When planning a trip to Ireland, the allure of its green rolling landscapes, wild coastlines, historic sites and vibrant culture often takes center stage. Yet, one aspect that is crucial to the travel experience is the choice of accommodation. While there are countless hotels and guesthouses scattered across the Emerald Isle, we are always looking for stays that truly embody a destination in a unique and authentic way.
Especially in a culturally rich destination like Ireland we believe it’s quintessential to stay somewhere with charm and character, history and tradition.
As a travel photographer with a penchant for unique experiences and genuine hospitality, I’ll introduce you to a few of my favourite stays from our recent trip to Ireland in partnership with Ireland’s Blue Book, which holds a special place in my heart.
4 unique stays in Ireland
During our last Ireland trip (find our Ireland winter travel guide here) we stayed in 4 very different hotels, that are all a part of Ireland’s Blue Book, a curated collection of 65 very individual stays – country houses, historic hotels, manor houses, castles, and boutique properties that showcase the best of Irish hospitality. But really it’s not just a collection of accommodations, it’s like a portal to Ireland’s soul.
We stayed at the most enchanting countryside retreats, in historic private estates and boutique hotels – each transporting a uniquely Irish experience and a very personalised hospitality ethos. Let us introduce you to these special places to stay!
The Wilder Townhouse – Dublin
One of my fondest memories with Ireland’s Blue Book is my stay at The Wilder Townhouse in Dublin. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, this elegant Victorian townhouse embodies timeless elegance. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was enveloped in a sense of warmth and sophistication, making me feel right at home in the heart of Dublin.
The Wilder Townhouse is located in the historic Georgian Quarter, in a tranquil and elevated neighbourhood, just a 10 minutes walk away from the most important sights of the city. I loved the boutique size and the individually designed rooms adorned with eclectic furnishings, capturing the essence of Dublin’s historical appeal. Where else would you find a chess board as part of the room details?
The breakfast also deserves a mention, part buffet, part à la carte it offers local cheeses, a selection of fresh fruit and gloriously even some nice gluten free bread. Make sure to taste the smoked cheese and the tomato chutney!
King Sitric Seafood bar and accommodation – Howth, County Dublin
Venturing outside the city, I found myself enchanted by the rugged beauty of Howth and the hospitality of King Sitric. Located directly at the harbour overlooking the Irish Sea, this charming B&B offered not only spectacular views but also a taste of authentic Irish hospitality. The whole team made our stay really comfortable and while we’re vegetarians and couldn’t sample their fresh seafood (which they’re really famous for), we appreciated their veggie dishes and efforts to make us happy in the food department as well!
This was by far the least luxurious stay of our trip, but the location makes up for it and we really loved the incredible window views from our room. We do believe the rooms would need some updating when it comes to furniture, carpets and curtains, but the bathrooms have been redone and are clean and modern – so the rooms might hopefully be next.
Gregans Castle – The Burren, County Clare
Heading westward to the mystical landscapes of the Burren, we got to stay at our favourite place of the whole trip: Gregans Castle, a countryside retreat nestled amidst the limestone mountains and ancient ruins of this special region. Steeped in history, but updated with quirky and unique design (done by the owners personally) this hotel just is like no other. It feels like a family visit (albeit the wealthy part of your family) when you arrive at the mud room where a few pairs of wellies already hide in the corner alongside some old and chipped croquet rackets.
The next room is already covered in white carpets, like most of the hotel – making you immediately want to take off your muddy hiking boots and running around in socks only. But the staff assure you it’s fine to keep your shoes on. The fire’s already crackling and guests are enjoying their aperitifs from the bar, while you can hear the preparations in the kitchen are under way for dinner.
One thing Gregans castle is famous for is its refined cuisine. They’re aiming for their first Michelin stars and we have our fingers crossed they’ll make it – to us they’re already winners. The BBQ glazed celeriac convinced us at the first bite. Breakfast is an equally compelling affair, with a small selection from the buffet (think pickled onions, smoked cheese from Cork, crunchy Viennoiseries and fresh fruit) as well as à la carte dishes like a vegetarian breakfast with beautifully cooked chickpeas, mangold and spinach as well as hash browns, tomatoes and mushrooms.
We were lucky enough to stay here for two nights, but could’ve easily extended our stay (the region also has lots to offer – you can find out more in this blogpost about our winter trip to the Burren).
Cliff at Lyons – Kildare, County Kildare
Finally, our journey with Ireland’s Blue Book culminated at Cliff at Lyons in Kildare, a picture-perfect oasis. Set within the sprawling grounds of a gigantic private estates, this place occupies a restored 17th century village and mill and exudes pure luxury. No wonder countless couples choose this hotel for their nuptials!
When entering the gates you don’t expect what awaits you. First the driveway takes you deep into the estate alongside what seems like a never-ending straight-edge 2 meter high hedge that guarantees pure privacy. What feels like an eternity later you eventually arrive at the reception area of the estate. Here you’ll also find the restaurants and shop and all the main buildings, yet it still looks like a village square. After check-in the butler takes you to your room (by car or with his golf cart). We stayed a bit away from the village square in one of the separate buildings called “White Stables” adjacent to a lovely pond with a huge fountain in it!
While the historic stone buildings seem a bit Hobbiton-like from the outside, inside the suites open up to enormous sizes and modern amenities. First thing on our agenda is filling the free-standing bath tub and enjoying a nice hot bath after a day of traveling and exploring the rugged wintery landscapes.
Although the Michelin-star restaurant “Aimsir” is closed during our visit we are pleasantly surprised by the culinary quality of the main restaurant of the estate. The chef even specifically prepares a vegetarian and gluten-free mushroom risotto, that’s the best we had in years! Seated next to the fireplace we enjoy our evening here thoroughly.
But one thing is the true highlight of a stay at Cliff at Lyons – and that’s breakfast! Not just the lovely food, that is served on an etagère, but especially the location. Breakfast is served at the exquisitely designed Victorian-styled orangery. This is what fairytales are made of!
Ireland’s Blue Book
We hope we could give you a little glimpse into the world of Ireland’s Blue Book. These of course are only 4 of their 65 properties, that are each unique and scattered all across the verdant landscapes of Ireland. So wherever you plan on going in Ireland, make sure to check if there’s a property there! Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a culinary adventure, or simply a peaceful getaway surrounded by Ireland’s natural beauty, Ireland’s Blue Book has you covered.
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