Ireland, with its lush green countryside and thriving cities, has become a major tourist destination. The Lonely Planet Ireland Guide says the country is "a scenic extravaganza of lake, mountain, sea and sky that's still gorgeous enough to make your jaw drop." There are posh hotels throughout Ireland, located in castles and historic town homes, as well as in new buildings near Killarney National Park. All are five-star properties and provide excellent Irish accommodations.
Parts of Ashford Castle, located on the banks of the Cong River in County Mayo, Ireland, date back to the 13th century. The Castle's rooms and suites all have trouser presses, bathrobes, slippers, night cap liqueurs, turn down service and 24-hour room service. Non-smoking rooms are available on request, and complimentary breakfast is included. Staterooms, in the older part of the castle, have 15-foot ceilings, sitting rooms, fireplaces, four-poster beds and claw-foot bathtubs. Some Staterooms are on two levels and include small sitting areas. All suites have been renovated recently. Each has river or lake views, separate sitting rooms and large bathrooms.
On-site dining includes the George V Room, the Drawing Room, Cullens Cottage and the Dungeon Bar. The George V Room, the main restaurant, offers formal fine dining. The Drawing Room, within the main hotel, offers more casual fare. Cullens Cottage, across the river in a former groundskeeper's cottage, offers informal lunches and dinners. The Dungeon Bar is a casual tavern with food service.
Ashford Castle also boasts a full-service spa offering massage, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Other activities include a nine-hole golf course, fishing, lake cruises, an equestrian center and falconry. Children's programs are also offered.
Ashford Castle
Cong, Co Mayo
Ireland
011-353-94-954-6003
ashford.ie
The Merrion is a five-star hotel in central Dublin, a short walk from The National Museum of Ireland, as well as a street of pubs, restaurants and shops called the "golden mile." The hotel consists of four 1760s-era townhouses restored to their original décor. The first Duke of Wellington was born in one.
The hotel has 123 guest rooms and suites decorated with 18th century furnishings. Rooms in the Garden Wing--including the penthouse suite--overlook the restored formal gardens. Rooms in the Main House have Rococo-style plasterwork ceilings and original marble fireplaces. All rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, clothing presses, stereo systems and individual safes. Further amenities include 24-hour room service, babysitting, butler services, on-call doctors and a multi-lingual staff.
The hotel's Patrick Guilbaud restaurant is Ireland's only two-star Michelin rated eatery. It serves French cuisine and has extensive wine cellars. Another dining option is the Cellar Bar, in the townhouse's wine vaults.
A fitness center and the Tethra Spa are located on the lower levels. The spa offers a large infinity pool, massage, facials and body treatments. The fitness center offers a fully equipped gym and personal training.
The Merrion Hotel
Upper Merrion Street
Dublin 2 Ireland
011-353-1-603-0600
merrionhotel.com
Hotel Dunloe Castle, a contemporary five-star luxury hotel in County Kerry, Ireland, is set on a 64-acre estate containing the ruins of 12th century-era Castle Dunloe. The grounds are adjacent to the River Laune, Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe.
The hotel has 102 rooms and suites, most with private balconies. All rooms have air-conditioning, bathrobes, slippers, stereos, satellite television and refrigerators. Each overlooks either the mountains and the Gap of Dunloe or the extensive gardens.
The on-site Garden Café offers casual dining, while the Oak Restaurant is more formal. Both feature local produce, seafood and meat. There are two bars on-site: the Upper Lounge, serving afternoon coffee and tea, and the hotel bar, with live music each evening.
Leisure activities include a large heated indoor pool, indoor tennis, complimentary pony treks and fishing, a children's adventure playground and hiking. The Techno Gym has fitness equipment, a steam room and sauna. A full range of spa treatments is available, but arrangements must be made in advance.
Hotel Dunloe Castle
Beaufort, Killarney
Co. Kerry Ireland
011- 353-64-664-4111
thedunloe.com
