. You will first come to the Medieval Mile Museum, followed by a walk down the high street towards Rothe House and the Smithwicks Experience, followed by a visit to St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower.
discover
Kilkenny
Campagne Restaurant
No city break to Kilkenny would be complete without a visit to the Michelin-starred Campagne – located under the old railway arches close to John’s St.
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
Castle Durrow has been completely restored and decorated by Peter and Shelly Stokes in a comfortable, relaxing and contemporary style with the modern way of life and fashion in mind and without overlooking its past.
discover
Monaghan
Castle Leslie Estate
Steeped in history, full of character and charm, Castle Leslie Estate is the ultimate Irish rural escape, nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes.
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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
Built in 1727, Ghan House is a fully restored, family-run Georgian house and restaurant, celebrating its’ 30th year of operation, awards & continual improvement. It is one of the oldest private houses of its type in Ireland, with 3 acres of walled mature gardens. It is located a tree-length from Medieval Carlingford, with its’ narrow streets, town gate, mint, castles, priory & ancient walls and shops, cafés, pubs and more restaurants. Ghan House is just one hour from both Dublin and Belfast.
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
Marlfield House is a fine Regency period house set on 36 acres of grounds, close to several renowned golf courses and miles of golden beaches. Formerly the residence of the Earls of Courtown, it was built in the 1830s and opened to guests by the Bowe family in 1978. The 19 bedrooms are filled with flowers, fine antiques and paintings.
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
Tubbrid Castle is a unique 15th-century tower house nestled in north Kilkenny’s Sliabhardagh Hills. Uninhabited for the past century, it has recently been restored to its former glory. We’ve highlighted original features to let you step back in time and added luxury touches so you can indulge your inner prince or princess.
discover
Cavan
Virginia Park Lodge
An 18th Century hunting estate reformed to its former glory, Virginia Park Lodge is set in 100 acres of beautiful Cavan countryside overlooking Lough Ramor and Deerpark Forest.
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 welcome, luxury accommodation and outstanding food. Run by the Fitzgibbon family for three generations, Aherne’s of Youghal is one the beautiful south coast of Ireland.
discover
Laois
Ballyfin Demesne
Ballyfin Demesne has the flavour of a grand private house with the facilities of a five-star resort. set on 614 acres of private parkland. At the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin Demesne has long been admired as one of the most lavish regency mansion in Ireland.
discover
Cork
Ballymaloe House Hotel
Ballymaloe House Hotel is a large family farmhouse, situated on a 400-acre farm, 20 miles east of Cork city. The house is two miles from the coast, near the small fishing village of Ballycotton and many small sandy coves and beaches. The Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains are about one hour’s drive away.
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
Situated right in the heart of the Medieval city of Kilkenny is Butler House, the Dower House of Kilkenny Castle. One of the best and unique features of Kilkenny is its compactness, allowing you to explore everything it has to offer on foot. The Medieval Mile starts at Kilkenny Castle, taking you through its narrow streetscapes, stopping off at key historical buildings and landmarks on your way. You will first come to the Medieval Mile Museum, followed by a walk down the high street towards Rothe House and the Smithwicks Experience, followed by a visit to St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower.
discover
Kilkenny
Campagne Restaurant
No city break to Kilkenny would be complete without a visit to the Michelin-starred Campagne – located under the old railway arches close to John’s St.
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
Castle Durrow has been completely restored and decorated by Peter and Shelly Stokes in a comfortable, relaxing and contemporary style with the modern way of life and fashion in mind and without overlooking its past.
discover
Monaghan
Castle Leslie Estate
Steeped in history, full of character and charm, Castle Leslie Estate is the ultimate Irish rural escape, nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes.
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
Built in 1727, Ghan House is a fully restored, family-run Georgian house and restaurant, celebrating its’ 30th year of operation, awards & continual improvement. It is one of the oldest private houses of its type in Ireland, with 3 acres of walled mature gardens. It is located a tree-length from Medieval Carlingford, with its’ narrow streets, town gate, mint, castles, priory & ancient walls and shops, cafés, pubs and more restaurants. Ghan House is just one hour from both Dublin and Belfast.
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
Marlfield House is a fine Regency period house set on 36 acres of grounds, close to several renowned golf courses and miles of golden beaches. Formerly the residence of the Earls of Courtown, it was built in the 1830s and opened to guests by the Bowe family in 1978. The 19 bedrooms are filled with flowers, fine antiques and paintings.
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
Tubbrid Castle is a unique 15th-century tower house nestled in north Kilkenny’s Sliabhardagh Hills. Uninhabited for the past century, it has recently been restored to its former glory. We’ve highlighted original features to let you step back in time and added luxury touches so you can indulge your inner prince or princess.
discover
Cavan
Virginia Park Lodge
An 18th Century hunting estate reformed to its former glory, Virginia Park Lodge is set in 100 acres of beautiful Cavan countryside overlooking Lough Ramor and Deerpark Forest.
