Summer is swiftly approaching, so the time has come to plan your holiday if you haven’t already. Ireland’s Blue Book offers a stunning array of grand hotels to select from, ensuring there is something suitable for everyone! Along with various activities and experiences to immerse in, your summer break will certainly be more than your average vacation.
Discover the historian within you by lodging in a luxurious period establishment. Regardless of whether it’s a regency era building or a Norman fortress, Ireland’s Blue Book will have an option tailored to your historical interest.
Belleek Castle situated in County Mayo is a splendid combination of opulence and history. You can unwind in your opulent four-poster bed, feast in the Library Restaurant, and soak up the remarkable environment, whilst delving into the intriguing collection curated by the Doran family. You won’t want to miss the museum in Belleek Castle which houses everything from fossils to a medieval weaponry. This historical castle is the ideal spot for your distinctive summer escape.
Located in County Kilkenny, Butler House is another must-visit location for history enthusiasts. The medieval town centre, known as the ‘medieval mile’, links the 13th-century St Canice’s Cathedral with the Anglo-Norman Kilkenny Castle. In addition to the numerous tours available, there are also tales of witchcraft that are sure to captivate. Butler House represents the ideal base to examine the town and is an idyllic retreat for history buffs, originally built in 1786 as the Dower House of Kilkenny Castle.
If you’re a fan of walking holidays, Ireland is brimming with phenomenal views. Picture-perfect landscapes are abundant throughout the country, so ensure that you appreciate all its glory by exploring walking routes.
Cashel House, based in County Galway, is perfect for those seeking a country retreat. Overlooking the coast with Cashel hill in the backdrop, it’s an idyllic location. With an array of natural attractions to absorb during your walk, this holiday is bound to impress. The house is surrounded by 50 acres of gardens and woodland so you can either tour the local area or venture out towards Cashel Hill and the Fishing Lake. Whatever the weather, there’s nothing quite like a warm welcome of crackling open fires after a stroll. Settle into your evening with delectable food and a stunning view of the bay.
Make your way to Rathmullan House in County Donegal to experience another wonderful Irish retreat.
Donegal remains as one of Ireland’s unexplored gems. It boasts of a mesmerising coastline featuring stunning cliffs and seas that bedazzle any visitor. The most northern part of Ireland showcases nature’s spectacle that is hard to deny. Rathmullan House, positioned only a few steps off a two-kilometre sandy stretch, offers an excellent locale for tranquil seaside walks. For more adventurous options, you can explore areas like Ards Forest Park, Creeslough and Glenveagh National Park. After a day of exploring, Rathmullan House provides an inviting retreat with its cosy rooms, welcoming fireplaces and an inviting indoor heated pool.
Fishing in Ireland has garnered high praises over the years. The country boasts a wealth of locations and fishing styles that afford an exhilarating summer fishing experience.
The Carrig Country House in Co Kerry makes a great fishing base, located along the shores of Caragh Lake. Spend time gazing at the wonderful Ring of Kerry and anticipate potential catches. This location gives access to some of the top salmon and trout fishing spots in Ireland, with numerous rivers and lakes to choose from. You also have the option for coastal and deep-sea fishing along the Kerry coast, offering some of Ireland’s finest fishing experiences.
The Delphi Lodge in Co Galway offers novice fishing enthusiasts a fantastic start. They offer a unique fly-fishing school, making the lodge a go-to spot for fly fishing enthusiasts over many years. It was once the sporting haunt of the Marquis of Sligo. You can combine your learning with a comfortable stay at Delphi Lodge, a charming Georgian country house with a picturesque lakeside view, excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Famed globally for its equestrian activities, consider mixing up your summer retreat with horse-riding pursuits, ideally in one of Ireland’s grand period properties such as Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan.
Managed by the same ancestral family, Castle Leslie serves as a unique holiday escape. Guests have the option to lodge in either the castle with its genuine antique furnishings or the prestigious country-style Lodge located next to the equestrian stables. Visitors can delight in exploring the estate on horseback, either by bringing their own horse or by using one of the castle’s horses such as Bumble. Castle Leslie accommodates all skill ranges in equestrian punting and is open to riders seven years old and above. The estate, enveloped by ancient forests and shimmering lakes, provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation and exploration.
On the other hand, the Mount Juliet Estate in Co Kilkenny houses MJ Equestrian, an institution that offers a vast array of horse-centered experiences for both beginners and veteran riders. Whether you would like to venture out on a private family trail led by a skilled guide or enjoy the hidden beauty of Mount Juliet Estate during sunrise or sunset horse rides, MJ Equestrian has you covered. You may also want to visit and get acquainted with the splendid horses that consider Mount Juliet their home. A guided expedition of the MJ Equestrian Centre will show you an insider’s view of their modern stables, equestrian performance arenas, and tack room, and will allow you to foster potential interactions with the resident stallions and mares.