5 Great Places to Stay in Ireland

Having just returned from a wonderful stay at Rathsallagh House, Dunlavin, Co.Wicklow I started thinking about where I would like to spend my next break away.  There are some fabulous hotels to choose from and I am completely spoiled for choice especially with the down turn in the economy most of the hotels are now offering really good discounted rates, deals and all in packages.

Here are some of my personal favourites.

Rathsallagh House & Golf Club, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow
I was running a golf event for my company at Rathsallagh House & Golf Club last week. The hotel is beautiful being a country house set in 530 acres of beautiful parkland. The hotel has lots of open fires, good food and wine and the hospitality is second to none and what can I say about the food - absolutely fabulous! Rathsallagh House has an award winning restaurant with great food and knowledgeable staff. The wines on offer were also excellent.

Accommodation (31 rooms in total) is based in the house or in the courtyard stables which have been converted into luxurious bedrooms. I stayed in a standard room called Apricot Cottage and it was really nice. All rooms are individually named and all have a charm of their own.

Before or after dinner you can take your drinks in one of the lovely drawing rooms or the bar. Being set in 530 acres of beautiful parkland there is plenty of space to walk around the grounds. You can take a nice leisurely stroll from the Hotel up to the Golf Club where you can enjoy a lovely Irish coffee by the log fire looking out on to the expanse of the golf course.

Rathsallagh House and Golf Club is only a short drive from Dublin - it took me just under 1 hour from Kinsealy/Malahide area. For a romantic break or just a break away from the city definitely take a look at their website. www.rathsallaghhousehotel.com

Wicklow offers many interesting places to visit and at Rathsallagh House are you very close to a number of other counties like Kildare and Carlow so you won't run out of things to do.

Slieve Russell Hotel and Country Club, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan
I love the Slieve Russell hotel in Ballyconnell Co. Cavan. Located in the heart of the lakelands the Slieve Russell is a real gem. This is a large modern hotel with comfortable accommodation, good food and great leisure facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steamroom and also a couple of fantastic golf courses with a golf driving range for those who need the practice.

The Slieve Russell offer a number of different types of accommodation. I have stayed in most of the room types and have found all to be well appointed as you would expect from a hotel of this standard. I have dined at the Conall Cearnach Restaurant many times and can highly recommend it. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.

If you are into walking you can take the planned walk around the grounds which is really great after a sumptuous dinner or after a big Irish breakfast. The golf club also serve good food, you can take a leisurely lunch at the golf club looking out at the fantastic scenery.

It takes approximately 2 hours to get from Dublin to the Slieve Russell. There are some lovely places to visit in the area and you are just a short hop from the border with Northern Ireland and very close to the town of Enniskillen. I would highly recommend this hotel for both adults and children.

Take a look at www.slieverussellhotel.ie for more information.

Ballinahinch Castle, Recess, Connemara
I am truely in heaven when I head to Ballinahinch Castle in Connemara (West of Ireland). I look forward to my visits eagerly. This beautiful castle is centuries old and was once owned by the famous Prince Ranitsinhji, Maharajah of Nawanager. Set in spectacular scenery with 450 acres of woodland to explore and overlooking a beautiful river, you could not be in a more beautiful setting.

Accommodation is in either the new or older part of the castle. I have had gorgeous rooms each time I have stayed and whether you are looking out on the river or on the mountains the view is still spectacular. Dining at the Owenmore Restaurant is a pleasure and the restaurant is beautifully situated with a stunning view of the river. Especially nice at dusk when the colours are changing and on more than one occassion I have seen a deer grazing on the banks of the river. The food is wonderful and if you get the chance try the lobster - its to die for!

There are numerous walks you can take and they have a leaflet available outlining the different routes. Fishing is hot at this place! You can hire a fishing guide to help you learn the true technics of fishing. Ballinahinch Castle is located in the heart of Connemara so there is much to see and do in the area. It takes about 3 and a half hours to drive down from Dublin. Its worth every second of the drive!

Take a look at their website for more information www.ballynahinch-castle.com

Kellys Resort Hotel, Rosslare, Co. Wexford
Couldn't be better! A terrific family owned and run hotel. This hotel is consistantly good. Only 2 hours from Dublin and on the lovely Rosslare Strand. Kellys offers every convenience and luxury. Their leisure and Sea Spa facilities are second to none. If you bring children with you they will be occupied from morning till night with a great range of activites.

For me the Sea Spa is a delight. There is a good list of treatments to chose from and the sea water pool and rainforest showers are a must. Great after a busy week at the office, just what is needed to bring you to a nice relaxed state.

Rooms are well appointed and if you want to spend a little extra ask for a sea view in the new wing. The hotel offers full board packages and they are well worth it. The food is fantastic with a very good menu with a choice of dining rooms. I have passion for an old fashioned dessert we used to have when we were kids and Kellys Hotel always have it on their menu. Make sure you try the Queen of Puddings or you will truely be missing something delicious.

Entertainment most evenings is very enjoyable. If you don't fancy the entertainment there are plenty of quiet spaces to sit and relax with a drink after dinner.

Kellys also offer special breaks that include morning lessons for golf, painting, gardening and cookery. Check their website for more information. www.kellys.ie

Parknasilla Resort, Sneem, Co. Kerrt
I have spent some truely memorable times in Parknasilla. When my son was younger this was his favourite place to go. Children are always guaranteed to make new friends and enjoy swimming off the private pier and at the private coves.

Parknasilla sits in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. It is like being in heaven. Located in Sneem you are close to all the main attractions of Co. Kerry and also not far from beautiful West Cork.

Parknasilla has just undergone a big refurbishment so I am looking forward to my next visit to see what has changed. Some of the rooms in the westwing top floor are quite small so make sure to request a lower floor and definitely not an attic room. The rooms in the old part of the house (to the front) are the best and have really great views. Its worth while paying extra for a sea view if you can.

The hotel is a beautiful building set in a 500 acre estate. There are extensive walks around the grounds which also include a golf course and horse riding trails among many other facilities. Their are also leisure facilities including an indoor pool, sauna, and an outdoor hot tub which is not to be missed. The hotel arrange boat trips in Kenmare bay and also walking trips so definitely ask about these on your next visit.

We have always enjoyed the food and in the beautiful dining room and its nice to retire to the bar for after diner drinks. The staff at Parknasilla offer true Kerry hospitality and are both generous in nature and spirit. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Parknasillas website gives lots more information: www.parknasillahotel.ie