- The Clarence (Dublin; tel. 01/407-0800; www.theclarence.ie): Owned by members of the band U2, the Clarence is a perfect mixture of sleek sophistication and coolness. Everything here is designed for subtle elegance, from the soft, neutral color schemes, to the luxurious bed linens, to the huge beds, and the helpful staff. The Octagon Bar is a relaxing hangout, while the Tea Room restaurant is one of the best eateries in town. The new spa will pummel and facial you into relaxation, while the staff members hurry off to find your favorite red wine. Staying here is a real treat.
- Brook Lodge Hotel (County Wicklow; tel. 0402/36444; www.brooklodge.com): This place keeps getting better and better. Rooms have firm king-size four-poster beds, wood-paneled window seats, deep bathtubs, quality linens, and contemporary furnishings. The latest addition to this holistic oasis is The Wells, a gorgeous spa with Finnish baths, mud baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam (Turkish bath), and a flotation room in which you're sure to relax.
- Glin Castle (County Limerick; tel. 068/34173; www.glincastle.com): This beautifully restored, 18th-century castle guesthouse near the mouth of the Shannon is a peaceful and elegant place to pass an evening or two. Owned for centuries by the knights of Glin, it is all very well done, with multiple parlors warmed by crackling fires, walled gardens, and beautiful grounds to explore. Rooms are huge and gorgeously appointed with antiques, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It offers class without snobbery.
- Gregans Castle Hotel (County Clare; tel. 800/323-5463 in the U.S., or 065/707-7005; www.gregans.ie): Not a castle at all, but an ivy-covered, stone manor house, this small, family-run hotel is filled with light, and it has lovely views of the Burren and Galway Bay. The drawing room and expansive hallways are filled with heirlooms, and the walls are decorated with Raymond Piper's mural paintings of the Burren. Guest rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated in muted colors with antique pieces, and all have expansive views of the spectacular countryside. Dinners here are outstanding, and eating in is worth every penny.
- Delphi Lodge (County Galway; tel. 095/42222): This was once the country hideaway for the marquis of Sligo, and now it can be yours. Inside, the emphasis is on clean, bright simplicity and perfect taste; the grounds and environs are spectacular. "Tranquillity," "comfort," and, well, "fishing" are the operative words here. You will want to stay longer than you'd planned -- and by renting one of the cottages for a week or more, you can make the indulgence more affordable.
- The Park Hotel Kenmare (County Kerry; tel. 800/323-5463 in the U.S., or 064/41200; www.parkkenmare.com): In a palm-tree-lined garden beside Kenmare Bay, this imposing 19th-century hotel is grand and luxurious. In the high-ceilinged sitting rooms, fires crackle in the open fireplaces, oil paintings decorate the walls, and there's a full set of armor at the top of the grand staircase surrounded by tapestries and rare antiques. Guest rooms have Georgian and Victorian furnishings and peaceful waterfront or mountain views. The guest-only, in-house spa is extraordinary.
Ireland Travel Experiences
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Week-end erasmus autour de Galway!
Le 3,4,5 février, je suis partie avec une bande de joyeux lurons visiter les falaises de Moher(cliffs of moher), une des îles d'Aran et G... Continue reading »
