The Killarney Park

Situated south of the river in the heart of Dublin city centre, The Shelbourne thoroughly encapsulates classic Irish charm and elegance. First opened in 1824, this stately hotel has remained a perennial favourite for visitors to the city and enjoys a prime location overlooking St Stephen’s Green.

Catching your eye upon arrival are the delicate touches of gold leaf and ornate chandeliers, a visual promise of the luxury found within these walls. The warmth of deep mahogany and pastel green found throughout the hotel evoke Ireland’s quintessential greenery. Yet while these natural hues pay tribute to Ireland’s vast natural offerings, the Shelbourne is far from rustic.

The 246 rooms and suites are classic and elegant and designed to emulate a homely yet luxurious hideaway. Balconies overlooking the natural beauty of St. Stephens Green can be found in some of the rooms while deep bath tubs are perfect for slipping into after a day exploring the city.

The food enthusiast in you can rejoice over the choice of award-winning restaurants. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge offers a classic high tea experience while the Saddle Room restaurant specialises in hearty steaks and succulent seafood. The hotel’s most recent addition, the 1824 Bar, lures you in with its sophisticated style. Featuring a 19th-century Kilkenny limestone fireplace and oak bookshelves filled with books by famous Irish authors, it is reminiscent of a stately home gallery and library.

The hotel’s facilities range from a state-of-the-art fitness centre and indoor heated pool to a full-service day spa. Exclusive to The Shelbourne and cementing the hotel’s bond between past and present, is the unique services of the genealogy butler. This allows you to delve deep into your own history to discover where your true ancestral roots lie.

Set on two acres of beautiful leafy grounds and nestled within peaceful walled gardens, family-owned Hayfield Manor offers guests all the tranquillity of a country escape while still within strolling distance of the heart of Cork.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel is ideally located next the the Grand Opera House and in easy reach of the city’s main sights.

The hotel’s 130 rooms are chic and contemporary in style with a palette of soft pinks, grey and cream. They are the perfect retreat after a day exploring Belfast’s many attractions.

The restaurant, which has been awarded an AA rosette, uses the finest local produce to craft a menu that is contemporary and creative. The bar with its copper-clad lighting and real crystal glasses is an intimate space and the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink.

In County Clare, a short way north of Limerick, Dromoland Castle is one of Ireland’s most prestigious addresses. Entering its gates and following the meandering driveway through its pristine parkland, you’ll be transported back to the early 19th century when the current baronial country mansion was built.

Now a fabulous hotel, and recently renovated with no expense spared, its rooms include suites whose canopied beds look out over the lake, and spacious family rooms, while even the more modest rooms still feature lavish furnishings, modern luxuries and exquisite bathrooms.

The grandeur peaks in the public rooms such as the drawing room, cocktail bar and at the restaurant, the Earl of Thomond, a formal venue with a menu celebrating the best of local produce. The Fig Tree Restaurant in the Golf & Country Club is a more relaxed venue.

Elsewhere in the sprawling 450-acre estate, find a championship golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, and space to pursue all manner of country pursuits from horse riding to archery, fishing and falconry.