Give yourself a great break with a great value staycation this summer

About 10 million overseas tourists visited Ireland last year. Here’s hoping about 5 million locals are about to see why.

As Covid-19 continues to scupper plans for many foreign holidays, more of us are rediscovering the joys of the home holidaying for ourselves.

That includes a fresh chance to reacquaint ourselves with our capital city through the eyes of a tourist. This summer is the perfect time to revisit, says Martin Mangan, general manager of luxury hotel the Conrad Dublin, a part of the Hilton Group (Hilton.com).

The hotel’s great location just off St Stephen’s Green and close to museums and galleries, as well as to the city’s main shopping streets, makes it perfect for all kinds of staycation.

“It’s a great time to visit the city right now,” says Mangan. “Normally at this time of year the streets and shops are chock-a-block and you can’t get into restaurants which are booked out, because the whole city is usually full of overseas tourists. It means you don’t have to queue for restaurants and museums allow you to book a time slot, which is a lovely way to visit them,” he explains.

The hotel, which has always been prized for its elegance, is now just as prized for its spaciousness: social distancing is a breeze.

It’s a fact he is keen to capitalise on. “We are in the process of repositioning some of our food and beverage options, including the development of our beautiful terraza, the Terrace Kitchen,” he explains.

The plaza style cafe is about to open and perfectly positioned on a number of fronts. “It’s a huge outdoor space and a lovely suntrap too. We know that people venturing back out are nervous and at the Conrad it’s easy to socially distance, because we have so much space here.”

It will be some time before all its 192 guest rooms fill up, he points out, making it even safer to book your stay, without fear of crowded corridors or entrances.

Usually more than 90 per cent of Conrad Dublin’s guests come from the US. Today the hotel is seeing a growth in bookings from the domestic market. “In particular we are seeing last minute bookings as Irish people tend to book today for tomorrow,” he says.

Despite the fact that it is costing most hospitality spots more to stay open right now than it ever has, as a result of Covid space restrictions as well as hygiene standards, “there is good value to be had, and you can pick and choose where you stay,” he explains.

Not all guests are looking to replace their usual summer holiday abroad. “I had a couple in last night from Blackrock – they just didn’t want to cook!” he laughs.

It’s precisely the kind of treat people emerging from lockdown need. But the Conrad Dublin’s accommodation offerings also reflect the uncertain times we live in now. That includes its Dream Away booking experience which allows you adjust your travel plans as needs dictate, including late check out and early check in where possible, waived early departure fees, a 24-hour cancellation policy and no deposit requirement.

Guests also benefit from the Hilton CleanStay initiative, developed globally in conjunction with the makers of Dettol, and with assistance from the Infection Prevention and Control team at the US’s renowned Mayo Clinic, to provide a new standard of hotel cleanliness and disinfection.

To celebrate its reopening this summer, the Conrad Dublin is offering a range of value added - and highly memorable - experiences such as a luxury picnic at the Iveagh Gardens, with a hamper filled with treats of your choice, plus Champagne. Or just make a straightforward break for it - with overnights available from €207 online.

Overseas visitors

All around the country Irish holiday makers are rediscovering places beloved by overseas visitors. That includes gems such as Sneem, on the beautiful Ring of Kerry.

According Nicola Duggan, general manager of The Sneem Hotel (Sneemhotel.com), it's a great option both for families and couples and, when the weather picked up there recently, everyone high tailed it off to the beaches. Again it's about enjoying freedom and fresh air.

“With beaches such as White Strand and Derrynane nearby, we’re very lucky to have plenty of space and no issues with social distancing. Inside the hotel we have a one way system in operation for guest safety and, because we are located in the depths of the 200km Kerry Way, there is plenty of outdoor space. At the same time, the restaurants and coffee shops are back open so there’s a buzz about the place too,” says Duggan.

The four-star hotel also has its own self catering apartment accommodation option, Golden’s Cove, that overlooks the Sneem Estuary. Its two to three bedroom apartments all have sea views, are bright and modern and pet friendly too, meaning all members of the family can enjoy post lockdown living together.

A seven-night stay in a two bedroom apartment, sleeping four, at Golden’s Cove costs from €979. Or opt for a three-night family break in a family room in the Sneem Hotel, sleeping two adults and two children aged under 12, from €705, including breakfast each morning and dinner on two evenings.

Just the ticket

Recent changes in Westminster, which have cut the VAT rate of hospitality services from 20 per cent to 5 per cent , mean there is now additional value to be had in Northern Ireland this summer, too. Ballycanal Manor House (Ballycanalmoira.co.uk), a boutique four-star guest house and holiday cottage property close to Moira Village, could be just the ticket for either a fully catered or a self catered option.

“There is lots of space here, including a canal side tow path and nature trails,” explains co-owner Ciara McCartan, pointing out that the Lagan Navigation Canal runs right through the site, making it great for walking.

It’s well located for touring by car too, with Belfast just 20 minutes up the M1. Head north and the Giant’s Causeway is just an hour’s drive away, or south, and the same timeframe will get you to gorgeous Carlingford.

The village of Moira, a 20 minute walk away from Ballycanal, has a Michelin star restaurant, Wine & Brine, and great coffee shops. If you’re opting for its self catering accommodation, don’t miss winning local butcher, McCartneys, whose famous sausages rustle up a treat.

Each cottage at Ballycanal has its own wood burning stove if it’s cool and patio doors to a private barbecue area if it’s warm. There’s a newly built children’s play park onsite and Ballycanal has received its We’re Good To Go mark, a UK standard that shows it has adhered to all Covid safety guidelines.

A three-night stay in one of its self catering holiday homes costs from €490, and from €995 for a week.