Travel & Leisure Facts and Notes

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.

On her popular website, travel writer Karen Brown offers several comprehensive itineraries for visitors to Ireland. Her readers also have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as Ireland’s top lodging experiences.

The Quay House, a historic gem located just off the harbor in the seaside village of Clifdon, has been chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Most Romantic” inn. Quay House offers seven guest rooms and seven studios, each with individual dcor ranging from traditional Irish with antiques to more fanciful and bohemian-themed rooms. All but two of the rooms boast a harbor view. A homemade breakfast buffet is served each morning in the cheerful conservatory.

If it’s Irish hospitality you seek, look no further than Ballyvolane House, an exquisite historic country home that earned the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for “Warmest Welcome” in Ireland. The grand interior of this early 18th-century home features period dcor and furnishings, which continue up to the spacious guest rooms. Several guest rooms include antique tubs, where guests can relax and soak away their cares. There also is a self-contained, private cottage available. The grounds include amazing gardens as well as seven kilometers of private salmon fishing along the River Blackwater.

Even on a budget, travelers can enjoy elegance at a posh Irish country house. Ballaghtobin, located in County Kilkenny, was chosen as Ireland’s “Greatest Value” by Karen Brown readers. There are three stylish guest rooms, each with private bath. The common areas include a wonderful sun room which looks out to the expansive grounds. The ruin of an old Norman church rests just a few yards from the main house, and there is plenty of parkland and farmland to explore and enjoy.

If you wish to indulge yourself at one of Ireland’s best lodgings, The Merrion is a stunning Dublin hotel and was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s best “Splendid Splurge.” The historic hotel is opposite from Leinster House, the home of Ireland’s Parliament. Guest rooms and suites, as well as a hugely extravagant penthouse, are spread among the historic main house and the garden wing. All of the rooms are spacious and elegant with views of the city or hotel gardens. The Tethra Spa offers a wide selection of massage treatments, as well as a fitness center and swimming pool. The Cellar Bar is an excellent spot to enjoy a pint or a glass or wine, and it is found in the hotel’s original wine vaults. There are two restaurants, the more casual Cellar Restaurant and the Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland’s only two-star Michelin Restaurant.