We are a couple in our 40s and I would like to take my wife away for a nice romantic break. We are looking for a comfortable place that is in a nice location with good food, it is what we need after a difficult year. Any suggestions? DD, Wicklow.
There are so many beautiful places to see in Kerry and it is a lovely place to visit. Carrig Country House, overlooking Caragh Lake in Killorglin, is a small 17-room hotel with wonderful views and four acres of beautiful gardens. It was a Victorian lakeside mansion and is beautifully furnished with antique and classic pieces.
For a truly interesting experience Carrig House has a fabulous carved Indian Maharaja’s four-poster bed in a beautiful room. It is a bit more expensive, but a unique experience. Carrig House is highly rated for its food. A two-night break with two dinners will cost from €670 for two. (066) 9769100.
Marlfield House
The warm welcome at Marlfield House is immediately noticeable. Owned and managed by the Bowe family for many years, it is a pleasant place to stay. Marlfield House is also well known for its fine food and there is a choice of two restaurants. It is near Gorey and a great base to explore the lovely South East coast.
A two-night break with a three-course dinner in the Duck Restaurant and a five-course dinner in the Conservatory with bed and breakfast each day staying in a luxury room, will cost from €333 per night. Marlfieldhouse.com, (053) 9421124.
Marlfield House is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book and there you will find lots of other ideas for a romantic break, Irelands-blue-book.com.
A Connemara Woodland Retreat
Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara has the most wonderful setting overlooking a rushing river, wild woodlands and the hills of Connacht. The setting is spectacular and if you can, book a river side room for the views. Some of the rooms have romantic four-poster beds.
It is a very comfortable hotel with an old world feel about it. It is not in the least bit stuffy. At night sing songs have been known to happen unexpectedly in the cosy bar. Take a romantic walk in the woodlands and visit Roundstone and Clifden for some seafood and shopping. A two–night break with dinner one evening will cost from €290pps, ballynahinch-castle.com, (095) 31006.