There is something special about winter in Ireland. Shorter days invite a slower pace, with time for a walk in the fresh air before returning somewhere warm and welcoming. It is the perfect season to switch off and escape somewhere special.
From the elegant charm of Killarney Royal Townhouse to the country-house comfort of Marlfield House, Ireland’s Blue Book offers places where taking your time comes naturally. Whether you are planning a romantic break, a cosy weekend away or a little time to yourself, these five stays make room for the simple pleasures of winter.
Killarney Royal Townhouse
For those who like a little town life alongside their winter escape, Killarney Royal Townhouse offers an elegant base in the heart of Killarney. The Scally family has welcomed guests for three generations, and that tradition of hospitality sits alongside thoughtfully designed rooms and a fresh approach to dining.
A morning exploring the town can give way to an afternoon discovering the lakes and mountains of Kerry, before returning to the comfort of your room. The town centre location makes it easy to step out for a browse or a coffee and leave the rest of the day open.
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Back at the townhouse, Fig serves seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting. Make dinner part of the evening’s plans, then give yourself the luxury of a slow start the following morning. For a weekend away together, it is an inviting combination of comfort and convenience.
Marlfield House
Just outside Gorey in Co Wexford, Marlfield House offers the pleasures of a traditional country house, with rooms furnished with antiques and paintings and 36 acres of gardens and woodland to explore. In winter, its drawingroom makes an inviting place to settle down after a walk, with a book or a pot of tea close at hand.
Food is an important part of a stay here. The Conservatory Restaurant overlooks the gardens, while The Duck Terrace Restaurant & Cocktail Bar occupies restored courtyard buildings on the grounds. Produce from the kitchen garden contributes to Marlfield’s menus, connecting the dining experience with the estate around you.
Give yourself time to wander, linger over a meal and enjoy the house. Marlfield lends itself to the sort of break where a quiet afternoon can be as memorable as an evening out.
Castle Leslie Estate
In Glaslough, Co Monaghan, Castle Leslie Estate gives a winter escape a wonderfully atmospheric setting. Across its 1,000 acres, woodland and lakes offer plenty of space for a walk in the fresh air, with routes ranging from short outings to longer strolls.
The castle itself is filled with antiques and family heirlooms, and its individually-decorated bedrooms reflect the character of the house. There are no televisions in the castle bedrooms, making it an appealing choice for anyone hoping to spend less time looking at a screen.
After exploring the grounds, return to the warmth of a log fire or enjoy afternoon tea in the Blue Room, which looks out towards the gardens and Glaslough Lake. Accommodation is also available at The Lodge and the Old Stable Mews. For those drawn to history and a spacious countryside setting, this is a place to settle into winter at an unhurried pace.
Hayfield Manor
A winter city break can be every bit as restful as a weekend in the countryside. Set within two acres of walled gardens in Cork’s university quarter, Hayfield Manor brings the comfort and character of a manor house to a location within strolling distance of the city centre.
Spend a little time exploring Cork, then return for an afternoon devoted to yourself. The Beautique Spa offers treatments and space to unwind, giving you a reason to leave a few hours of the day entirely free.
Dining offers another opportunity to linger. Orchids serves contemporary Irish cuisine, while Perrotts Garden Bistro provides a more casual setting for lunch or dinner. Whether you are planning a romantic escape or catching up with a friend, Hayfield Manor makes it easy to combine a taste of the city with time to relax.
Cahernane House Hotel
On a private estate at the edge of Killarney National Park, Cahernane House Hotel places Kerry’s scenery close at hand. Built in 1877 as a home for the Herbert family, the manor house offers a peaceful setting just outside Killarney, approached along an avenue framed by greenery.
Its accommodation includes rooms in the original Manor House, the Garden Wing and the restored Coach House, each with its own character. The Manor House rooms retain period details, while the Garden Wing looks towards the grounds and surrounding landscape.
Head out to explore the national park, then return for dinner at Herbert’s Brasserie, where seasonal, locally sourced dishes set the tone for a relaxed evening. For a more casual meal or a drink, the Cellar Bar occupies the house’s original wine cellar. With time to enjoy both the scenery and the house, Cahernane is an inviting choice for a winter weekend in Kerry.
A winter escape can be as simple as making time for a good meal, a walk and an evening in comfortable surroundings. Each of these five properties offers its own way to enjoy the season, with the warmth and hospitality that make a short break feel special.
Discover more and plan your winter escape at irelandsbluebook.com
