Lyrath Estate Hotel and Spa

Dublin Rd, Kilkenny

On 200 acres of parkland, the five-star Lyrath Hotel is just one mile from Kilkenny City. The 17th century house lies in the heart of the hotel, which offers air-conditioned rooms and an exclusive series of three period bedrooms alongside 130 contemporary bedrooms. The hotel features a spa, an indoor infinity pool, and two award-winning restaurants. The Oasis Health Club boasts a gym, steam room, a hydrotherapy pool, a luxury thermal suite and hot tub. The gardens at Lyrath were designed by Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe, a noted botanical watercolourist who lived at Lyrath from 1922. The gardens at Lyrath have been carefully restored to her original design, based on family records and drawings. Call 056-776-0088 or visit www.lyrath.com

The Lord Bagenal Hotel

Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow

The Lord Bagenal Hotel is in the heritage village of Leighlinbridge, just 10 minutes from Carlow town and 20 minutes from Kilkenny. Located on the banks of the River Barrow, this four-star family-run hotel has its own private marina and offers 40 rooms. The hotel has two dining options – the Waterfront Restaurant and the Lord Bagenal Bar. It also caters for banquets, conferences, parties and weddings. Call 059-977-4000 or visit www.lordbagenal.com

Mount Juliet Estate

Thomastown, Co Kilkenny

Mount Juliet Estate is an award-winning hotel set within 1500 acres of gardens and woodland in Thomastown, 12 miles southeast of Kilkenny city. There is a wide range of outdoor leisure activities available, including horse riding, fishing on the River Nore, golf, clay pigeon shooting and archery. The leisure centre and spa offers a pool, gym, and health and beauty treatments. There is also a supervised kids club, which includes a range of activities. Call 056-777-3000 or visit www.mountjuliet.ie

The Talbot Hotel

Portlaoise Rd, Carlow

The Talbot Hotel is Carlow town’s only four-star hotel. Voted in the top 10 ‘Family Friendly Hotels in Ireland’, it features spacious bedrooms. Facilities include pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi in addition to bowling, kidzmania, video games and more in the DOME. The Talbot Tigers will entertain the little ones in the kids’ club, leaving time free to be pampered at Indigo Hair and Beauty Rooms or to relax on the terrace adjacent to Corries Bar and Bistro. Great value, delicious dining options range from the lunchtime carvery to evening dining in the Liberty Tree Restaurant. The Talbot is also the ideal venue for wedding receptions, civil ceremonies and events, so why not visit the wedding fair on 14 September from 1pm to 5pm. For special offers, visit www.talbotcarlow.ie or call 059-915-3000.

Kilgraney Country House

Borris Rd, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow

Kilgraney House and herb garden is a charming Georgian property overlooking the Barrow Valley, midway between Carlow town and Kilkenny city. The grounds include five acres with a series of interconnecting herbal gardens, lawns and orchards. Guest accommodation comprises six bedrooms and two courtyard suites in a granite courtyard adjoining the main house. There are two dining rooms – the Mulberry dining room for a more intimate experience and the Tribal Art dining room where communal dining is offered. The AromaSpa in a restored apple storehouse offers a range of treatments. Call 059-977-5283 or visit www.kilgraneyhouse.com