Food for thought: five spots for a truly indulgent staycation
In the mood for a gourmet getaway? Ireland’s Blue Book has over 60 properties for your perusal, and the choices for dining are endless. Partner content with Ireland’s Blue Book
Nothing warms the soul quite like flavoursome food on a winter’s day. Ireland’s Blue Book consists of over 60 properties, including historic hotels, manor houses and restaurants - and within this portfolio, the choices for dining are endless.
Here, we’ve selected five properties with restaurants that will give you a taste of the gastronomy of Ireland’s Blue Book - they’re perfect for your next indulgent getaway.
The Mustard Seed Country House, Co Limerick
A luxurious spot that offers spectacular dining. Recent winners of the Chef of the Year Award at the Georgina Campbell Awards, The Mustard Seed’s team has created a menu that reflects seasonally available ingredients while making good use of the working kitchen garden behind the house.
The busy dining room welcomes residents and non-residents alike, and has long been known for attracting lovers of good food and fine wines from all over the world. The Mustard Seed is the only Blue Book Country House in the Limerick countryside and is the ideal base for a vacation in the south-west of Ireland. Click here to see more.
Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny
With romance at the heart of their history, you will be sure to fall in love with the decadent dining at Mount Juliet Estate. Their Michelin Star restaurant, The Lady Helen, offers a unique dining experience. Guided by the seasons and offerings of the estate, each dish is a celebration of its ingredients, elegantly prepared to deliver extraordinary flavour. The Lady Helen’s impressive wine cellar offers access to fine wines, each carefully selected to complement chef John Kelly’s vibrant Irish cuisine.
The Lady Helen, which has held a Michelin star since 2013 and also holds four AA rosettes, promises an unforgettable dining experience in Kilkenny. Get inspired here.
Campagne, Co Kilkennny
Located in the heart of medieval Kilkenny, Campagne also boasts a Michelin star. Founded by Garrett Byrne, formerly of Chapter One, the French-inspired menu is complemented by the stylish interior and modern art by Kilkenny artist Catherine Barron that decorates the walls. Curated and delicious, Campagne is a must-visit for anyone visiting the county. Click here to see more.
Ballymaloe House, Co Cork
Nestled in the east Cork countryside, this family-owned luxury country house hotel and restaurant offers a tranquil retreat with bespoke bedrooms. Ballymaloe House celebrates all things food, with their menus based on farm-to-fork principles. Upon arrival, guests are treated to an afternoon tea and seasonal cake in the conservatory. The celebrated five-course dinner including their award-winning dessert trolley is served in the Yeats Restaurant. Menus are created using what is grown and harvested from the Walled Garden and Ballymaloe Farm, as well as produce from local fisherman, farmers, and a variety of other local producers. The Yeats Restaurant menus change often, based on seasonal availability of the produce. Get more info here.
Rathmullan House, Co Donegal
Situated on the shores of Lough Swilly, this hotel’s restaurants offer mouth-watering dining options in a beautiful holiday destination.
Championing local suppliers along with their own fresh produce, the kitchen team crafts dishes that will leave you spoiled for choice. In the Cook & Gardener restaurant, guests will find locally sourced produce including Donegal-landed seafood. The menu changes regularly to keep it seasonal and varied. Also available at Rathmullan House is the The Pavilion, an alfresco restaurant offering stone-baked pizzas, homemade ice cream and locally brewed beer from the Kinnegar Brewery. Get inspired here.
Brought to you in association with Ireland’s Blue Book, click here for more inspiration and to book now.
