I never saw a man who looked With such a wistful eye, Upon that little tent of blue, Which prisoners call the sky.– Oscar Wilde, The Ballad of Reading Gaol
You can’t get better luxury than staying at Waterford Castle, situated on its own private island and complete with it’s own 18-hole golf course.
With its medieval foundations, Waterford city has retained some of its medieval character and managed to build in some 21st century festivals and activities at the same time including the Spraoi festival.
Traditionally home to Waterford Crystal, now showcased in the House of Crystal visitor centre, you can catch a glimpse of some of the great craftsmanship learned throughout the ages.
Links to the water remain stronger than ever with the recent staging of the Tall Ships Race and festivals along the river Suir Estuary out to the picturesque Dunmore East and on put past the sunny south east coastline including Lismore and Dungarvan.
At Waterford castle you will find a secluded private island, orginallyhome to a monastic settlement in the 6th century but which was too attractive to others including the Danes and Normans who left their mark behind in the form of the fortress foundations (now almost a fairytale castle complete with Gargoyles).
As a reward for his help with the Normans just as the crusades were taking off, Maurice Fitzgerald was appointed Lord of Maynooth and handsomely rewarded with the townlands that now include Carton House. Managing to retain title for hundreds of years, things went slightly astray under the direction of a Mr Silken Thomas no less who along with his five uncles was executed in the mid sixteenth century, when Ireland was still covered in oak from coast to coast, so lush that it was said that squirrels could travel from coast to coast without touching the ground. Fast forward to 1739, another great era for house building in Ireland (think Westport and Leinster), and the country Seat of the 1st Duke of Lenster, the House was built, a seat of elegance and opulence. At a slightly faster pace, this historic Palladian house is only 30 minutes from Dublin airport and still at the centre of vast private parklands with no less than two championship golf courses, a leisure centre with all the trimmings and more. When the Earl of Kildare married Lady Emily Lennox, the dye was cast, the Chinese decorators were brought in and the famous Shell Cottage on the estate with shells from around the world was unveiled. As if she hadn’t enough to be doing, Lady Emily went on to have just one short of two dozen children. And of course as any family knows, there is always a rebel, this one in the form of Lord Edward FitzGerald, leader of the 1798 rebellion. Carton Undaunted, the house was remodeled as Napoleon took to the European stage and the Fitzgerald reign continued unbroken until alas the Duke sold his birth right to a moneylender to pay off gambling debts and with no surviving siblings the house was lost to the FitzGeralds in the twentieth century. Not short of the odd colourful episode in its long history, a picture painetd a thousand words during the civil war when a painting of the 1798 rebel was enough to make a the local unit of the IRA quench there torches in shame at the prospect of burning down a symbol of Anglo Irish (ouch that word hurts) aristocracy. Like so many other famous Irish luxury hotels and castles, the house was used as a film location by many filmmakers, with Stanley Kubrick, Ryan O’Neal and Lee Marvin adding colour over the years. (In)famously rocketed into the 21st century, through renovation and redevelopment for golf, the 4 star luxury hotel has hosted many premium golf events and many English Premier leage teams. Local attractions include Dublin, Kildare’s Japanese Gardens, Goff’s horse sales and...
read moreThe Dingle Skellig 4 star luxury Hotel is perfectly positioned to let you enjoy a wide range of activities on the beautiful Dingle Peninsula in Kerry. Just 20 minutes drive from Dingle is the classic links course at Ceann Sibeal which offers an outstanding challenge for golfers of all abilities, complete with a gorgeous ocean view. And for the more adventurous, why not try Scuba diving? Dingle has diving areas suitable for every level of diver, from try dives in the shallow protected harbors, to diving through kelp gardens on plunging rock formations and the undersea wrecks around the Blasket Islands. Okay some walking then. Try The Dingle Way and the Pilgrims Route walking trails. The Dingle Way, also known as Chorca Dhuibhne, is 112 miles long. This circular walk begins in Tralee, overlooking Tralee Bay, and then runs southwest across the peninsula before turning inland to Annascaul, and then on to Dingle Town. From Dingle the route continues west around Slea Head to Dunquin, then turns back along the north coast of the peninsula, past Smerwick Harbour the village of Cloghane, to Castlegregory and the Maharees, ultimately ending back in Tralee. Along the way you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Blasket Islands, Mount Brendan, and the coastal beaches of Castlegregory. Dingle Skellig The Pilgrims Route is substantially shorter at 30 miles and connects many of the Dingle Peninsula’s famous early Christian sites. This beautiful scenic route begins in Dingle, turns south at Ventry, then runs north to Riasc, past Kilmalkedar Church and then on to Cloghane. You will find many other walks in and around the peninsula, including scenic and historic paths. And if you’re interested in history, you find that the Dingle Peninsula is a real treasure trove of archaeological monuments with nearly 2000 sites spanning the Mesolithic period right up to the 1600’s. Lose yourself in the stories of ancient folklore and mythology as you view the many stone circles and passage tombs you’ll find in the vicinity. Or marvel at the ingenious Gallarus oratory, an early Christian Church which is famous for being built without any mortar and yet it never has had a drop of rainwater leak in. Other interesting historical sites include the unique Ogham Stones with their carved writings, and the Beehive huts, ancient monastic dwellings, and the various castles and forts around the area. While you’re welcome to tour these sites yourself, you might find it helpful to book a local guide to help you understand and appreciate the amazing archeological and cultural history of the Dingle Peninsula and its many attractions. You will be sure to find something that you and the whole family will enjoy when you stay at the Dingle Skellig...
