Ireland’s Blue Book has announced the addition of two “exceptional” properties to its portfolio. Its current collection showcases the very best of Irish hospitality and warmth, with 64 properties across Ireland ranging from country house hotels to manor houses, castles, and restaurants.
Joining the collection for 2025 are Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare and The Station House Hotel in Co. Meath.
Dromoland Castle dates back to the 16th century and is set amidst 500 acres of pristine woodlands. Located in the heart of County Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way it is one of Ireland’s most recognised luxury resorts. Over the centuries, it has played host to “legends and luminaries, sinners and saints, barons and Beatles”. The four famous Liverpudlians spent a somewhat quiet Easter Weekend at Dromoland Castle in 1964, posing for media with a game of croquet and swords from the armour in castle’s front hall.
Nowadays, guests can still partake in a game of croquet, and can also enjoy the historic Walled Gardens, traverse scenic forest trails, and savour gourmet cuisine inspired by County Clare’s rugged coast. The castle also features an acclaimed Spa and a range of countryside activities, including archery, falconry, yoga, forest bathing, and an 18-hole Championship Parkland Golf Course. This luxurious castle increases the number of castles in Ireland’s Blue Book collection to five.
Ideally located in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East and the scenic Boyne Valley, The Station House Hotel in County Meath, provides a perfect country retreat, just 40km from Dublin city centre and the airport. Originally established as a railway junction in 1862, the property was acquired by the Slattery family in 1981.
The hotel offers refined accommodation with the inviting charm of being family-operated. The history of the building is celebrated throughout the hotel, one noticeable feature is the Signal Suite, originally a signal box with 38 individual levers, which the Signal Master used to direct trains onto the various lines that converged on Kilmessan Railway Station.
The room has been transformed to accommodate a luxurious bedroom, but some original features remain, including the remarkable staircase from the Midland Great Western Railway Company.
The Station House Hotel provides a distinctive accommodation experience, complementing the other unique offerings in Ireland’s Blue Book, which features a former ice house, three charming coaching inns, a lighthouse, and a Dower House.
Commenting on the new additions, Michelle Maguire, CEO of Ireland’s Blue Book said, “Ireland’s Blue Book prides itself on being a trusted collection of hotels and restaurants, and we are thrilled to expand the collection. With the introduction of these two new additions, I am so excited for our customers to enjoy what makes both these, very different properties, so special.
“Both of these new additions bring something unique to the collection. Dromoland Castle is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and stunning location, while The Station House offers a charming, family-run hotel set in a beautiful countryside setting.”
