Night 1: Old Ground Hotel Ennis, Ireland A former manor house dating back to the 18th century set amidst the pretty streets of Ennis in County Clare, the Old Ground Hotel blends the warmth of a country home and the stylish ambiance of a luxurious contemporary Irish hotel. Crisp white linens and a soft duvet await you in your comfortable guest room equipped with multi-channel color TV, direct-dial telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, trouser press and hairdryer. The Town Hall Bistro, located in what actually was the Ennis Town Hall, will tempt your palate with freshly baked scones in mid-morning; sweet treats during afternoon tea; and a bistro-style lunch menu served throughout the day. The Poet’s Corner is the perfect place to sip a nightcap and perhaps share a story or two with local residents who frequent this cozy bar.
Night 2 & 3: Ashford Castle Cong, Ireland Ashford Castle has the distinction of being named one of the best hotels in world by the readers of both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Guests experience the royal lifestyle at this fairy-tale castle dating back to the 13th century. Stately Ashford Castle sits regally amidst a 350-acre private estate, surrounded by woodlands. Facilities include a championship nine-hole golf course, two outdoor tennis courts, a superb health and leisure center offering a plunge pool, whirlpool and a wide range of health and beauty treatments.
Night 4: City Hotel Londonderry, Northern Ireland Set on the banks of the River Foyle in the center of Derry, the City Hotel is a bright, contemporary base from which to explore the city. The comfortable guests rooms were designed to a high standard, and the hotel’s leisure facilities include a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, a gymnasium, and a 15-meter swimming pool.
Night 5: Culloden Estate and Spa Holywood, Northern Ireland A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Culloden Estate and Spa is situated on wooded slopes overlooking lovely Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline. Considered by many to be Northern Ireland’s best hotel, Culloden Estate and Spa was built as the palace for a Bishop in the mid-1870s; the hotel's antiques, palatial surroundings and high level of personal service truly provides a baronial ambiance. The hotel features one of the most modern leisure centers and spa facilities in Northern Ireland, along with an award-winning restaurant.
Night 6 & 7: The Westin Dublin Dublin, Ireland Located opposite famed Trinity College and just steps away from bustling O’Connell Street and Temple Bar, The Westin Dublin offers an ideal location from which to see and sample all the many pleasures of Dublin’s fair city. This thoroughly modern hotel in the very heart of Dublin resides behind the impressive historical facade of the 1863 Irish Allied Bank building. Guest rooms reflect Irish charm and elegance with traditional mahogany furnishings and Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds®. The Fitness Center offers the latest Technogym® equipments. Dine in one of three fine restaurants within the hotel.
Night 8: Mount Juliet Conrad Thomastown, Ireland The baronial Mount Juliet Conrad regally reigns over what once was Ireland’s largest estate. Operating as a luxury hotel since 1989, the opulent Georgian mansion that lies at the heart of the Mount Juliet Conrad is a grand tribute to 18th-century craftsmanship. The Mount Juliet Conrad features the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Ireland as well as The Spa, which offers a wide range of pampering programs. Leisure activities, such as angling, horseback riding and clay target shooting, tennis and croquet, are available. The Mount Juliet Conrad is included in the Condé Nast Traveler 2008 Gold List.
Night 9: Hayfield Manor Hotel Cork, Ireland Located just five minutes from the lively center of Cork, the Hayfield Manor Hotel has the look and feel of a centuries-old grand residence of the wealthy elite, surrounded by gracious gardens and ancient trees. Although the atmosphere is one of traditional charm, the hotel’s Leisure Facilities complex is state-of-the-art and offers a lovely indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, gym and steam room as well as extensive spa treatment alternatives to soothe the body and the soul.
Night 10 & 11: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa Killarney, Ireland Located high on a hill in the midst of the emerald-green County Kerry countryside, the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious and serene ambiance surrounded by the sweeping panorama of the Killarney’s lakes and mountains. Indulge yourself at the impressive Spa, take a swim in the lovely indoor pool, walk in the hills or in the gardens, play a game of tennis or fish for salmon and trout from the hotel’s nearby private stretch of riverbank.
Night 12: Dromoland Castle Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland The readers of Travel + Leisure have named Dromoland Castle the number 1 hotel in Ireland and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted it the number 2 hotel in all of Europe. One of the world’s most famous castle hotels, Dromoland Castle is magnificently steeped in history and tradition. In addition to all the pleasures to be found within the castle, to include the full-service spa and indoor pool, guests can enjoy superb golf, boating, shooting, fishing, tennis, walking and cycling within the extensive grounds of the estate.