Escape the stress and pace of everyday life with these gorgeous hotel stays and themed escapes all around the country
Saturdaze and Solstice – The River Lee, Co Cork
Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Lee, set amongst the pretty Cork cityscape, check into The River Lee for the ultimate 24-hour stay this summer.
From an early check-in, a delicious brunch and complimentary spicy Bloody Mary’s at the River Club, the day is yours to explore everything Cork has to offer before returning to enjoy a cocktail of your choice at the end of the evening. You’ll sleep soundly with late check out the next day, giving plenty of time to decide on how to while away your Sunday after a Saturday well spent.
This package starts from €295 based on two people sharing. To book, call 021 4937772 or click here.
An Intimate Weekend Experience – Ard na Sidhe Country House, Co Kerry
\This historic 18-bedroom manor house is a hidden gem nestled amidst 32 acres of natural woodland along the picturesque shores of Caragh Lake, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. It’s an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Kerry, with the infamous Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe, Dingle Peninsula, and Slea Head all within easy reach.
Guests can enjoy an unforgettable summer getaway in the historic Ard na Sidhe Country House with two nights accommodation in a Standard Garden House Room with a delicious full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner for two on an evening of your choice and complimentary use of the rowing boat to enjoy a picturesque boat trip or fishing on Caragh Lake.
Prices start from €330 per person sharing a Garden House Room. See ardnasighe.com for more details.
Tea Time at the Castle – Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Co Dublin
If you’re a fan of the Netflix show Bridgerton, you’ll be delighted to hear that the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel has officially launched its Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea experience, which promises to thrill guests with a taste of Regency-era indulgence.
Our culinary team has curated a selection of sweet and savoury treats fit for royalty. From delicate pastries that pay homage to the adored characters from Bridgerton, to early 1800’s inspired savoury delights and cocktails including Penelope’s Prosecco, each item is thoughtfully prepared to elevate the afternoon tea experience to a new level of sophistication. The Bridgerton Afternoon tea experience will take place in PJ’s Restaurant at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel every Saturday in June priced at €35 per person, with additional selection of themed cocktails available.
To book your afternoon tea, call: 01 230 5400 or email: info@fitzpatrickcastle.com.
Private Gourmet Food and Wine Pairing Experience – Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
The 5* Ashford Castle hotel has launched a new private gourmet experience for guests that explores the art and science of food and wine pairing and creates a feast for the senses.
An exclusive offering for guests to enjoy, the Gourmet Food and Wine Experience at Ashford Castle begins with a tour of the castle’s historic wine cellars. Against a backdrop of soft candlelight and gentle music, guests will enjoy a glass of champagne to start the evening, followed by an intimate five-part wine tasting experience, accompanied by canapés crafted to pair perfectly with each wine. Ashford Castle’s Head Sommelier, Paul Fogerty, will guide guests through each sip, revealing the nuances of each bottle and the wine’s intricate interplay of flavours. This will be followed by an exquisite dinner including a decadent chocolate experience led by Paula Stakelum, Director of Chocolate and Patisserie.
This three-hour experience costs €2,500 for up to two people and €500 per person there after with a maximum of 8 people permitted. Visit ashfordcastle.com for more details.
Self-Catering Luxury – Farnham Estate, Co Cavan
Fancy a summer break for golf groups, girlie getaways or family get-togethers with all the flexibility of self-catering plus luxurious hotel perks? Look no further than the Farnham Estate Resort Houses – comfortable self-catering in an idyllic setting.
Positioned around quiet courtyards just steps from the main hotel, the two-, three- and four-bedroom Resort Houses each one have an airy open living room and a large kitchen/dining room, perfect for when you want to curl up with a good book or settle in to watch a movie together. All the practicalities are covered, from the utility rooms, ideal for leaving mucky boots after an exhilarating walk along one of the many forest trails, with washing machines and dryers, and all your linen, towels and bathroom amenities provided.
What’s more, Farnham Estate Resort Houses also benefit from all the facilities of the excellent hotel that is right on your doorstep. Rates start from €720 for a two bedroom resort house, €1,026 for three-bedrooms and €1,340 for four-bedrooms (minimum stay of two nights required). Visit farnhamestate.ie for more details.
Summer Spa Delights – Johnstown Estate, Co Meath
What could be more relaxing than an afternoon to yourself to unwind in an atmosphere of pure bliss and luxury?
