| Ireland sings to the senses and there is no better | | | | Ailwee Caves. Your hearty appetite will be replete |
| accommodation than manors and castles to create | | | | when you visit the dining room where you will be |
| that something extra. Here are our suggestions for the | | | | served fresh local foods, beautifully prepared. While |
| top 5. | | | | you study the menu, enjoy sitting by the turf fire with |
| In County Limerick, the Adare Manor Hotel offers five | | | | your aperitif at the Corkscrew Bar. |
| star accommodation along with great activities like | | | | When staying at Cork, Hayfield Manor is only one mile |
| playing a round on its championship golf course, | | | | from the city centre. This retreat is an ideal place to |
| shopping, fishing and sightseeing. There are several | | | | base your stay when visiting the fabulous art galleries, |
| room types available from the Manor House itself to | | | | historic university and the opera. The spacious |
| the Carriagehouse rooms and Villas. For plain | | | | bedrooms are fully equipped with all modern |
| decadence, a Dunraven Stateroom in the Manor | | | | conveniences while providing comfort and charm. The |
| House cannot be beaten. | | | | exquisite fabrics bring a touch of elegance and the |
| The hand carved wood and marble fireplaces are | | | | manor rooms enjoy king size beds and marble |
| works of art and the four poster bed is sumptuous. | | | | bathrooms. |
| The Presidential Suite is palatial and stately with | | | | After exploring the vibrant city of Cork, shopping in |
| spectacular views. | | | | boutiques, visiting the Cathedral or enjoying a round of |
| The Oakroom Restaurant offers haute cuisine | | | | golf; return home to the two restaurants which |
| combined with an extensive cellar. Have a drink | | | | showcase the local organic produce. Both the private |
| beforehand at the Drawing Room or a pint in the Tack | | | | dining room and the Vine Wine Cellar provide intimate |
| Room Pub. For a more relaxed meal, dine at the | | | | surroundings and stylish décor. You can also |
| Carriagehouse Restaurant where, in summer, you can | | | | revive the soul while relaxing your body at the |
| watch the spectacular sunsets from the terrace. | | | | Beautique. Be cocooned in the warmth and luxuriate |
| Overlooking Ballinakill Bay, the Rosleague Manor sits | | | | with the essential oils amid the antique furnishings and |
| peacefully hidden in its own private woodland. The | | | | glamorous chandelier. Swim in the heated pool or jump |
| Manor in Connemara, is full of nineteenth century | | | | in the Jacuzzi. The Hayfield will leave you feeling |
| charm and only fifteen kilometres from the bustling | | | | pampered. |
| town of Clifden. Each bedroom has its own unique | | | | Over in County Kildare, the Barberstown Castle is |
| layout featuring antique furnishings with their own | | | | internationally renowned. Built in the 13th Century, it is |
| special history. The superior rooms all enjoy luxury | | | | only thirty minutes from the airport and Dublin city |
| modern conveniences such as super soft towels and | | | | centre. The Victorian and Elizabethan additions are |
| heavenly mattresses. | | | | skilfully blended with the 1288 castle battlement. The |
| You can explore the unspoilt terrain of Galway and | | | | bedrooms are elegantly appointed with antique |
| the five thousand acres of Connemara National Park, | | | | furnishings and include up to the moment luxuries to |
| or visit Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens before | | | | cosset you during your stay. Each one is named after |
| dining on Connemara lamb and fresh seafood at the | | | | one of the owners in its 700 year history. |
| fabulous Rosleague Restaurant. With its fine wines to | | | | Enjoy the day shopping in Dublin in the chic boutiques, |
| compliment the superb food, you will want repeat the | | | | go horse riding, trout fishing, play golf at the K Club or |
| experience. | | | | Carton House, or saunter round Dublin's many historical |
| With breathtaking views across the famous Galway | | | | buildings. The quirky and unique shops in the local village |
| Bay, Gregan's Castle Hotel, in County Clare, is the | | | | of Straffan will also entertain you. |
| ultimate in five star accommodation. The themes for | | | | Enjoy a light meal in the tea rooms. The outdoor |
| this unique Hotel are fabulous hospitality, the best of | | | | terrace overlooks the sculptured gardens while a fire |
| the local foods in season and the natural tranquillity of | | | | burns merrily in the hearth. For a more formal dinner, |
| the surroundings. This graceful house is adorned with | | | | choose the restaurant with its white linen tablecloths |
| modern Irish art and a wonderful mix of antique | | | | and candles. Built in 1562, the medieval banqueting hall |
| paintings and furniture. | | | | has an oak dance floor and a gothic gazebo in its |
| With no television in your private room, you will have | | | | courtyard gardens. |
| the time to explore the local walking tracks and the | | | | |