Ireland is known for its incredible scenery, rich cultural heritage and welcoming people. Visitors to the Emerald Isle can experience this legendary charm at one of the many Irish luxury hotels and restaurants dotted throughout the land. To help you find the very best of these, Ireland’s Blue Book is your guide to luxury Irish hospitality.
Ireland’s Blue Book | Luxury Irish Hospitality
With over 50 Irish country castles, houses, hotels and restaurants, Ireland’s Blue Book gathers together the best places to stay on the island. Founded in 1974, it features only the finest properties and restaurants, each with their own distinctive style.
Members are carefully selected for their uniqueness, with priority given to those who are not members of hotel chains. There’s also a strong focus on environmental awareness and local cuisine, with 3 Michelin starred Dublin restaurants.
Ireland’s Blue Book is the only Irish member of Historic Hotels of Europe, the acclaimed federation that represents 18 associations across 16 European countries. The organisation is self regulating, to ensure that high standards are always maintained.
Ireland’s Ancient East
Among its luxurious collection of country houses, there are several properties in Ireland’s Ancient East, including Dunbrody House and Marlfield House. This fascinating region encompasses 5000 years of history spread over 15 counties.
One of the most interesting of these in terms of historical heritage is County Wexford on the Southeast Irish coast.
Renowned as the sunniest and warmest county in Ireland, it’s popular for its sandy beaches and quaint coastal towns. Some of the most visited attractions in County Wexford are:
- Waterford Crystal – a fascinating behind the scenes factory tour reveals how the crystal is made.
- The Kennedy Homestead – John F Kennedy’s great grandfather, Patrick Kennedy, was born in New Ross. Today, you can visit the museum and farm that is run by his descendants.
- Hook Head Lighthouse – one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the world, it’s around 800 years old. The well-known phrase, by hook or by crook, is thought to come from Oliver Cromwell’s declaration that he would capture Waterford by Hook (situated on the Wexford side of the estuary) or by Crooke (the village on the Waterford side).
- The Irish National Heritage Park – this 35 acre open air museum in Ferrycarrig features life size reconstructions of ancient buildings including a Neolithic house and a Viking boatyard.
There are also many hidden gems such as:
- Loftus Hall – Ireland’s most haunted house is a formidable mansion on the Hook peninsula. It’s open for tours in Summertime and during Halloween season.
- Tintern Abbey – this Cistercian abbey was founded in 1200 by the Earl of Pembroke after a pledge that he made to found it if he landed safely after a storm. It’s not to be confused with Tintern Abbey in Wales, from which it takes its name.
- Colclough Walled Garden – next to Tintern Abbey and spread over 2.5 acres, it has been restored to its original layout dating from 1838. A stream runs through the garden and there’s a large kitchen garden to the rear.
- Dunbrody Famine Ship – a replica of the original Dunbrody ship built in 1845, which took passengers from Ireland to North America during the potato famine.
The county also has some stunning country house hotels, with two of our favourites being Dunbrody House and Marlfield House. Both renowned for their fine food, exquisite decor and beautiful grounds, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for the best places to stay in Ireland.
Dunbrody House
Nestled amid 300 acres of parkland, Dunbrody House is an elegant Georgian manor in the coastal village of Arthurstown. Located on the Hook peninsula, it’s close to Hook Lighthouse, Tintern Abbey and the John F. Kennedy Arboretum.
Waterford is easily reached by car ferry from nearby Ballyhack to Passage East. However, there’s so much to do at Dunbrody House itself that you may well not want to leave.
Relax in the Asian inspired spa and enjoy Aromatherapy Associates treatments. There’s a lovely Serail tiled room for steam and mud therapies and a spacious relaxation area.
What makes the spa rather unique is that guests can choose a selection of healthy treats designed specifically to be taken between their treatments. From champagne and lavender sorbets to chocolate fondue, they’ve been created by Kevin Dundon to enhance your sensory experience.
Catherine and Kevin Dundon are the owners of Dunbrody House and their warm welcome is something that keeps guests coming back time and time again. Kevin is a well known TV chef who has cooked for the late Queen Elizabeth II and President George Bush.
As you might expect, the food at Dunbrody House is very special, from the fine dining Harvest Room Restaurant to Dundons Champagne Seafood Bar and The Local at Dunbrody. The latter is a traditional Irish pub within the hotel grounds. Guests at Dunbrody House enjoy a fantastic Irish breakfast until 12 noon.
There’s also the popular Dunbrody Cookery School, where chef Julien Clemot teaches guests how to make delicious dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The cosy rooms and suites have magnificent views over the hotel gardens and are equipped with all mod cons. There’s complimentary Nespresso coffee, fruit and water as well as fluffy bathrobes and paraben-free Damana toiletries. It really feels like a home from home.
Marlfield House
Set within 36 acres of gardens, Marlfield House is a carefully restored Regency mansion house. It’s situated just outside Gorey, known for its designer boutiques and just 1 and a half hours from the centre of Dublin.
There are also many Blue Flag beaches nearby, with miles of golden sand. The opening scene of Saving Private Ryan was filmed at Ballinesker Beach.
Marlfield House are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2018, having been operated by the Bowe family since 1978. Personal touches are apparent in the stylish yet comfortable reception rooms and guest bedrooms.
There are lots of antiques dotted around, together with fresh flowers from the gardens. Guests can take a walk around the rose and kitchen garden, or to the lake and woodlands.
You might well see a resident peacock strutting around. In fine weather, the croquet lawn and tennis court are an added bonus.
All the guest rooms and State Bedrooms overlook the gardens, and have their own personality. The extraordinary Print Room takes its name from the prints adorning its walls.
It also has many antiques including an Empire sofa and a harp. There’s direct access to the Knot Garden from the French windows, and in the marble bathroom you’ll find a jacuzzi bath.
Dining at Marlfield House is a very pleasurable affair, from the tasty Irish breakfasts to afternoon tea or an after dinner drink in the Library Bar. The award winning Conservatory Restaurant specializes in classical Irish cuisine with Mediterranean influences.
We also like the Duck Restaurant, which has a casual atmosphere and serves Italian and modern fusion food. There’s a large terrace overlooking the garden as well as a café area and a cosy fire.
Getting to County Wexford
By Air
County Wexford is a short drive from Waterford Airport, and also easily accessible from Dublin Airport, Cork Airport and Shannon Airport.
By Car
It takes between 1.5-2 hours from Dublin centre – follow the signs for the N11.
By Sea
If you are travelling by sea, Rosslare Europort car ferry is 15 minutes from Wexford Town.
By Rail
County Wexford has five train stations – Enniscorthy, Gorey, Wexford Town, Rosslare Harbour and Rosslare Europort.
Final Thoughts on Ireland’s Blue Book
For a taste of luxury Irish hospitality, you can’t beat Ireland’s Blue Book. This is a great resource for planning your next trip to Ireland.
With over 500 unique hotels, Inns, and B&Bs, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. They’ve done all the legwork by selecting only the finest country houses and restaurants, so you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
Have you been to this area of Ireland yet? Be sure to check out our other travel articles for more tips on planning your next trip. From Irish weekend breaks to longer stays, there’s lots to do here.
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Read all our Ireland travel guides here.
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In association with Ireland’s Blue Book and Tourism Ireland
