Ireland’s Blue Book
Hotels & Restaurants
Choose Destination
discover
Derry
Ardtara Country House
Set amidst 10 wooded acres, Ardtara is an elegant 19th-century mansion in the heart of Northern Ireland. Just 15 minutes from Seamus Heaney HomePlace and within 45 minutes of both Belfast & Derry, the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim coast, Royal Portrush golf club and many Game of Thrones film locations, it’s the perfect base from which to explore.
discover
Laois
Ballyfin Demesne
Exploring the demesne is a delight: from the walled gardens; the fernery and the restored Edwardian rock-garden; a stroll around the lake; discovering quiet bluebell glades and special areas of conservation; foraging for mushrooms and autumn berries, or simply marvelling at century-old trees and climbing the path to the tower, which is located at the highest point of the estate, to enjoy the stunning views. Please pick up a map from the Butler’s desk and enjoy your journey. Around the Demesne you will meet the gardeners who will be delighted to chat with you if you have any questions. Guided Garden tours are also available.
discover
Cork
Ballymaloe House Hotel
Nestled in a 400-acre estate in rural East Cork, there is always something in flower in Ballymaloe House Hotel, be it a carpet of bluebells or vibrant rhododendrons. Short walks can be taken around the ponds and woodlands and helpful maps are available for longer walks around the grounds.
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
In 2000, The Kilkenny Civic Trust had the gardens at Butler House landscaped, in order to return them to their original splendour. The gardens have since become an attraction for the many visitors to Kilkenny.
discover
Kerry
Carrig Country House
Cradled in a hidden lakeside dell, Carrig House gardens contains a magnificent selection of rare and unusual plants from all corners of the world, including various species of Acer, Magnolia, Cornus, Acacia and Eucryphia. Nurtured by the unique surroundings, the gardens blend with nature to produce an ever-changing interest through the seasons.
discover
Galway
Cashel House Hotel
Situated in the heart of Connemara, on the West coast of Ireland, Cashel House Hotel is set in 50 acres of award-winning gardens containing flowering shrubs and woodland walks.
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
Built by Capt. William Flower in 1716 as his family home in the Midlands of Ireland, the castle’s pre-Palladian design and formal gardens were the height of fashion in their day. Time has added nothing but charm to the pleasure gardens that surround the castle.
discover
Donegal
Castle Grove Country House Hotel
Castle Grove’s Heritage Walled Garden is a four-acre space that dates back to the Irish Famine years. Over 75% of it has been lovingly restored by Alan D and team. The garden produces a wide variety of fruit and vegetables all year around for the restaurant and pickup. The Castle Grove menus incorporate a range tastes that mirror the changing seasons and the flavours of Donegal. Alan, our gardeners and kitchen team take their inspiration from local produce and the vegetables that thrive in the sheltered enclave.
discover
Monaghan
Castle Leslie Estate
With its 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie is a picturesque rural destination. The Estate features unique flora and fauna, an interesting Integrated Wetlands project and many historical ruins and sights including the Gothic Lodge, the Walled Garden and the Pinetum.
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
Sligo
Coopershill House
Coopershill House in County Sligo is a fine example of a Georgian family mansion. Home to seven generations of the O’Hara family since it was built in 1774, it combines the spaciousness and elegance of an earlier age with the comfort and amenities of today.
discover
Clare
Dromoland Castle
Surrounded by five hundred acres of unspoiled parklands and woodlands, steeped in a thousand years of eventful history, and brimming with an irrepressible spirit of five-star delight, the 16th century Dromoland Castle is a self-contained world of lighthearted luxury.
