Summer has left us and facing in to darker evenings, single digit temperatures and possibly even some snow is all the more manageable when you have a break to look forward to.
Naturally Ireland’s amazing hotels and resorts do winter getaways exceedingly well and honestly, what could be better than checking in and hunkering down in lavish surroundings without a care in the world about the weather?
The following Insta-worthy escapes make for the ultimate relaxing retreats overflowing with features you’ll want capture and remember long after checkout. It will be love at first lurk on their feeds, trust me.
Marlfield House – Wexford
Marlfield House is a Blue Book beauty of a winter retreat you will want to revisit every year when the temperatures start to drop. While Marlfield is undoubtedly superb at any time of the year, it is the ornate open fireplaces with flames crackling as the soundtrack to your escape that makes this a winter must for me, with an Old Fashioned in hand, drinking in the decadence of it all. Classic four poster guest rooms with deep, inviting bathtubs and a selection of newly appointed, style-forward suites make the perfect backdrop for snapshots of sheer luxury.
The Westbury – Dublin
Although it has stiff competition in the sumptuousness stakes, for me, The Westbury is the ultimate Insta-worthy Dublin address from the moment you arrive on the doorstep. Think afternoon tea overlooking Grafton Street, a rosé-filled feast in the floral haven that is Wilde and cosy cocktails in the super sophisticated Sidecar Bar. For a seriously snap-worthy stay, their new Terrace Suites are made for outdoor lounging overlooking the city with a glass of champers.
Castlemartyr Resort – Cork
If you’re after a break where you can park the car, slip into your robe and not think about leaving until checkout, Castlemartyr Resort is a superb bet. This five star is fur baby friendly so you can also get snap happy on the sprawling, lush green grounds with your favourite travel buddy. Embrace utter relaxation in the multi-award winning spa, dine in an array of on-site restaurants, indulge in an opulent Afternoon Tea ritual with Vera Wang crockery and, if you can bear to leave, pop five minutes down the road to the Jameson Distillery for a toast to remember.
Adare Manor – Limerick
Adare Manor needs no introduction of course, but if you haven’t stayed there winter is a wonderful time to book in for an escape to remember. This truly is the lap of Irish luxury, with immaculately manicured grounds, faultless dining experiences in the candlelit Michelin-starred Oak Room and impeccable cocktails in the Tack Room Bar, there will never be a shortage of moments to capture, not to mention the obligatory breakfast shot from the Versailles-inspired Gallery.
Cliff at Lyons – Kildare
I could say the stone’s throw from Dublin location is a selling point of Kildare’s Cliff at Lyons, but in reality this one is worth travelling from far and wide to behold. Come for the fairytale chapel and magnificent mill waterfall views, stay for the gorgeous gastronomic offering. Even if you didn’t manage to nab a table at 2 star Aimsir months in advance, The Mill with talented chef Sean Smith at the helm offers a taste of the bounty of the estate, and just imagine the sound of November rain dancing on the glass roof of the Orangery Restaurant as you indulge in a leisurely breakfast. Perfection.
Finnlough – Fermanagh
If gazing at the Aurora Borealis from an igloo is on your bucket list too, happily paradise can be found closer to home in Enniskillen at Finnlough. Snooze beneath the stars in your own unforgettable forest bubble, have a stellar soak in a tub surrounded by enchanting woodland, toast marshmallows on the lakeside fire pit all wrapped up in a blanket and reheat in the whiskey cave. It is safe to say you’ll want to capture every moment of this blissful break.
Glasson Lakehouse – Westmeath
I feel more relaxed even just insta-stalking Glasson Lakehouse, a lush lakeside hideaway in the heart of the midlands. Think rustic but opulent cabin chic decor, impossibly cosy fireplaces and the chance to have your very own Notebook moment by hiring a boat to take out on Lough Ree. I’m dreaming of outdoor copper bath cocktails as the sun sets over the lake just typing this, and packing up my pooch as it is perfectly pet friendly too.
The Park Kenmare – Kerry
While it has always been a hedonistic haven, Park Kenmare Kerry’s answer to Claridge’s, with a stunning revamp courtesy of the same native designer: think classic luxury with perfectly pitched Art Deco accents. The grandiose sage green leather booths and pops of powder pink in the newly appointed bar, the wooded views of the bay from the outdoor infinity pool in Samás Spa, and the fact that you may catch a glimpse of the emperor of interiors Frances Brennan in his natural habitat all make Park Kenmare a must-visit to get that perfect shot.
WRITTEN BY DARINA COFFEY
