For couples

The Devlin, Ranelagh, Dublin 6

Fancy a weekend in Dublin, but plan to spend some time outside the city centre? The Devlin in bustling Ranelagh is one of the newest hotels in the city and is making quite a name for itself.

The Devlin Hotel, Ranelagh. \ Project Pictures

Start off your weekend in the rooftop bar with fantastic views of the city and then stroll onto the street to sample some of the best restaurants around; the delicious steaks in the Butchers Grill or the spicy flavours of Nightmarket. Or if you fancy something more chilled, the uber cool Stella cinema is on-site. Sip a cocktail while watching a fantastic flick. Prices start from €185pps.

Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry

From trendy and modern, to old-school romance. If you’re looking to woo your other half, then Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney will score you brownie points.

Cahernane House Hotel.

It’s an original manor house with that old-world feel, complemented by a romantic getaway package. Picture this; a boat trip to Inisfallen Island, or a traditional horse and cart ride to the beautiful Muckross Abbey and a five-course candlelit dinner in the Herbert Restaurant. Return to your room to find rose petals scattered across your bed, followed by a leisurely champagne breakfast in your room the next morning. Price is €307pps for a two-night stay.

The K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare

If you’re the kind of couple looking for a fusion of relaxation and activity, the five-star K Club has both. With generously plush and indulgent rooms, an award-winning spa and the atmospheric Byerley Turk restaurant, you’ll get in lots of R&R. Then blow off the cobwebs with a bicycle ride exploring the private paths of the estate, try your hand at archery, clay pigeon shooting or horse-riding.

K Club.

Or get a bit of knowledge with falconry, tours of the wine cellar or art tours. It’s a couples break to keep everyone happy. Prices from €165pps for one-night accommodation, four-star dining experience and late checkout.

Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny City

Let’s be honest, if you’re looking for an intimate weekend away, you want a room that wows. Last year, the Newpark Hotel unveiled its luxury balcony suites and they are one of the coolest rooms we’ve stayed in. Modern four-poster beds, plush teal sofas, enormous bathrooms with a rain-head shower experience, a private balcony and state-of-the-art in-room entertainment. It’s funky and fabulous with contemporary opulence.

Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.

Of course, if you have to leave the room, Kilkenny is on your doorstep or just pop downstairs to The Terrace. It’s got a cool Parisian feel, perfect for enjoying a drink in the sun, with plush throws to cuddle under when the evening gets a bit chilly. Midweek prices from €180 per room.

Harvey’s Point, Lough Eske, Co Donegal

Set in the mystical, magical shadow of the Bluestack Mountains, there is an air of romance at Harvey’s Point as you really feel you have gotten away from it all.

Harvey's Point premium suite rooms.

The whole hotel exudes a chilled out atmosphere and after 30 years in business, it is well known for its excellent staff and attention to detail, bringing the pampering to a whole other level. If you’re going for it, then really go for it and book into one of the palatial suites. Light the candles, pour the wine and enjoy the bathtub for two. Prices start from €289 pps for a two-night stay (midweek) and €329 (weekend).

For spa breaks

Farnham Estate, Co Cavan

Last summer, just as the heatwave hit, we had a weekend booked in Farnham Estate, one of the few hotels in the country with a full-size outdoor pool. Sitting in their infinity pool looking at the lush Cavan fields, the place would give any Spanish holiday a run for its money.

Farnham Estate.

Everything about the spa at Farnham Estate is calming and serene, and it specialises in the beautiful ESPA and Yonka products. Another fab feature is the fact that there is a cafe within the spa area, so if you fancy a light lunch you can happily sit in your dressing gown, feeling at one with the rest of the spa guests. Overnight stays with breakfast starts at €129pps.

Ice House Hotel, Ballina, Co Mayo

You know those fab images of people sipping prosecco in outdoor hot tubs? Well this is the reality at the Ice House Hotel. Overlooking the River Moy and the beautiful forestry across the river, it is an oasis of calm you never want to leave. Even if the weather isn’t great, the relaxation room also faces onto the fabulous view.

Ice House Hotel, Co Mayo.

As you’re in the west, seaweed is a key feature in the spa, with a selection of VOYA treatments – seaweed-fused with the warm pebbles of Enniscrone in a heated body massage. They also specialise in treatments for cancer patients, a lovely break for someone that might have gone through a tough time recently. Rates start from €229 per room, per night.

Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co Waterford

Another outdoor hot tub to die for, the Cliff House Hotel is a spa experience with one of the best views in the country, overlooking the striking coastline of Ardmore in Co Waterford. Another unique feature is the outdoor baths. Immerse yourself in organic seaweed and get that amazing sea sensation, without the pesky sand and the chilling Irish sea temperatures.

Cliff House Hotel.

That sense of Atlantic sea salt is a theme that runs right throughout the spa packages, helping you to achieve that really natural state of relaxation. We were torn whether to include this break for spa lovers or foodies, as with the oceanside Michelin-star restaurant, it means it definitely ticks both boxes. €525 for a two-night stay for two people with breakfast, a three-course meal and 10% off spa treatments (midweek selected dates).

Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co Kerry

While other spas we feature are all about the sea, in the SÁMAS spa in the Park Hotel its like you’re in a rainforest, surrounded by the lush foliage. The thermal suite ticks all the boxes, with relaxing sauna, aroma steamrooms, tropical rain showers and an outdoor heated infinity pool.

Park Hotel Kenmare.

However, as the SÁMAS uses techniques and traditions from the foothills of the Himalayas to the waters of Kenmare Bay, the treatments are on a different level. In fact, they are not even called treatments, they are called rituals, which can combine eye treatments, facials and massages all in one experience. Prices from €116pps.

The Europe Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry

The Europe Hotel is hands down one of the nicest hotels in the country and the spa was recently awarded Hotel Spa of the Year in the European Hotel Awards. The views of the Killarney lakes can be savoured right throughout your break from the gorgeous restaurants to the rooms, but there is something special about enjoying them on a heated lounger.

Europe Hotel, Killarney.

The Europe also specialises in the ESPA range and one of its signature treatments is the holistic total body ritual, which uses hot stones and essential oils to release natural energies. Again, another perk is a cafe on-site, and we do love a healthy salad in our bathrobe. Prices from €320 per night for two nights B&B and dinner.

For families

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, West Cork

Inchydoney beach is one of those places where you feel a million miles away from everything and it’s a fantastic family break which fuses relaxation for parents and activities for the kids. With the beach literally on the doorstep, there are surfing lessons throughout the summer. And anyway aren’t the best childhood memories made with a bucket and spade in hand?

Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, west Cork.

To “up” things to a really memorable level, you can embark on a half-day whale watching trip from Courtmacsherry with Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours. You could spot fin whales, humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins and porpoise. Two nights B&B for two adults and two children from €590.

Sneem Hotel, Sneem, Co Kerry

The town of Sneem is like something in a storybook with its colorful shop fronts. And one of the best places to stay to soak up the atmosphere is the Sneem Hotel. The family will be welcomed by Red, the red setter resident dog and then it’s time for the parents to relax while the kids head off to Red’s Rascal Club which welcomes children aged five to 12 with evening activities and movie nights.

Sneem Hotel.

Of course, during the day, parents will want to make memories and there is plenty to do. Just walk down to the peninsula at the hotel’s waterfront for some kayaking or head to nearby Derrynane beach to build sandcastles. Blueberry Hill Farm is also nearby and for the more adventurous teenagers, there is mountaineering in the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The price is €450 for three-night stay for two adults and two children including breakfast and dinner on two evenings.

Hotel Westport, Westport, Co Mayo

If you’re concerned about entertaining the kids, then Hotel Westport will ease your worries. The list of indoor and outdoor activities available through the Panda Club is as long as your arm, but to give a small snapshot, they include arts and crafts, musical games, fancy dress, treasure hunts and dance competitions. As a family, there is a 400-acre estate to roam, a children’s splash pool and crazy golf.

Hotel Westport.

The Panda Club also serves a children’s dinner from 5.15pm-6.30pm and if you’re lucky enough to have a babysitter, you can then explore the fantastic restaurants of Westport. Priced at €109 per night for a family of four but you’ll find week long package deals on their website.

Kelly’s Resort, Co Wexford

Kelly’s Resort in Wexford is one of those hotels that for years has been known as a great family destination and it continues to live up to its reputation. Again put a hotel right in front of a beautiful beach and instantly, children are entertained but on top of that they have a children’s Pirate Club which runs from 9am to 9.30pm with drama, painting, sports and games.

Kelly's Resort, Co Wexford.