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
Mayo
Enniscoe House
Step back in time and discover the history and wonderful characteristics of the romantic walled garden at Enniscoe House. Walk along the pathways of the pleasure grounds that lead to the lakeshore, or take the nature trail through the old woodland.
discover
Cork
Fernhill House & Gardens
Our gardens are designed by Chelsea gold medal winner Mary Reynolds and reflect the natural forest setting of the fern and the elegance of the country house that Fernhill is. They are in four parts including our formal wedding garden, permaculture forest, wild river valley and Victorian walled kitchen garden. We believe in gardening organically & enhancing biodiversity where possible.
discover
Clare
Gregans Castle Hotel
With breath taking views across Galway Bay and idyllically situated overlooking the unique Burren landscape, this is the ultimate West of Ireland luxury, gourmet and eco hideaway.
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
Hunter’s Hotel is set in 2 acres of award-winning gardens on the banks of the river Vartry in Co. Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland.
discover
Cork
Liss Ard Estate
The 150 acres of gardens, ponds and forest offer an experience that has been described as one of space, perception and peacefulness. Liss Ard has been planned to reveal a collection of garden rooms the lakeside walk, the waterfall garden, the woodland garden, the water garden and arboretum and the wildflower meadow.
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
Armagh
Newforge House
Cradled in mature gardens and green fields in the village of Magheralin this Georgian Country House, built in 1785, has been in the family for six generations. Extensive, yet sensitive, restoration works were undertaken over two-years before John and Louise Mathers opened the family home to guests in 2005.
discover
Donegal
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan House has a stunning location right beside the sea in the unspoilt northern part of Co. Donegal. It is cocooned amongst lovely gardens and trees which open out on to a beautiful mile-long sandy beach.
discover
Galway
Rosleague Manor
A delightfully situated Georgian house overlooking Ballinakill Bay, which has been discreetly converted into a first-class hotel with a Victorian style conservatory and delightful drawing rooms with open log fires. All of the bedrooms are individually decorated and feature fine antiques and paintings.
discover
Meath
Tankardstown House
The estate at Tankardstown covers 80 acres of parkland and woodland, complimented by two walled gardens. One of these is perfect for leisurely walks or a glass of wine in the summer house, or a dip in the hot tub, which is tucked away behind a Portuguese laurel hedge. The second walled garden is the kitchen garden, where guests can see Donal the gardener lovingly sowing and reaping herbs, salads and vegetables at various times of the year. He is always happy to walk with guests through the garden and chat about his labour of love. Guests can then take off on the Boyne Valley Garden Trail which takes in 11 historic gardens in counties Meath and Louth.
discover
Dublin
The Merrion Hotel
As a city centre hotel, The Merrion is uniquely privileged to have two period gardens, designed by Jim Reynolds, the noted Irish landscape artist. The smaller of the two gardens, known as “Lady Mornington’s Garden”, links the Main House to the Garden Wing. This contemporary wing completes the enclosure of the garden, and many of the guestrooms overlook the larger, central garden. Both gardens re-create the feel of the 18th century, with box hedges, water features, pathways, statuary and obelisks. In summer, the large garden becomes an extension of the drawing rooms in the Main House, with waiter service so that guests can dine al fresco.
discover
Limerick
The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed has its own Irish country house garden with its very substantial kitchen garden providing much of the vegetables and herbs on its menu, not forgetting the hen house and run which supplies its own free-range eggs. The bread, cakes and scones are all cooked daily in their kitchen and their own fruit provides for their tasty jams. Within close proximity to The Mustard Seed are the exotic Terra Nova Gardens, Moanwing Gardens, Knockpatrick Gardens and Phil Boyces garden where there is a studio for those who wish to paint and garden classes for those who just simply cannot get enough knowledge of the joys and beauty of Irish nature.
