ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

The Merrion Hotel
Upper Merrion Street Dublin 2

Those of us who live in or near cities tend to think of a break in the country as the ultimate getaway but, if you are lucky enough to live in the country, a city break may be the ideal romantic treat. Just off Dublin’s finest Georgian square, The Merrion Hotel was created from four restored Georgian townhouses and, with marbled hallways and beautifully landscaped gardens, the period elegance of the hotel provides a stunning setting for romantic celebrations: beautifully furnished guest rooms and suites have sumptuous bathrooms (all with separate bath and shower) and, although undeniably expensive, the hotel’s unusual ‘no service charge’ policy will help to ease the bill. And, as well as being close to many of the capital’s main cultural attractions – including the National Gallery, which is just a short stroll away – many of the capital’s finest restaurants (L’Ecrivain, Thorntons and One Pico among them) are within easy walking distance; and the hotel itself offers exceptional dining opportunities, in both the hotel’s Cellar Restaurant and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, still unchallenged as the country’s premier fine dining destination after all these years, which is next door and accessible directly from the hotel. Discreet, thoughtful service is an outstanding feature of the Merrion, and staff - under the direction of General Manager Peter McCann - are invariably courteous and helpful. The pamper factor of the romanesque, mosaic-tiled Tethra Spa is also predictably high – what more could you want? Open all year.


Wineport Lodge
Glasson Athlone Co Westmeath

Ray Byrne and Jane English’s lovely lakeside lodge is one of the most romantic destinations imagineable, both for its beautiful location and the luxury, service and good food to be found within. Luxurious suites and guest rooms all have seriously sumptuous bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the lake – and superbly comfortable beds (with goose down duvets and extra large pillows) face the view…And then there’s Feargal O’Donnell’s food: Wineport Lodge began life as a restaurant, and the combination of stylish seasonal cooking and a uniquely beautiful setting remain unrivalled throughout Ireland. Open all year except Christmas.


Marlfield House Hotel
Gorey Co Wexford

Once the residence of the Earls of Courtown, and now an elegant oasis of unashamed luxury, where guests are cosseted and pampered in sumptuous surroundings, the Bowe family’s impressive Regency house is set in 36 acres of woodlands and immaculately maintained gardens - and imposing gates, a wooded drive, antiques and glittering chandeliers all promise a very special experience. Superb accommodation, which includes some very grand state rooms and a vast Master Suite, is luxurious in the extreme – and delicious food is another major part the experience: the conservatory, with its stone statues and hanging baskets, is one of the most romantic dining spots in the whole of Ireland, especially by candlelight.


Hayfield Manor Hotel
Perrott Avenue College Road Cork

Cork’s premier hotel is set in two acres of mature trees and gardens in the south-west of the city, near the university, and has the feeling of a large period country house (albeit with some striking contemporary features); managed with warmth and discreet efficiency, it makes a luxurious base for a romantic break. Rooms have a deliciously high pamper quotient and there’s a choice between fine dining in Orchids restaurant and a more casual style in the smart contemporary Perrotts; on site facilities include a spa and indoor swimming pool, the city centre s a pleasant walk away in fine weather – and many activities, including golf, are available locally. Open all year.


Longueville House Hotel
Mallow Co Cork

Set in 500 acres of private wooded grounds and gardens just west of Mallow, the O’Callaghan family’s elegant Georgian mansion overlooking the River Blackwater offers sumptuous accommodation, elegant day rooms with open fires, and a cosy drawing room bar. Dine in the wonderful restored Turner conservatory, which is romantically draped with muslin and candlelit at night, or the adjoining Presidents Restaurant (named after the family collection of specially commissioned portraits of all Ireland’s past presidents), either of which make a stunning setting for William O’Callaghan’s memorable dinners, based on produce from the river, farm and garden – and, if you’re lucky, there might even be a glass of the estate wine, ‘Coisreal Longueville’.


Emlagh House
Dingle Co Kerry

For the contrasting pleasures of remoteness, the quiet comfort of an exceptionally spacious and elegant latter day country house, a choice of great dining options - and the Dingle music scene - within walking distance, the Kavanagh family’s fine guesthouse is the place to be. Beautiful bedrooms (most with harbour views) are extremely comfortable and have many welcoming extras and features, including individually controlled heating/air conditioning, and sound systems wired to luxurious marbled bathrooms with underfloor heating, separate shower and bath, double basins, heated mirror and towel rails and thick bathrobes...


Gregans Castle Hotel
Ballyvaughan Co Clare

Peace and quiet are the dominant themes at the Haden family’s gently luxurious country house hotel overlooking The Burren, our Hideaway of the Year for ‘the guide’ 2007. It’s a place with a long and interesting history and, although the present house is relatively modern (only going back to the 18th century!) and has some quite recent additions, the exterior is quite stark, which is in keeping with the surrounding lunar landscape and gives it an air of mystery – such a contrast to the warmth, comfort and uniquely serene atmosphere within. Big log fires, discreetly hospitable staff, soothing luxuriously furnished bedrooms – many of them romantic – and delicious, meticulously sourced food all make this a great place to be: the perfect hideaway.


St Clerans
Craughwell Co Galway

Once the home of film director John Huston and now owned by the American entertainer Merv Griffin, this magnificent 18th century manor house in rolling east Galway countryside makes a hedonistically luxurious country retreat and restaurant. Spacious, individually decorated, bedrooms have peaceful views, and there’s an unexpected sense of fun about the furnishing, especially the magnificently flamboyant drawing room (might Philip Treacy have been inspired by some of the details when designing the new ‘g’ hotel in Galway?). It all adds up to an unusual and romantic place to stay - with culinary delights contributed by Japanese chef Hisashi Kumagai (Kuma), who is renowned for using local ingredients in superb oriental/western fusion cooking. Open all year except Christmas.


Dolphin Beach
Lower Sky Road Clifden Connemara Co Galway

The romance of the west of Ireland is perhaps best summed up in Connemara and the islands off the County Galway coast - and there are many romantic destinations I could happily recommend in this area. But it would be hard to beat the Foyle family's scenically located beachside house, which is set in 14 acres of wilderness, making a wonderful contrast to the style and comfort within: lovely bedrooms have underfloor heating and sea views, and there’s a cosy sitting room with an open fire. There’s great walking in the area, and delicious home-cooked dinners to come back to, served in a dining room overlooking the beach (ask about dinner when booking your room).


Coxtown Manor
Laghey Co Donegal

This welcoming late Georgian house in secluded parkland is in a lovely, peaceful area close to Donegal Bay. Belgian proprietor, Edward Dewael, personally ensures that everything possible is done to make guests feel at home and, with a pleasant wood-panelled bar with an open fire and a comfy drawing room, it is a delightful place to spend a few days. Dinner is a high point, served in an elegant period dining room, which is - like the food itself - attractive yet not too formal. And, of course, Belgian chocolate is a must for dessert, before retiring to one of the spacious new rooms in a converted coach house, or an older one in the main house - some have countryside views and open fireplaces.