GROWN UP GETAWAYS - TEN OF THE BEST

Tankardstown House
Rathkenny Slane Co Meath

Restored and renovated with consideration and taste by owner Trish Conroy and operated with style by a fine team under the guidance of General Manager Tadhg Carolan, this magnificent Georgian country house near Slane is set in delightful grounds and promises a special experience for groups (who can book the whole house for events and get togethers) and individual guests. In addition to the main house, which is beautifully furnished and decorated in period style, with romantic accommodation in heritage rooms, there are seven lovely pet-friendly cottages in a 19th century stable yard which are available for B&B. And you don’t even need to go out to eat as Tankardstown has a well-earned reputation for its food, much of which is based on produce harvested from their own gardens, so you may expect memorable seasonal fine dining experience from Head Chef Johnny Sarkozi and the team at the sophisticated rustic Brabazon Restaurant. And at weekends Afternoon Tea is served in The Cellar, a smart casual restaurant in a series of characterful former outbuildings, with outdoor seating for fine weather. For a short break near Dublin, what could be better than this wonderfully luxurious place, set in lovely countryside and with loads to explore nearby - including Slane Castle and its fascinating Irish Whiskey Distillery https://www.slaneirishwhiskey.com/


Parknasilla Hotel Resort & Spa
Parknasilla Sneem Co Kerry

Set in 500 acres of sub-tropical parkland, overlooking Kenmare Bay, this classic Victorian hotel is blessed with one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland and it’s an ideal destination for a relaxed grown-up break. Having opened under new ownership in 2013, with many key staff retained, a long term improvement programme is still ongoing at this much-loved former Great Southern Hotel. Open fires and comfy lounging furniture sum up the indoor mood, as ever, while the hotel and estate offer a very wide range of activities from golf or walking to swimming and spa treatments. Rooms vary greatly too, offering both traditional and contemporary styles, and some - including some public areas such as the beautifully classic Pygmalion Restaurant - have magical sea and mountain views. Holiday villas tucked into woodland near the hotel are not too obtrusive and extend the choice of accommodation. 


Hayfield Manor Hotel
Perrott Avenue College Road Cork Co Cork

A city break can be just the ticket to mark the new academic year and September is a lovely time to stay at Cork’s premier hotel, which is set in gardens near University College Cork and within pleasant walking distance of the city centre in fine weather. Although relatively new, it has the feel of a large period house and is managed with warmth and discreet efficiency, offering a remarkable level of privacy and seclusion for a city hotel. Spacious accommodation is beautifully furnished, and on-site amenities include an unusual Beautique spa, with indoor pool, and treatment rooms furnished with antiques; overall the interior skilfully blends contrasting traditional and contemporary styles, making for an atmosphere that is noticeably ‘alive’. The two restaurants – Perrotts (informal) and Orchids (fine dining) are favoured destinations for discerning Corkonians, who especially enjoy the smart conservatory ambience and stylish bistro cooking of Perrotts at lunchtime and the chic formality of Orchids in the evening. 


Temple House
Ballinacarrow Ballymote Co Sligo

They definitely don’t make them like this any more - Sandy and Deb Perceval first opened the doors of their vast mansion to guests in 1981, and their son Roderick and his wife Helena are now in the hot seat, bringing their own brand of energy and enthusiasm to running this amazing house and its 1,000 acres of farm and woodland. The original lakeside castle was built by the Knights Templar in 1200 A.D., but the present mansion is Georgian and some of the furnishings are quite recent, dating from a major revamp in 1864… If you’re fed up with cramped city quarters, this is the perfect destination - the whole of the house has retained its old atmosphere and the huge bedrooms are furnished with old family furniture (bathrooms are gradually being upgraded). Log fires cheer the enormous rooms, including an elegant sitting room with big armchairs and comfy sofas - and a very beautiful dining room featuring seasonal produce from the estate, expertly prepared by chef Dave Mullan. The great range of activities on-site and in the area includes Eagles Flying (Ireland’s largest raptor sanctuary), canoeing, archery - and, of course, visits to Lissadell House and Gardens. A charming self catering cottage is also available.  
 

Lough Inagh Lodge
Recess Connemara Co Galway

Connemara calls many of us when a break is needed and there’s no shortage of great places to stay, including Maire O’Connor’s former sporting lodge which is set in stunning scenery on the shores of Lough Inagh, and now makes a delightful small hotel. Small and characterful enough to have a country house atmosphere, yet with the service and facilities of an hotel, it has all the advantages and none of the disadvantages of both country houses and hotels. Twin drawing rooms flank the entrance hall, each with an open fire, and there’s a very appealing bar with a welcoming stove, its own back door and a tiled floor for wet fishing gear. Unusually spacious and comfortable bedrooms with lake and countryside views include several with four-posters, and both the bar and the handsome Finisglen Room restaurant welcome non-residents. While it has special appeal to sportsmen and outdoor types, Lough Inagh makes a good base for exploring Connemara and this pet-friendly gem is only 42 miles from Galway. 