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
Cavan
Virginia Park Lodge
Strategically planned clumps of exotic trees and winding paths guide you round to unveil amazing architectural or lake vistas. The deer park walks, with bridges, follies and seemingly undiscovered waterfalls are a stunning reminder of this type of ‘naturalistic’ garden. Walk along the tranquil park and hear the sounds of silence, laced with the chirpings of Cavan’s thriving birdlife, it feels unspoilt and unchanged for nearly 300 years and will leave you wondering how this part of Ireland has remained such a well-hidden and undiscovered secret for so long.
discover
Derry
Ardtara Country House
Set amidst 10 wooded acres, Ardtara is an elegant 19th-century mansion in the heart of Northern Ireland. Just 15 minutes from Seamus Heaney HomePlace and within 45 minutes of both Belfast & Derry, the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim coast, Royal Portrush golf club and many Game of Thrones film locations, it’s the perfect base from which to explore.
discover
Laois
Ballyfin Demesne
Exploring the demesne is a delight: from the walled gardens; the fernery and the restored Edwardian rock-garden; a stroll around the lake; discovering quiet bluebell glades and special areas of conservation; foraging for mushrooms and autumn berries, or simply marvelling at century-old trees and climbing the path to the tower, which is located at the highest point of the estate, to enjoy the stunning views. Please pick up a map from the Butler’s desk and enjoy your journey. Around the Demesne you will meet the gardeners who will be delighted to chat with you if you have any questions. Guided Garden tours are also available.
discover
Cork
Ballymaloe House Hotel
Nestled in a 400-acre estate in rural East Cork, there is always something in flower in Ballymaloe House Hotel, be it a carpet of bluebells or vibrant rhododendrons. Short walks can be taken around the ponds and woodlands and helpful maps are available for longer walks around the grounds.
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
In 2000, The Kilkenny Civic Trust had the gardens at Butler House landscaped, in order to return them to their original splendour. The gardens have since become an attraction for the many visitors to Kilkenny.
discover
Kerry
Carrig Country House
Cradled in a hidden lakeside dell, Carrig House gardens contains a magnificent selection of rare and unusual plants from all corners of the world, including various species of Acer, Magnolia, Cornus, Acacia and Eucryphia. Nurtured by the unique surroundings, the gardens blend with nature to produce an ever-changing interest through the seasons.
discover
Galway
Cashel House Hotel
Situated in the heart of Connemara, on the West coast of Ireland, Cashel House Hotel is set in 50 acres of award-winning gardens containing flowering shrubs and woodland walks.
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
Built by Capt. William Flower in 1716 as his family home in the Midlands of Ireland, the castle’s pre-Palladian design and formal gardens were the height of fashion in their day. Time has added nothing but charm to the pleasure gardens that surround the castle.
discover
Donegal
Castle Grove Country House Hotel
Castle Grove’s Heritage Walled Garden is a four-acre space that dates back to the Irish Famine years. Over 75% of it has been lovingly restored by Alan D and team. The garden produces a wide variety of fruit and vegetables all year around for the restaurant and pickup. The Castle Grove menus incorporate a range tastes that mirror the changing seasons and the flavours of Donegal. Alan, our gardeners and kitchen team take their inspiration from local produce and the vegetables that thrive in the sheltered enclave.
discover
Monaghan
Castle Leslie Estate
With its 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie is a picturesque rural destination. The Estate features unique flora and fauna, an interesting Integrated Wetlands project and many historical ruins and sights including the Gothic Lodge, the Walled Garden and the Pinetum.
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
Sligo
Coopershill House
Coopershill House in County Sligo is a fine example of a Georgian family mansion. Home to seven generations of the O’Hara family since it was built in 1774, it combines the spaciousness and elegance of an earlier age with the comfort and amenities of today.
discover
Clare
Dromoland Castle
Surrounded by five hundred acres of unspoiled parklands and woodlands, steeped in a thousand years of eventful history, and brimming with an irrepressible spirit of five-star delight, the 16th century Dromoland Castle is a self-contained world of lighthearted luxury.
