You deserve a gourmet getaway this winter and we have rounded up ten incredible options for you to try.
There are so many great places to visit that it can be hard to decide where to dine but, lucky for us, Ireland's Blue Book - which 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.
As we head towards the festive season, your Christmas gifting list is probably starting to expand but a Blue Book gift voucher is a fantastic way to show friends and family - or employees and clients, if you're on the hunt for corporate gifts - how much you appreciate them. By gifting someone a voucher for Ireland's Blue Book, you're ensuring that they create a memory they can hold onto for life - there's no better gift!
Need some inspiration for where to use your Blue Book voucher? Read on for beautiful restaurants, delicious food and more.
Campagne Restaurant
Michelin-starred restaurant Campagne opened in Kilkenny in 2008 and has been serving up exceptional food ever since. The regularly-changing menus are based around high-quality seasonal produce, with a strong French influence, and head chef Garrett Byrne is one of the country's best-loved chefs, so you know you're in good hands when you visit. The restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday to Sunday each week, with three-course and early bird menus available daily, plus a lunch option available from 12.30pm on Sundays.
For more info, click here.
Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate
Named for the former Lady of the House, the Lady Helen restaurant is another Michelin-starred experience that is sure to impress. With chef John Kelly at the helm, the restaurant is an iconic part of the Estate and draws in visitors from far and wide. Kelly's menus seek to elevate local produce to dazzling heights, with many dishes using ingredients from Mount Juliet Estate itself. The Lady Helen restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday with an array of menu options available for diners to try: a three-course menu for €90, a seven-course tasting menu for €105, or the sensational nine-course tasting menu for €130.
Click here for more info.
Gregans Castle
Dining at Gregans Castle in Co Clare is an experience to remember. Head chef Robbie McCauley is well-known for his use of local ingredients, including organic lamb from the Burren and seafood from the Atlantic coast, which he uses to form creative, modern dishes. McCauley changes the tasting menu daily, so you never quite know what you'll be eating ahead of time but rest assured, it will always be delicious. Notably, the restaurant has an expansive wine list that features wines from all over the world, including lots of organic and biodynamic wines.
For more info, click here.
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
Mickael Viljanen joined forces with Ross Lewis earlier this year to reform the well-known Parnell Street restaurant as Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen and his innovative food has been consistently impressing guests ever since. The French-inspired menus focus on Irish ingredients, with highlights including Viljanen's signature foie royale dish, Guinness treacle brioche with whipped duck fat butter, and more. Buoyed by an exceptional front of house team, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen is a must-try restaurant.
Click here for more info.
Aherne’s Townhouse & Restaurant
Family-run Aherne's Townhouse & Restaurant in Youghal, Co Cork offers a warm welcome and delicious food. Specialising in locally sourced seafood, the restaurant offers both á la carte and set menu options, with head chef David Fitzgibbon promising imaginative takes on traditional dishes. The bar is well-known for its friendly atmosphere and extensive drinks menu - the affable locals are on hand for chats and craic while you enjoy a pint and a bite.
For more info, click here.
Dax Restaurant
Open since 2004, Dax is Dublin's home to elegant dining and French cuisine. Head chef Graham Neville is widely loved and respected, and his exceptional dishes showcase the very best of local produce. The impressive service in this revered restaurant ensures that guests come back again and again, while the extensive wine list is perfect for those looking to try a perfect pairing with their meal.
Click here for more.
The Tannery
Opened by Paul and Máire Flynn in 1997, The Tannery has become one of the south-east's best-loved destinations. With ever-changing menus comprising of fresh Waterford ingredients, this Dungarvan restaurant is known for its use of local produce. In addition to the restaurant and guest rooms, The Tannery is also home to a wonderful cookery school with year-round courses available for cooks of all levels.
For more info, click here.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
Now in its 40th year of business, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud on Dublin's Merrion Street is one of the country's best restaurants. It was the first restaurant in Ireland to earn two Michelin stars and head chef Guillaume Lebrun's signature dishes have consistently impressed guests year after year. Everything on the menu, from the bread right to the petit fours, is made in-house in order to meet Lebrun's exacting standards and the extensive wine list has been carefully curated to match your meal.
Click here for more.
Newforge House
Located in the stunning surrounds of the picturesque village of Magheralin in Co Armagh, Newforge House is a lovingly restored 18th century manor house comprising of six bedrooms. The welcoming dining room offers delicious seasonal cooking with ingredients like farmhouse eggs and fresh vegetables sourced daily from the on-site garden. The daily changing dinner menu offers a meal to remember while the sumptuous breakfast will perfectly set you up for the day.
Click here for more info.
The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed in Ballingarry, Co Limerick is legendary for its food and hospitality. Opened in 1985, this unique country house is perfect for those looking for a gourmet getaway with a difference. Head chef Angel Pirev carefully curates his menus to ensure that seasonal ingredients and produce source from the kitchen garden are at the forefront of every dish. Open to both residents and non-residents, the restaurant offers a relaxed environment and delicious food.
For more info, click here.
Brought to you in association with Ireland's Blue Book.
