Ireland, though split politically into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, is truly one romantic, mysterious being at heart. Filled with castles, ancient churches and spectacular scenery, travelers easily can fill a two-week vacation with enough memories and stories to last a lifetime.
There are many ways to approach your Irish vacation plan. You could begin with visits to the two largest cities, Dublin (the capitol city of the Republic of Ireland) and Belfast (capitol of Northern Ireland).
Dublin is a walker’s paradise, as you can stroll from museums to pubs to shops to historic sites easily. In the North, Donegal Castle and the unique Giant’s Causeway are interesting attractions. As you head south, you’ll want to check out Blarney Castle and perhaps take a trip to the region of Connemara, which promises some lovely scenery.
Prolific travel writer Karen Brown has created a variety of unique itinerary ideas for visitors to Ireland, all of which are detailed on her popular website. Her readers have chosen the following lodgings as Ireland’s best:
Located in Ireland’s picturesque region of Connemara, the Quay House has been chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Most Romantic” inn. The view alone invites romance. Most of the guest rooms and studios face the town harbor of Clifdon. The inn is the oldest building in town and originally served as the harbor master’s house. It now houses seven guest rooms and seven studios, each with a unique theme. The dcor ranges from posh Irish country to the eclectic Out of Africa safari room.
The enthusiastic innkeepers at Ballyvolane House encourage their guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Their passion for innkeeping has earned Ballyvolane the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Ireland’s “Warmest Welcome.” This idyllic Irish country home is surrounded by spectacular gardens, and also offers seven kilometers of private salmon fishing along the River Blackwater. The tastefully furnished guest rooms include special items such as clawfoot tubs perfect for a long, restful soak. Spend an hour with a good book in the drawing room or ask the innkeepers to prepare a picnic lunch and you can find a sunny spot on the inn’s grounds. Four-course dinners are served each night in the beautiful dining room, featuring an ever-changing seasonal menu.
The grounds at Ballaghtobin are part parkland, part tillage farm where acres of wheat and Christmas trees are grown. An old ruined Norman church rests next to the charming ivy-covered main house. The interior is elegant and includes three lovely guest rooms, each with a private bath. Guests are encouraged to put on their walking shoes and tour the extensive grounds, taking what 18th-century Irish gentry would no doubt praise as a proper country walk. Ballaghtobin was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Greatest Value.”
If you plan a trip to Dublin, The Merrion is ideal if you want to treat yourself to one of Ireland’s poshest hotels. Named by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s top “Splendid Splurge,” the hotel consists of a main section and a garden wing, both with elegant rooms and suites. There is a full-service spa and fitness center, which includes an infinity pool. There are also two restaurants (one is the only two-star Michelin restaurant in Ireland) and a relaxing pub. Christmas at The Merrion, and just about everywhere else in Ireland, is a special time and the hotel is decorated to the hilt for the season.
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