Hotel stays — a balm for the soul
Carrig Country House, set in stunning surrounds on the Ring of Kerry.
For many reasons, life does seem more challenging than ever these days. From work issues to home worries, from intimidating headlines in the newspapers to a distinct lack of optimism on television and radio, it’s hard to maintain that positive outlook.
What you probably yearn for more than anything else right now is to be rejuvenated, given a new outlook on things, yes, even spoiled a little. Has everyday existence become too predictable, humdrum? Well then, your perfect holiday this year might just be in one of Ireland’s splendid hotels, really getting away from it all, and remembering who you really are and what you enjoy.
Having time to laugh, tell jokes, look around at a different world to the one you inhabit the rest of the year. See new places, try wonderful food, discover new interests. There is nothing like getting away from the everyday familiar to see life in a new light.
We are truly fortunate in Ireland in having a superb range of luxury hotels spread right across the country, offering the widest possible range of choice in facilities, from spas to golf courses, children’s amusements to parklands, and everything else you might desire. It is also reassuring to know that every one of these establishments has complied with all the regulations for safety and good health, and usually has gone over and above the basics, to ensure that your stay will be as safe and healthy as it is comfortable and indulgent.
What did you most enjoy doing back before everyday life — not to say survival — took over? Exploring different parts of the country? Strolling on deserted beaches? Savouring new and delicious taste experiences? Experimenting with exciting spa treatments? Visiting museums and art galleries?
Shopping till you drop? Climbing mountains, hiking across hillsides? Getting in the perfect round of golf? And finally, at the end of a perfect day, sinking into the comfort of a splendid hotel, knowing that everything you want is right there, and you have absolutely no need even to think about the outside world until the day you leave?
It is not just a dream, it’s entirely possible. Now’s your chance to experience those golden days in reality. After all, what better treat could there be than being waited on hand and foot, having someone else replace the towels, do the cleaning, shop for and prepare those delicious meals, while you have nothing to worry about except where you will explore tomorrow? What are you waiting for?
Our great hotels are famed for their hospitality, fine dining, and generous welcome. They are to be found in our major cities of course — staying in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway or Sligo, you will be lapped in luxury comparable with (if not exceeding) those in Europe’s great capitals. But great hotels are also to be found in the most spectacular and remote locations across this beautiful isle, and would make any stay a dream to remember.
Make a list of the things you really would like to find and then start checking out those hotel websites. Swimming pool (heated indoor or exhilarating outdoor). Spas, and the tempting treatments they offer. Golf courses on site, or close by. What dishes does the restaurant offer? Are there special options for vegetarians? Fine organic dining? Seafood? What amusements or facilities are there for younger visitors? Are there gardens, walks, is there access to a nearby beach or lake? Can we go riding? Surfing? You know the things you would really like to do on holiday.
The overall atmosphere of a good hotel should be evident from the moment you arrive. The greeting you receive at reception, giving you the pleasant feeling of really being a welcome guest rather than just another booking. Staff who smile and go that extra step or two to make you happily aware that you have chosen the right place to bestow your custom. Thoughtful touches in your room — is there a coffee maker, are there bottles of mineral water? Toiletries in the bathroom? Really good big fluffy towels? And of course a helpful note indicating that you only have to pick up the phone and contact reception if there is anything else you might find you need? These are the things which turn a hotel stay into a delight, and our best hotels are careful to maintain them to the highest standard. They know you chose to stay there, and they want you to give a good report to your friends when you leave.
Has the notion of staying in the historic glamour of a genuine old Irish castle always appealed to you? Well, there are some spectacular choices out there, waiting to give you the experience of a lifetime. Ballyseede in Kerry, for example, which incidentally has its own resident ghost! Set amid ancient woodlands and beautiful gardens, it even offers four-poster beds for that ultimate delight!
Or there is Abbeyglen Castle, nestled below the Twelve Bens in Connemara, with a service that is legendary, right down to a complimentary champagne party on your arrival! 17thc Markree Castle in Co Sligo set in 500 acres, is a byword for elegance and comfort in the old style. Dromoland Castle in Clare, ancestral home of the Earls of Inchiquin. Waterford Castle, which boasts its very own golf resort. Forget the 21st century, look out your Louis Vuitton luggage, and take yourself back to the days when staying with friends on their magnificent country estates was taken for granted.
If, instead of seeking romantic hideaways, you’re bringing the kids on staycation, then take the time to choose a good hotel that specialises in family stays, with plenty for everybody to do, in poor weather as well as fine.
Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, just outside Clonakilty in West Cork, is sited on what must be the ideal location, with huge and splendid beaches to right and left, sure to delight any child, plus the opportunities to surf, whale-watch, go kayaking, or try seawater therapies.
The Ferrycarrig Hotel in Co Wexford overlooks the stunning Slaney River estuary, so you can dine right by the water, after giving the family a fascinating day out at the Ferrycarrig Heritage Park, a fascinating open air museum which shows how life was lived in ancient Ireland from the Mesolithic period right up to the Norman invasion. The kids will learn history without even realising it! For a special treat, though, they would be delighted with a stay in one of the Exclusive Lodges at Centre Parcs in Co Longford, with immediate access to all the adventure and events that are on offer.
Spas or swimming pools. City or country. The splendour of an old castle or manor house, a warm and comfortable family-run hotel, somewhere with a state-of-the-art gym and spa. Hotels that specialise in family stays, and those that specialise in breaks for couples. Traditional fishing hotels. Places that have onsite secure parking (handy in our cities), or can offer the most spectacular scenery, miles from anywhere. Feel like dining looking out over the ocean, or by a secret lake? Wouldn’t mind a bit of history or even a ghost or two? We are fairly sure you will find just what you want this summer.
And what corner of Ireland to choose for this year’s holiday? If historic sites are your thing, the hotel can be used as a base for exploring the surrounding regions: hotel staff are always more than willing to provide all the information you might require on must-see places.
Want to hear the waves breaking on the beach while you drift off to sleep? Need clear fresh air and the utter silence of the countryside? Like to meet lots of other friendly people? Start looking, and choose the hotel and the location that suit you perfectly. The only difficulty will be choosing between the many tempting options!