read moreStunningly located on a 300-acre estate in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of the west of Ireland and eleven kilometres northwest of Leenane on the road to Louisburgh is Delphi Mountain Resort, a sensitively designed 4 star luxury hotel, restaurant, spa and adventure centre. The resort re-opened under new management in 2008. It is now owned and managed by husband and wife team Rory and Aileen Concannon, who emphasise its remoteness and aim to make it a complete away from it all experience for guests. The main building is an environmentally friendly blend of stone and wood, all recently refurbished, and the comfortably furnished bedrooms (especially those at the back) have beautiful views; the suites have a loft bedroom over a downstairs living room and all have either a window balcony or patio and locally made organic bathroom products. In addition to the adventure centre and spa facilities, hotel facilities include a full bar and restaurant on the first floor. Delphi Spa (sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, massage, treatments); walking, archery, cycling, cookery classes. Equestrian, fishing (fly) & scuba diving all...
read moreOne of Ireland’s leading 5 star luxury hotels, Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is set on a magnificent estate in the heart of the picturesque village of Adare, Co. Limerick and just a forty minute from Shannon Airport. The Manor House offers over sixty elegantly decorated bedrooms, with a further village of luxurious villas and town homes a stone’s throw away. Food plays a role an important role at the manor with a contemporary Irish approach melded with strong classical influences. Dishes and flavours change with the seasons, depending on local produce to be complimented by a generous wine cellar, all to be sampled in the Oakroom, a magical space overlooking the river with its colonnade lit only by candlelight, enchanting. Enjoy the decadence of afternoon tea overlooking the beautifully manicured lawns of the formal French gardens with tea served fit for a queen served with some crafted sweet and savoury treats. Of course if you happen to disagree with Mr Twain’s view that golf is a good walk spoiled, you will be in good company at one of Ireland’s top golf resorts and home to the JPMcManus Pro-Am Of course if you do find time to venture around the local village, you will be pleasantly surprised as the town of Adare is one of the leading tourist spots steeped in ye olde charm, well enough to keep you distracted just long enough to wonder how long it will take to get you back to your sumptuous manor of earthly delights Adare Or if you decide to dip into Limerick, you can check out the award-winning Milk Market and not forgetting 12th century King John’s Castle, dominating the city skyline. To the manor...
read moreStar studded Parknasilla has laid its own claim to fame having hosted a plethora of 5 star actors, writers and royalty over the decades. Pass through its gates and into a magical estate of woodlands, walkways, cyclepaths. Artists of all sorts have been drawn to its wonderful location on the rugged south west coast including Robert Ballagh and Pauline Bewick. While George Bernard Shaw passed over the threshold (We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing). Other celebs who’ve wined and dined at this fabulous 4 star luxury hotel included Charlie Chaplin, Oliver Reed, Charles de Gaulle, Princess Grace & Prince Rainer amongst others. Of course Kerry itself has provided the backdrop to a few other blockbusters of yore including Ryan’s Daughter set in the Dingle Peninsula which starred Robert Mitchum , John Mills and Sarah Miles. With views of the Blaskets and the wonderful Slea head the movie captured the wild beauty of the peninsula in all its glory. In more recent times, Far and Away directed by Ron Howard (Kidman and Cruise, the latter with an accent that was quite memorable) was shot around the Kerry Peninsula., Parknasilla And if you want to continue on the celeb trail, check out the Dick Mack’s, the most famous pub in Dingle and still full of charm, music, great pints of porter and pavement stars depicting the names of some of the famous faces who have sat at the bar including Julia Roberts, Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton and Dolly...
read moreWelcome to luxury hotels Ireland. Check out our guide to our top ten Irish attractions from the past year. At 10, Ashford Castle. Check out Ashford itself here. At 9, Jameson Distillery. See our guide to hotels Dublin. At 8 its the Redhead convention Cork. See our guide to hotels Cork. At 6, Scariff Harbour Festival. See our guide to hotels Clare. At 5, Puck Fair Killarney. See our guide to hotels Kerry. At 4, Lughnasa Festival at Craggaunowen. At 3, Bunratty Folk Park. At 2, Galway Arts Festival. See our guide to hotels Galway. At number 1, King John’s Castle, See our guide to hotels Limerick. For these and more information on luxury hotels Ireland, check out our detailed guides....
read moreSo here we are in Craggaunowen exploring the lovely woods and visiting all the ancient sites where they show us how they cooked, how they lived in ancient Ireland and how they fought as well. We saw some fighting demonstrations. Now, we’re here at the Lughnasa festival and Lughnasa comes from Lugh who was the God of arts and crafts… And we’re surrounded by a really old feeling with the old Crannogs. We’re about to see a cooking demonstration…. For more festival details, check here To find out more, watch our video guide to this harvest festival and check out more Clare events, attractions and 5 star luxury hotels to stay while you’re in the area including Dromoland Moy House...
read moreTrinity College Dublin is one of the oldest universities in Ireland and the UK. It’s been a seat of learning since the mid sixteenth century. And it boasts such famous alumni as Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett and political figures like two ex Irish Presidents, Mary MacAleese and Mary Robinson. For more, including the Book of Kells, check out our video guide and for nearby 5 star luxury hotels Dublin see our fabulous selection ...
read moreWherever you choose to stay in any one of the great luxury hotels Ireland has to offer you can be sure that you will never be too far from some of this What are you waiting for? Just dive in and experience the mayhem for yourself
read moreSo here we are in Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, a really historic site and it’s been changed so much over the years. It was first began in the 11th century by the Vikings when they came over and it’s been restored, extended and changed ever since. One of the most recent reformations was the crypt and also in 1999, they made 19 bells which is a world record. But we need to put a bit of effort into stopping it so that the pendular clapper will hit the static bell, just like.. For more, watch the video and for details of some great offers from Dublin 5 star luxury hotels check out ...
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