The Summer Spa Delights package begins with 90 minutes in The Spa’s indoor and rooftop thermal suites. Alternatively, you can opt for a Mud Rasul Experience (45mins), an ancient Arabian-inspired ritual incorporating a combination of mineral-infused mud and hot steam to detoxify and smooth the skin. This is followed by 60 minutes of treatment time featuring a Back Ritual from professional-led independent skincare brand Medik8, which uses powerful exfoliation and natural clays to reveal smoother, clearer skin while targeted deep tissue massage techniques work to dissolve muscle tension and ease the mind. Skin on the body is exfoliated and buffed while a prescriptive Elemis taster facial will leave skin silky smooth and glowing.
To finish you’ll retire to The Spa Café for a two-course lunch or charcuterie board with a glass of wine. This package is €159 per person and is available Sunday to Thursday from June to August. Visit johnstownestate.com for more details.
A Classic Escape – Dillons Hotel, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Donegal’s sublime landscapes and gorgeous beaches were made for adventure, so where better to base yourself than one of the county’s most vibrant towns? The family-run Dillons Hotel is nestled in the heart of Letterkenny’s trendy Cathedral Quarter where you’ll find a wealth of independent boutiques, high street brands, charming bookstores, cosy cafes, and points of historical interest ready to explore right on your doorstep.
With the Dillons Classic Escape, you can expect a complimentary cocktail of the month, delicious main course dinner from the mouth-watering menu, live music every Friday and Saturday night, and beautiful accommodation that’s just been on the receiving end of a £1.3 million investment. Prices for Classic Escape package start at €159 per room, per night, so set off for the scenic north-west and treat yourself to a bolthole break in one of Ireland’s most characterful gems.
To book, visit dillons-hotel.ie.
Pizza, Pints and Pillow Talk – Midlands Park Hotel, Co Laois
Located less than five minutes’ walk from Portlaoise Train Station and just an hour’s drive from Dublin and 90 minutes’ drive from Cork, the Midlands Hotel has a super fun and affordable package made for couples or a girl’s night away.
The four-star hotel has just launched its Pizza, Pints & Pillow Talk package, from €186 for two people, including overnight accommodation for two with a full Irish breakfast the following morning. Guests will also enjoy a freshly baked 12-inch stone baked pizza of their choice along with savoury house fries, delivered right to their room, complemented by four bottles of Ballykilcavan Back Lawn Lager, a crisp refreshing Pilsner-style lager brewed locally in Stradbally, Co Laois.
Visit midlandsparkhotel.com for more information.
Full Moons on the Moy – The Ice House, Co Mayo
The Ice House in Ballina, right on the river Moy, is hosting a series of unique wellness overnights throughout the year, designed to coincide with and celebrate some of 2024’s most important full moons, with guided meditations created by sound healer Audrey O’Connor of Corestate.
The selected full moons for which Audrey has created special meditations are the Strawberry Moon on Friday, 21 June, the Sturgeon Moon (a blue moon) on Monday 19 August, the Corn Moon on Tuesday, 17 September, and the Hunter’s Moon on Thursday, 17 October. Each full moon overnight includes complimentary access to Audrey’s recorded 30-minute guided sound bath meditation, the story of each moon and its impact, crystals, a special moon series cocktail, a three course dinner in 54° 9° Restaurant, breakfast the following morning and complimentary access to the thermal area for €315 per person sharing, with a discounted rate for returning full-mooners over the series.
Visit icehousehotel.ie for more information.
Stay and Play – Sheen Falls Lodge, Co Kerry
If you’re mad about golf and want to experience it in one of the most picturesque locations in the country, Sheen Falls Lodge Hotel is offering an unparalleled summer golfing experience at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club.
With panoramic vistas of Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains, this 18-hole course stands as a testament to Hackett’s visionary design prowess, delivering a world-class golfing destination. The course caters to players of all abilities, promising an enjoyable round amidst the splendour of Irish heathland. The club’s facilities include a fully stocked Pro Shop, staffed with a PGA Certified professional, offering club rentals and buggy hire. Additionally, Nua Vista provides the perfect spot for a coffee or a light bite to eat after a round of golf.
The package invites guests to indulge in a two-night stay or a one-night retreat, complete with sumptuous dining experiences and access to the hotel’s wellness facilities. With complimentary shuttle services and unlimited use of practice facilities, guests are assured a seamless transition between relaxation and tee time. Available from €629 in total based on 2 people sharing a Classic Room. See sheenfalls.ie for more details.