Rathsallagh House
Dunlavin, Co Wicklow

The O'Flynn family's large, rambling country house is just an hour from Dublin, but - famous as it is - it could be in a different world. While modern amenities have of course been added and it is very professionally run by Joe O’Flynn and a long serving staff, it still has that classic country house atmosphere with crackling log fires in elegant, comfortably furnished drawing rooms. The old kitchen bar is a favourite gathering place before dinner (with fireside seats at a premium) and you might get to have a chat with Joe Snr, if he pops in for a drink with his dog. Accommodation ranges from large rooms with great views in the old house to cottagey rooms in the stable yard, all of which are lovely in their own way, and rooms in a newer block, which are also traditionally furnished. Good food has always been central to Rathsallagh, starting with seasonal produce from the farm and the beautiful walled garden - and this lovely place has several times been a winner in our Irish Breakfast Awards. There’s an18-hole golf course too, on site but operated under separate management.


Bullitt Belfast
40a Church Lane Belfast BT1 4QN

The other side of the coin to The Merchant's high end style and five star luxury, its younger sister - or should that be brother - Bullitt is a whole new ball game. Very well located near the iconic Crown Liquor Saloon, it’s cool, chilled out and yet nostalgic - this is back to basics with a difference. Atmospherically themed for Steve McQueen’s 1968 movie of the same name, every area of the 'traditional hotel' concept is re-imagined and pared down for maximum comfort, efficiency and fun: forget about baths, wardrobes and minibars, think big beds, flat screen TVs (full Sky package), WiFi, a great range of bars, and local, seasonal food and drinks. Wagyu beef from Noble House is the star of the show at Taylor & Clay restaurant, where chefs entertain customers as they rustle up big-flavoured meals on a huge custom built and sustainably fuelled Asador grill. A great place - and, much as they love it, not just for the young.


Viewmount House
Dublin Road Longford Co Longford

Longford may not always have been the first place to come to mind when pondering possible destinations for a weekend’s escape, but James and Beryl Kearney’s immaculate 1750s house just outside the town has changed all that and - especially since it became a dining destination - this Blue Book property has been very much on the short break radar of late. Once owned by Lord Longford, Viewmount is set in beautiful wooded gardens, which have been designed by James as a series of themed rooms, and it’s a delightful house with a great sense of hospitality that makes guests feel very comfortable. And, once the Kearneys had joined the house to restored outbuildings alongside, it gained not only some spacious new garden view bedrooms, but also the very successful VM Restaurant. Set in one of the classic stone outbuildings and full of character, it is rightly renowned for the good food served and has introduced many a townie to this under-visited area. Longford could surprise you.

Castle Murray House
St. John's Point Dunkineely Co Donegal 

A short drive west from Donegal Town, Marguerite Howley and Peter Lawler’s beautifully located clifftop property has wonderful sea and coastal views over the ruined castle after which it is named. It is an exceptionally comfortable and relaxing hideaway, with a proper little bar, a cosy and very comfy sitting area with an open fire, and a large decked terrace that can be covered with an awning in a warm weather, so food may be served outside. Most of the stylish bedrooms have sea views - and, although the once-famous restaurant no longer operates, a delicious breakfast (and light evening meals for residents on some nights) are served where it once was, in the seaward corner of the building. A very special place - and pet friendly too.

The Old Convent Gourmet Hideaway
Mount Anglesby Clogheen Co Tipperary

Just the place for couples ‘seeking a short getaway from it all experience’ at the end of the summer, Dermot and Christine Gannon’s restaurant with accommodation is in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt - yet relatively little known - parts of the country. Tellingly styled a ‘gourmet hideaway’, this unusual, very comfortable, and beautifully designed and decorated country house has mountain views across the famously scenic ‘Vee’- and is emphatically not for ‘family weekends’ (bookings are not accepted for children under 12). The lovely gardens include a field that is being developed to provide as much home produce as possible for the kitchen, and as an interesting amenity for guests. Dermot is one of Ireland’s finest younger chefs, Christine is a charming and a solicitous host, and the surroundings are wonderful – a heady combination that has those in the know beating a path to the door at weekends *Although fully booked until the end of September 2020 there is availability in October, November and December and the online booking system is updated daily and all availability. (And contact Christine re possible cancellations for earlier dates,)