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
Mayo
Enniscoe House
Step back in time and discover the history and wonderful characteristics of the romantic walled garden at Enniscoe House. Walk along the pathways of the pleasure grounds that lead to the lakeshore, or take the nature trail through the old woodland.
discover
Cork
Fernhill House & Gardens
Our gardens are designed by Chelsea gold medal winner Mary Reynolds and reflect the natural forest setting of the fern and the elegance of the country house that Fernhill is. They are in four parts including our formal wedding garden, permaculture forest, wild river valley and Victorian walled kitchen garden. We believe in gardening organically & enhancing biodiversity where possible.
discover
Clare
Gregans Castle Hotel
With breath taking views across Galway Bay and idyllically situated overlooking the unique Burren landscape, this is the ultimate West of Ireland luxury, gourmet and eco hideaway.
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
Hunter’s Hotel is set in 2 acres of award-winning gardens on the banks of the river Vartry in Co. Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland.
discover
Cork
Liss Ard Estate
The 150 acres of gardens, ponds and forest offer an experience that has been described as one of space, perception and peacefulness. Liss Ard has been planned to reveal a collection of garden rooms the lakeside walk, the waterfall garden, the woodland garden, the water garden and arboretum and the wildflower meadow.
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
Armagh
Newforge House
Cradled in mature gardens and green fields in the village of Magheralin this Georgian Country House, built in 1785, has been in the family for six generations. Extensive, yet sensitive, restoration works were undertaken over two-years before John and Louise Mathers opened the family home to guests in 2005.
discover
Donegal
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan House has a stunning location right beside the sea in the unspoilt northern part of Co. Donegal. It is cocooned amongst lovely gardens and trees which open out on to a beautiful mile-long sandy beach.
discover
Galway
Rosleague Manor
A delightfully situated Georgian house overlooking Ballinakill Bay, which has been discreetly converted into a first-class hotel with a Victorian style conservatory and delightful drawing rooms with open log fires. All of the bedrooms are individually decorated and feature fine antiques and paintings.
discover
Meath
Tankardstown House
The estate at Tankardstown covers 80 acres of parkland and woodland, complimented by two walled gardens. One of these is perfect for leisurely walks or a glass of wine in the summer house, or a dip in the hot tub, which is tucked away behind a Portuguese laurel hedge. The second walled garden is the kitchen garden, where guests can see Donal the gardener lovingly sowing and reaping herbs, salads and vegetables at various times of the year. He is always happy to walk with guests through the garden and chat about his labour of love. Guests can then take off on the Boyne Valley Garden Trail which takes in 11 historic gardens in counties Meath and Louth.
discover
Dublin
The Merrion Hotel
As a city centre hotel, The Merrion is uniquely privileged to have two period gardens, designed by Jim Reynolds, the noted Irish landscape artist. The smaller of the two gardens, known as “Lady Mornington’s Garden”, links the Main House to the Garden Wing. This contemporary wing completes the enclosure of the garden, and many of the guestrooms overlook the larger, central garden. Both gardens re-create the feel of the 18th century, with box hedges, water features, pathways, statuary and obelisks. In summer, the large garden becomes an extension of the drawing rooms in the Main House, with waiter service so that guests can dine al fresco.
discover
Limerick
The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed has its own Irish country house garden with its very substantial kitchen garden providing much of the vegetables and herbs on its menu, not forgetting the hen house and run which supplies its own free-range eggs. The bread, cakes and scones are all cooked daily in their kitchen and their own fruit provides for their tasty jams. Within close proximity to The Mustard Seed are the exotic Terra Nova Gardens, Moanwing Gardens, Knockpatrick Gardens and Phil Boyces garden where there is a studio for those who wish to paint and garden classes for those who just simply cannot get enough knowledge of the joys and beauty of Irish nature.
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
Cavan
Virginia Park Lodge
Strategically planned clumps of exotic trees and winding paths guide you round to unveil amazing architectural or lake vistas. The deer park walks, with bridges, follies and seemingly undiscovered waterfalls are a stunning reminder of this type of ‘naturalistic’ garden. Walk along the tranquil park and hear the sounds of silence, laced with the chirpings of Cavan’s thriving birdlife, it feels unspoilt and unchanged for nearly 300 years and will leave you wondering how this part of Ireland has remained such a well-hidden and undiscovered secret for so long.
