Ireland is on the road to recovery which means restaurants will be open again soon and we can't wait to visit some picturesque locations around the country.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in early 2020, opportunities to travel and dine out have been virtually non-existent. However, now that the country is starting to reopen and the vaccination programme has begun to pick up speed, we reckon we'll actually get to enjoy a staycation this summer.
First up on our list is a gourmet getaway to the countryside to take in stunning vistas while we dine on delicious food. There are so many great places to visit that it can be hard to decide where to dine first but, lucky for us, Ireland's Blue Book - which is is a collection of country house hotels, manor houses, castles and restaurants located throughout the island of Ireland - has a wonderful array of options available.
Need some inspiration for where to visit this summer? Read on for beautiful views, delicious food and more.
Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry
Kerry is easily one of the most beautiful counties in the country and the vibrant town of Kenmare is a great place to base yourself if you plan to experience the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way. At more than 120 years old, this five-star hotel run by brothers Francis and John Brennan promises luxury and a warm welcome, both of which ensure that guests come back again and again.
The dining room at the Park Hotel Kenmare holds two AA Rosettes, offering elegant meals created with seasonal, local ingredients. The best part about dining here? The outdoor terrace overlooks Kenmare and the nearby mountains, creating a truly unique dining experience.
For more information or to book a stay, click here.
Gregans Castle, Co Clare
Another perfect base for the Wild Atlantic Way, Gregans Castle is uniquely situated to offer stunning views of Galway and the Burren. Owned and operated by Simon Haden, Frederieke McMurray and their team, this luxury 18th century manor house has been welcoming guests since the 1940s.
Dining at Gregans Castle is overseen by renowned chef Robbie McCauley, with both fine dining and casual options available. With panoramic vistas of the countryside available from the dining room, there's no better way to enjoy a delicious meal.
For more information or to book a stay, click here.
The Garden Room at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin City
One of Dublin's best-loved hotels, The Merrion is always a winner in our eyes - its location ensures you're within walking distance of the capital's landmarks, while the hotel's opulent setting provides the perfect oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
While you might not imagine that a city-based hotel offers views of anything but the impressive Dublin skyline, the Garden Room at The Merrion Hotel overlooks a gorgeous formal garden complete with greenery and a pond. The cuisine, curated by head chef Ed Cooney, is designed for sharing and highlights Irish ingredients.
For more information, or to book, click here.
Ice House Hotel, Co Mayo
This iconic, eclectic hotel is a true destination on the Wild Atlantic Way. With its unparalleled views of the River Moy, the Ice House Hotel boasts 32 contemporary rooms and an award-winning VOYA spa.
While dining at the Riverview Restaurant, guests can enjoy the view of the Moy and the nearby woodlands through floor-to-ceiling windows. Alternatively, as long as the weather behaves, the outdoor terrace offers amazing views with a refreshing riverside breeze to accompany chef Anthony Holland's seasonal fare.
For more info or to book, click here.
Wineport Lodge, Co Westmeath
This gem in the midlands is more than just a guesthouse; overlooking Lough Ree, this four-star resort is the perfect hideaway. Originally, Wineport Lodge opened as a restaurant in 1993, with guest accommodation later installed to keep up with growing consumer demand for stylish, secluded gourmet getaways. The restaurant is still at the heart of this location, with stunning lakeshore views to compliment the seasonal menu.
For more information or to book, click here.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Co Galway
This five-star resort is well known around Ireland for its luxurious setting and stunning scenery. The massive 138-acre estate is situated on the edge of Lough Corrib, which is the largest lake in Ireland, in the heart of Connemara - it's the perfect setting for those looking to stay in comfort while exploring the countryside.
The Pullman Restaurant, which is made up of two carriages from the original Orient Express, offers a completely unique dining experience for guests. The restored carriages allow diners to overlook the grounds while they enjoy award-winning cuisine and fine wines.
For more information or to book, click here.
King Sitric Restaurant & Townhouse, Co Dublin
This well-known Howth establishment has been serving some of the best seafood in the country since 1971. Owned by Aidan and Joan MacManus, King Sitric originally solely operated as a restaurant before eight nautical-themed guestrooms were installed during a massive refurbishment in 2000. This redesign also allowed the duo to move the dining room to the first floor, overlooking the picturesque view of Howth Bay - you can literally enjoy your meal while looking at the very water that the seafood was caught in.
For more information or to book, click here.
Carrig Country House & Lakeside Restaurant, Co Kerry
Located on the shores of Caragh Lake on the Ring of Kerry, this Victorian lakeside manor house was established as Carrig Country House & Restaurant by Frank and Mary Slattery in 1996, who were joined by their daughter Claire in 2015.
Hidden in the heart of the Reeks District, this beautiful destination offers superb dining options in the Lakeside Restaurant. Overlooking the lake, the picturesque views are the perfect accompaniment to the modern Irish cuisine on offer.
For more information or to book, click here.
Rosleague Manor, Co Galway
Situated on 30 acres of woodland next to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Rosleague Manor is a Victorian-style hotel that offers seclusion and luxury to guests looking to base themselves in Connemara. The Manor itself is just one mile from Connemara National Park and only a five minute drive from Kylemore Abbey.
Overlooking Ballinakill Bay, Rosleague Manor offers local, seasonal dining with a picturesque view - the nearby countryside of Clifden is second to none.
For more information or to book, click here.
Rathmullan House, Co Donegal
Regardless of the changeable Irish weather, Donegal's Rathmullan House will always provide a warm welcome. Located on the shore of Lough Swilly, bedrooms here offer garden views while the bay windows in the Cook & Gardener restaurant offer diners picturesque views of the grounds. The locally-inspired menu includes produce straight from the property's walled garaden, which has been restored by owner Bob Wheeler and the Rathmullan House gardening team.
For more information or to book, click here.
Brought to you in association with Ireland's Blue Book.
