IrelandMarch 8, 2019, by Maartje

Ireland no brainers courtesy of IRELAND'S BLUE BOOK

Accommodation
Ireland, March 8, 2019, by Maartje

Ireland no brainers courtesy of IRELAND'S BLUE BOOK

However, it is always difficult to find exactly those romantic hotels that have all that. That classic chic. That rural location. That feeling of kicking off boots and crawling with your socked feet under your buttocks in front of a roaring man-sized fireplace. Or in a claw foot bath full of foaming warm water. It's great that there are parties that will do this for you. Do it for us. Say hello to Ireland's Blue Book, a collection website and an inspiring book full of the most romantic hotels in the Irish countryside.

Ireland's Blue Book Collection (2019)

Ireland's Blue Book Collection (2019)

Let's get back to you, because what exactly are we talking about? Well, about a group of eleven hotel fanatics who saw a gap between the classic bed and breakfasts and the large hotel chains in 1974, both not what they were looking for in a hotel (hear hear). So they created a value label and went looking for those (often far too untraceable) country hotels in their Ireland that were more of a bed rental and a breakfast, and many times more atmospheric than the big clubs. Which often meant guest accommodations located in the most beautiful castles, country houses and historic hotels in Ireland. Fast forward to 2019 and the club has no fewer than 56 locations, all selected for their unique character, bundled in a wonderful look-see-behold-buy book (admit it: making folds always selects the tastiest). Oh, and none of the hotels or restaurants are affiliated with another chain, which is all so unique. This year's book contains no fewer than 6 addresses with a Michelin star (including the only restaurant in Ireland with two stars, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud) and 5 real castles. Where can we sign?

We did our own research in beautiful Ireland, more about that soon in the form of a list of our personal favorites, but we will now mention the latest Ireland's Blue Book additions - the five hotels that have been added to the Blue Book list this year. have been added. Only five? That's not much of course, that's true. But there is a reason for that: the group is and remains selective; it better be good… And otherwise you just can't get in.

The group is and remains selective; it better be good… And otherwise you just can't get in.

One of those five is the Dunowen House, the former home of Jimi Hendrix's bass guitarist – and he knew what was cool, so to speak. Just look at the photo of the fantastic bedroom with ditto bath opposite. Correct. The building dates from the 18th century self catered and is full of rock memorabilia and vintage posters. Like

And there is also a great… Tent. Yes. A tent that, at 350 euros per night, must be the most expensive tent in the country, but it is and remains a real tent. 'The Hideaway' it's called, a luxurious glamping tent overlooking Kenmare Bay at Dromquinna Manor in Kerry. We haven't slept there yet, but I have already raised my finger for next time.

We did take a look Ballyfin in Demesne, new to the group but certainly not unknown in Ireland: the (very expensive!) hotel had been on our to-do list for a while and was not disappointing in any way – man, what a luxury! Classic and quirky, just the way we like it. You can easily pay around 950 euros for a room in high season, but (but!) just slip in for tea, like we did, is also possible.

You simply sleep with one of the other new members of the club. As in the fantastic Butler House – (photo right) with 79 euros for Bed and Breakfast Much cheaper but just as beautiful, fancy and ultimately romantic.

We haven't slept there yet, but I have already raised my finger for next time.

Well, I could go on like this for an eternity... There are also accommodation locations built on the Irish cliffs (such as the Clare Island Lighthouse), impressive castles where writers retreated (Gregans Castle is where JRR Tolkien and Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney, among others, stayed - and oh well, if it's good enough for them…) and a hotel that was previously a private members club (Bishop's Gate Hotel) where Sir Winston Churchill, WB Yeats and William Carson were affiliated (oh my, the history!) and, surprise, there are even hotels in Dublin, which we seriously love. Because food changes your taste, of course.

In short: Want to get some fresh air? Ireland. Wander through the pages of history books? Ireland. Undisturbed quality time with your loved one? Ireland. Books? Ireland's Blue Book

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