There is still time to book a staycation in Ireland with availability in places yet to be explored. The usual favourites are heavily booked but you will get cancellations and if you can travel mid-week you might get odd days – a small road trip staying in a few different places is a great way to see much in a county or province. We are blessed with a huge selection of fine country houses and hotels in every corner of the country.
Hotels with swimming pools are especially in demand this summer for those travelling with children so I’ve gathered a selection of breaks to suit a variety of tastes and needs.
Culinary Breaks
If food is your thing here are two suggestions for places with excellent food.
Celebrating 50 years in Business this summer proprietors Aidan and Joan McManus have created a boutique hotel at their restaurant the King Sitric overlooking HowthHarbour. With the expansion of their restaurant into East Café along with their son Declan and his wife there is now greater choice in dining. With a small number of rooms I’d get booking for a mid-week or weekend getaway.
King Sitric, Howth, Co. Dublin
Bed and Breakfast from €160 per room per night.
The East Café bar is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Killeen House Hotel & Rozzers Restaurant, Aghadoe, Kerry
“Come for dinner and stay for breakfast”
Rozzers Restaurant was just named number one fine dining restaurant in Ireland by TripAdvisor this week.
The award-winning Killeen House Hotel & Rozzers Restaurant, located in Kerry, is run by Mother Daughter duo Geraldine and Michelle Rosney. It was built in Edwardian style in 1838 and while there has been renovations and extensions to the interior, the exterior remains unchanged. ‘A charming little hotel’ best describes the style and character of this unique little gem set on 1.5 acres of beautifully manicured gardens in scenic Aghadoe and just a 10-minute drive from downtown Killarney.
Their famous Rozzers Restaurant was just named number 1 fine dining restaurant in Ireland by TripAdvisor this week. Original Irish Hotels have long recognised this lovely hotel for its expertise with them winning the Original Irish Hotels Service Excellence Award in 2018. All of their wonderful staff will go the extra mile to provide their guests with a memorable night out.
What’s more, if you bring a golf ball with you to add to their wall you will get a free pint. But it only works the first time so don’t try and bring a bucket of golf balls!
The come for dinner and stay for breakfast package includes an overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in the fabulous Rozzers Restaurant. Prices range from €130 -150 per person including 1 night accommodation and Breakfast and dinner in Rozzers .
One of my personal favourites is Ghan House in Carlingford. They have mid week availability in August for €420 for two people for two nights including dinner – you won’t be disappointed with the food.
Ghan House have availability in August and Sept mid week, it’s €170 per night for B&B
Hobbie Break
If you like Walking or Hiking then Wicklow has many beautiful established routes such as the Spinc, Lough Dan and The Sugar Loaf. I recently took a night in the lovely village of Laragh right beside Glendalough and stayed at The Wicklow Heather. This Bar and Restaurant also provides accommodation with lovely chalet type suites with kitchenettes and lovely private garden area. The Restaurant is especially lovely with the writer’s room restaurant displaying original copies of Joyce’s Ulysses and Swift’s Gulliver’s Travellers. There are also original copies of Dracula and many WB Yeats books of poetry. The food is delicious with something on the menu to suit every taste.
Rooms are very reasonable at €90 for two sharing midweek and €100 for two sharing at weekends.
Capture the wild at Knockranny House Hotel, Westport
Discover the wilds of Mayo with the first walking and photography weekend taking place at Knockranny House Hotel in association with Terra Firma on 27th and 28th August 2021.
The Wild Nephin National Park is alive with wonders and with Terra Firma as your guide, guests will get to experience lesser-known areas of this unspoilt wilderness. Consisting of 15,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range, this wild landscape offers a sanctuary for plants and animals, providing valuable biodiversity.
Led by Terra Firma and photographer Joshua Nueva you’ll go off the beaten track on the 4-5 hour walk, exploring some of the lesser visited areas of the park allowing for some amazing photographic opportunities of the breath-taking landscape, dramatic views and big sky country of this spectacular location.
Perfect for budding photographers, Joshua Nueva is one of Ireland’s leading adventure photographers & videographers and will guide guests on the best use of settings, lenses and light for their own equipment. With only a limited number of places available guests will have plenty of time for questions with both Joshua and the walking guide and whether you’re a complete beginner, or a keen hobbyist, guests will level up their photography skills and improve their creative eye to produce Instagram-worthy content.
See link to Joshua Neeva’s website below to see some of his fantastic work. https://www.joshuanueva.com/
The Walking and Photography Weekend at Knockranny House Hotel includes 2 nightsaccommodation with breakfast each morning. Dinner on one evening and a guided walk with a packed lunch, and photography guide. Prices start from €380 per person based on two sharing a Double or Twin room. Package only available 27th & 28th August 2021, subject to availability
Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa for spa lovers!
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, nestled in 21 acres of lush green Meath countryside, just 18 km from Dublin City Centre and 20 km from Dublin Airport. With 145 large, comfortable rooms including 2 exceptional Junior Suites and the impressive Presidential Suite on the top floor of the hotel.
