Celebrate Summer by visiting the Emerald Isle on a romantic escape. Try Ireland's newest spa, or overnight in an ancient castle keep. Kiss the Blarney Stone and search for fairies and the little folk.

Ireland is full of legend and mystery. Explore this fantastical island on your own with a driving tour, by bike, or even horseback. Whatever your fantasy, you are sure to find something in this land of green.

Sheen Falls Lodge

This 5 star lodge presides over a dramatic 300 acre estate overlooking the Sheen Waterfall and Kenmare Bay. It is a magical, timeless haven of peace, nestling at the foot of the heather-covered hills. Gracious living is a tradition here. Fresh local produce, home grown herbs and innovation are combined with flair to bring the best of Irish and international cuisine. There is a selection of over 400 vintage wines on offer in the cellar. Select from 1000 volumes, classical and modern, to read in the spacious lounges and library where logfires blaze.
There are 60 bedrooms each sumptuously decorated. Facilities on the estate include health and fitness centre, swimming pool, billiard room, croquet, horseriding, tennis, clay shooting, salmon fishing and two golf courses nearby. Alternatively just stroll along the Queen’s Walk, through the exotic gardens or the surrounding lush woodland. Closed for December & January.

Castle Leslie

Castle Leslie is set in an estate that covers 1000 acres beside the picturesque cut stone village of Glaslough. The Castle is like a step back in time with all the glory off a bygone era. Upon arrival, guests will not find a front reception but a welcoming oak panelled hall and afternoon tea in the Dining Room. The original furniture, family portraits and books fill every room enhancing the Castle's homely atmosphere. Dinner in the evening is as it was in the old days with predinner drinks served in the drawing room or Fountain Garden and waitresses serving in Victorian dress. Each dish is based on fine fresh ingredients. The 14 bedrooms are individually decorated and furnished around an era, colour or country. There are no phones, televisions or clocks in the rooms and the only concessions made to the 21st Century are lots of hot water and plenty of heating. Enjoy rambling on the estate, a picnic under the boughs of a great tree, a game of tennis or a row in the lake. Plenty of sights are only a short drive away.

The Lodge and Spa at Inchydoney

The Lodge & Spa at lnchydoney lsland is lreland's newest luxury
hotel situated in West Cork. Linked to the mainland via a causeway, it is located just 40 kilometres from Cork on a headland above two of the most outstanding EU Blue Flag beaches in lreland. lt is from this breathtaking seascape that the design concept of the hotel is taken. The hotel bedrooms are all facing the ocean and are fully equipped with every comfort that is a necessity for a Resort hotel. With their colour schemes reflecting the earth tones, they create a warm and welcoming environment against the deep blue of the ocean. Robes and slippers are provided so that you can journey in comfort and readiness to the Thalassotherapy Spa (hot sea water therapy). Room Service is available 24 hours a day.

Whatever you are looking for, there is something for everyone in Ireland.

For more information or to plan your Emerald Isle getaway, visit www.discoverireland.com