Glenlo Abbey

Found on the utmost tip of Lough Corrib, the glorious Ashford Castle sits right on the border of County Galway and County Mayo in an awe-inspiring 350-acre estate. With a rich history spanning nearly 800 years, the extensive refurbishment of Ashford Castle truly encapsulates the very best of Irish heritage with traditional elegance and finesse.  This carefully restored castle is part of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World and seeks to support the local community and suppliers.

The hotel’s 83 rooms and suites are decorated with a royal colour palette of deep greens and brilliant reds. Some suites offer expansive views of the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland while regal four-poster beds along with original portrait art will effortlessly transport you to a fanciful world of ancient charm.

You can tantalise your tastebuds with creative Irish cuisine in one of the three restaurants and experience fine dining fit for a king in the regal George V Dining Room. Or, for a more relaxed atmosphere, head over to the charming Connaught Room for afternoon tea while admiring the magnificent views across the gardens and Lough Corrib.

You won’t be short of activities during your stay; make use of the prime location on Lough Corrib with kayaking, fishing and lake cruising. Or take the comfort of the castle out with you, on a luxury powerboat charter. On the vast estate, you’ll find a pristine golf course, tennis courts and there’s the option to try sports such as archery and clay pigeon shooting. Inside, be sure to experience the glamour of the big screen in the state-of-the-art cinema room, before being pampered like a silver screen star yourself in the award-winning hotel spa.

Moy House is a former private home from the 18th-century that has been turned into a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking Lahinch Bay. Surrounded by ancient woodland and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic, this is an idyllic spot from which to appreciate the beauty of Ireland’s West Coast.

The hotel is a mix of classic and contemporary with the air of an elegant country house. Rooms are traditionally decorated and have a real warmth to them, and those that face the ocean offer the most glorious views to wake up to.

Food and drink are among the highlights of a stay at Moy House. The hotel has its own farm, home to pigs, hens, sheep and Dexter cows as well as a kitchen garden that provides vegetables, fruit and herbs for the restaurant. There is a six-course tasting menu, as well as an à la carte, and the dishes are finalised each morning depending on what’s ready in the garden.

Adare Manor is located in the picturesque village of the same name, surrounded by 840 acres of pristine parkland. The manor house, built almost two centuries ago, has been meticulously restored with great care taken to maintain the building’s heritage. The original timber in the doors, paneling and floors was repaired, stone floors and walls gently cleaned and lime plastered walls and ceiling restored.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are traditional and elegant in design with beautiful artwork, marble bathrooms and views of the gardens, river, golf course or courtyard. There are plenty of options for food and drink, from formal dining at The Oak Room and The Carriage House to light bites, craft beer and whisky at the Tack Room. The Drawing Room which overlooks the formal gardens is where you’ll enjoy breakfast and can indulge in afternoon tea.

Unwind at the hotel spa with a treatment, take a dip in the heated indoor pool or enjoy a workout in the fitness centre. There are a wealth of activities to keep you busy from cycling and horse riding to golf on their championship course and watching films in their movie theatre.

In County Clare, a short way north of Limerick, Dromoland Castle is one of Ireland’s most prestigious addresses. Entering its gates and following the meandering driveway through its pristine parkland, you’ll be transported back to the early 19th century when the current baronial country mansion was built.

Now a fabulous hotel, and recently renovated with no expense spared, its rooms include suites whose canopied beds look out over the lake, and spacious family rooms, while even the more modest rooms still feature lavish furnishings, modern luxuries and exquisite bathrooms.

The grandeur peaks in the public rooms such as the drawing room, cocktail bar and at the restaurant, the Earl of Thomond, a formal venue with a menu celebrating the best of local produce. The Fig Tree Restaurant in the Golf & Country Club is a more relaxed venue.

Elsewhere in the sprawling 450-acre estate, find a championship golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, and space to pursue all manner of country pursuits from horse riding to archery, fishing and falconry.