Enjoy a two-night family stay for up to 2 adults and 2 children at Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa.
Dine on an evening of your choice in the Ivy Restaurant, which holds 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence.
Your Package includes: Two nights’ accommodation in a family room for up to 2 adults and 2 children (under 12), Delicious Continental and Full Irish Breakfast, 3 course Table d’hôte dinner for the adults and children’s dinner on an evening of your choice, Kids Welcome Pack, Complimentary Hot Chocolate, Dunboyne Castle Fairy Trail with special clues and prizes.
Price from €238.00 per night.
SPA Break from €360 on Thursdays and Fridays in August. With dinner include €440
City Break
Limerick
I’ve recently returned from Limerick and a wonderful stay at the Strand Hotel in Limerick. There’s lots going on down there and in my short two day trip I visited King John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum. I had lunch at The Locke Bar and was transported to a number of various European capitals as the sun split the stones in 25 degree heat.
If travelling with kids activities include Kayaking on the river Shannon and for the beer enthusiast there are dozens of delightful IPAs to be samples at Treaty City Brewery.
The “Explore a little More” two-night package is also available to couples and groups and available from €189 per person sharing to include, pre-dinner glass of prosecco, 3 course dinner in the new River Bar & Restaurant, 15% off Niall ColganHairdressing, 10% off Namaste Skin Clinic & Urban Day Spa plus the Local Attraction discounts. All hotel guests have complimentary access to Energize Health Centre, including a 20-metre swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi.
To make a reservation call 061 421800 or [email protected] for more details please visit www.strandlimerick.ie.
Livin Da Vida Limerick – https://bookings.claytonhotellimerick.com/offer/two-nights-city-break-2bb1d-
Enjoy a two-night stay with breakfast & 4 course dinner on one evening with Free cancellation up to 2pm day prior to arrival. Enjoy Prosecco & chocolates in room on arrival and complimentary use of Club Vitae Health & Fitness centre. Multi-storey car parking @€8.50 for 24 hours
Available Weekends – 6th – 8th August – €471, 20th – 22nd August – €486
Mid-Week – 10th August – €366.40
GALWAY
Glenlo Abbey is far enough from the city centre to take you away on a relaxing holiday yet close enough to the centre of Galway to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
I took the children down here a few years ago and we enjoyed archery and falconry.
But for me the absolute highlight was dining in the Pullman restaurant which is set in an original Pullman carriage used in routes such as the Orient Express.
For those looking to recapture some of the lost milestone moments over the past few months and year, then the “Recapture Magic Moments” package will certainly appeal. Treat your loved one to a celebratory night away in the warm embrace of Glenlo’sfriendly team, where they will go out of their way to ensure you have the most memorable stay, with welcome artisan sweet treats, a half bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers with personalised celebration message on arrival. The experience also includes a delicious à la carte breakfast in The River Room. Overnight rates from €445 per room.
To book your escape visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie Facebook Instagram T: +353 (0)91 519 600
Back by popular demand The Harbour’s Rekindle package is bookable online and includes 2 nights’ accommodation in a luxurious Executive Room, a chilled in-room bottle of Prosecco on arrival, a three course dinner for two on an evening of choice at the popular Dillisk on The Docks plus delicious à la carte breakfast each morning. Two night package experience costs from €412 per couple. To book your stay visit www.harbour.ie or T: +353 91 894800 for more details.
Dublin
Summer in Dublin… Enjoy a Two Night Luxury Hideout at the five-star InterContinental Dublin
Enjoy your own 5 Star Hideaway at Dublin’s 5 Star Urban Resort with The Two-Night Luxury Hideout. Included is:
Two Nights in a luxury guestroom, choose from a Spacious Deluxe Room or a Luxurious One Bedroom Suite with full Irish Breakfast with a three course Dining Experience on one evening of your choice in Seasons Restaurant or al fresco. Wellness Area including 14m heated pool and relaxation area and Complimentary Carparking and 10% off Spa Treatments featuring ESPA products
Right on the doorstep of the Hotel enjoy long summer days with a stroll on SandymountStrand or Herbert Park, and only minutes to the Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk or explore many of the amazing museums and art galleries in Dublin City including the National Gallery of Ireland, Chester Beatty, National Library of Ireland and Natural History Museum.
Rates from €448.00 per person sharing
Air BnB
I was not a big fan of Air Bnb until I tried it earlier this summer but I know some people like the anonymity and privacy of staying in a residential property. There is increasing demand for houses and many people are turning their country homes into suitable accommodation for families and larger groups.
I recently stayed at the Calves Field in Tipperary which is very close to Lough Rea and Nenagh. The house is in beautiful condition and there is still availability for the end of August with five nights from €1000 with €150 clean up fee. The house sleeps eight and is fully kitted for all ages. https://www.thecalvesfield.com/
All dates availability and prices are accurate at time of publication and subject to change.
