A wise Irishman once noted, “Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.” Travelers to this Emerald Isle are sure to discover the truth of that statement. Exploring ancient sites, wandering through castles and sampling a pint or two of fine Irish ale are just a few of the happy adventures awaiting visitors to Ireland.
Your journey might begin in Dublin, a beautiful city full of quaint, historic charm. Dublin is a perfect spot for exploring on foot, and driving here is not recommended so save your rental car for trips out of the city. Museums, historic sites and, of course, the Guinness Brewery await guests to the Republic of Ireland’s capitol city. From there, you can head north up to the coast and the attractions of Northern Ireland and Belfast, or perhaps head south and enjoy the Killarney Lakes or take a trip to Blarney Castle.
The Quay House, Connaught, Ireland
We have created a variety of unique Ireland itinerary ideas for visitors to Ireland, all of which are detailed on our site. KarenBrown.com 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 decor 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 Dublin 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.
If you need more information, KarenBrown.com has it. Read further for more on Ireland hotels and related trip planning information.