It's one of the few clubs that runs throughout the day so parents can schedule in an indulgent spa treatment, go for a swim or simply walk the beach hand in hand. There is also complimentary child minding from 7pm to 9pm if parents fancy a peaceful meal in Beaches Restaurant. For two adults and two children for two nights in June is €860.

Sheen Falls, Kenmare, Co Kerry

A family break doesn’t necessarily mean entertaining small kids. Perhaps your family is all grown up and you fancy spending some quality time together.The Sheen Falls has a selection of houses on their grounds that suit families of all sizes.

Marianne's Cottage, Sheen Falls.

The Bay Villas sleep eight people and have a beautiful long elegant dining room if you’ve a family celebration while Marianne’s cottage comes complete with a thatched roof, open beam ceilings and log fires. To keep everyone entertained during the day, there is clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and tennis. Of course, the Sheen Falls Hotel is beautiful in itself and it’s a short walk to enjoy their restaurants and facilities. Cottages start from €350 per night.

For foodies

MacNean House, Blacklion, Co Cavan

Neven Maguire may be our resident chef in Irish Country Living but we promise we are completely unbiased when we say MacNean House is one of the nicest places to eat and stay in the country. Go all out and order the prestige menu. It may cost €89 but with 12 courses, it is truly a gastronomic experience that your taste buds will reminisce on for years after.

Neven Maguire's MacNean House.

The lounge where you can enjoy a drink is so cosy you won’t feel intimidated, instead you’ll be so relaxed you’ll forget its bedtime but get up there because the breakfast is as memorable as the dinner. Prestige menu €89.

Viewmount House, Co Longford

One of the nicest foodie surprises we experienced was on a Sunday afternoon when we fell upon Viewmount House in Longford. The meal that chef Gary O’Hanlon served up that day fused the family comfort of a Sunday lunch with an elegance that was quite memorable. Now Marcio Laan is head chef and he hasn’t let down the gastronomic baton that was passed to him.

Viewmount House.

The menu continues to take the fantastic flavours of the area complementing them with culinary creativity. Pan-fried sea bass served with sea spinach, pickle and vanilla or try lamb shoulder with curried lentils and crispy parsnip. Then after a great meal, rest your head in the quirky bedrooms of this magnificent building built in 1620. Sunday lunch is €35.

Ballyknocken House and Cookery School, Ashford, Co Wicklow

A foodie stay doesn’t just mean dining in a fancy restaurant and Catherine Fulvio and the team at Ballyknocken House offer something different. One of their interesting packages is their Mountain Top Picnic Package.

Ballyknocken picnic.
You head off in the morning with two things in tow – a delicious Ballyknocken picnic packed up for you and maps of the Wicklow Way, a 132km marked trail through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland which has been described internationally as a “walker’s paradise”. When its time for a break, spread out your blanket and enjoy your deliciously baked picnic. Priced at €171 including accommodation, breakfast, the picnic and cake on arrival.

Ardtara Country House Hotel

Another fantastic elegant old house where the focus is firmly placed on the food, Ardtara Country House Hotel is becoming a real destination hotel, especially given that’s it’s 45 minutes away from the Giants Causeway.

Ard Tara Country House Hotel.

It’s another example of freshly grown produce coming from the garden and the menu focuses on those classic meals we can’t get enough of; Gallagher’s 8oz ribeye with roast onions, forest mushrooms, beef drippings and peppercorn sauce. Such offerings will be paired with the best of French wine this summer on Friday 21 June. This package includes an overnight stay, sumptuous five-course tasting menu, each course paired with wine, prosecco on arrival and breakfast. Prices are from £164.50 pps.

Castlemartyr Resort, Castlemartyr, Co Cork

Whether you have a lifetime knowledge of whiskey or have taken a recent interest, then a special break away for a group of friends or a couple is the “Whiskey Me Away” package in Castlemartyr Resort. Driving up to the old building which was once a school, the scenery is breathtaking and the hotel itself has a fantastic offering.

Castlemartyr Resort.

During the day though, you are only a short drive from the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, a unique whiskey experience with expert ambassadors walking you through the craft of Irish whiskey-making from grain to glass. All guided experiences end in the Jameson Bar to soak up the atmosphere with a complementary Jameson Irish Whiskey. Certainly a trip to remember. Prices from €209pps for B&B, two-course dinner and the tour.