The Blue Book – otherwise known as the bible for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Featuring a collection of some of Ireland’s most iconic holidaying and dining experiences, Ireland’s Blue Book has become a by-word for classic luxury. It’s yearly announcement naming those who have got onto the prestigious list of featured establishments, is one of the main highlights within the tourism industry.
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This year, the French twist restaurant,
Dax, located on Dublin’s Pembroke Street, and
Delphi Lodge, a delightful country house situated in Connemara, were two newly announced additions. First established in 1974, Ireland’s Blue Book is this country’s only member of the 18 strong “Historic Hotels of Europe” organisation. While it is easy for a person to buy a Blue Book voucher and send it on to friends or family, said recipient would have a far from easy task in choosing where to spend it. There are currently 45 properties listed in the book, each with a unique selling point as impressive as the next.
While we are currently in the midst of a lockdown, we are all guilty of
dreaming of those Covid-free days where we could travel and make merry wherever and whenever we pleased. With many of us saving money due to not having as many excursions as result of the restrictions, some of us will be tempted to splash out on an evening of fine dining or a weekend away once normality has returned. With this is mind, we thought we might whet your appetite in the mean time by referencing 3 Restaurants and 3 Staycation venues listed in Ireland's Blue Book.
RESTAURANTS
1. KING SITRIC, DUBLIN
Our first port of call is to the seaside suburb of Howth in north county Dublin. It is here you will find the renowned fish and game restaurant, King Sitric, where on a warm Summers day you will have trouble deciding what is more heavenly; the food or the stunning view of Howth Pier?
Named after the Norse Viking King of Dublin “Silken Sitricbeard”, this restaurant will celebrate 50 years in business next year. A remarkable milestone for any restaurant to reach, it is a testament to their adherence of using only the finest and freshest produce and their innovativeness when it comes to their menu.
2. TANNERY RESTAURANT, WATERFORD
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Located in the coastal town of Dungarvan, the Tannery Restaurant has increased in prominence due to the appearance of co-owner Paul Flynn on our TV screens, just rewards for the Chef who has been a champion of sourcing local and keeping it seasonal.
After reaching the end of the Waterford Greenway, why not go from taking in the beautiful scenery of the Waterford countryside, to enjoying the culinary delights served at the Tannery Restaurant?
3. CLARE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE, MAYO
Why not take an ‘Ocean Drive’ along the coast of Mayo and be amazed by both the food and the scenery that adorns the Clare Island Lighthouse. If the love of your life is enthusiastic about all things maritime, make their day by booking an evening here and indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience. This is a restaurant with a twist on the double, be it the structure it is located in or the food served on your plate. The best of fresh local produce awaits those eating here in a charming establishment located on a beautiful Island, made famous in a song by the band The Sawdoctors.
In years past, it was ships that were drawn to this location, but now it attracts foodies from far and wide who wish to sample the best cuisine Mayo has to offer. If the sound of an overnight stay in a lighthouse tickles your fancy, why not check out our blog on the Top 5 Lighthouses to Stay in Ireland?
PLACES TO STAY AND MORE
1. DUNBRODY HOUSE, WEXFORD
First built in 1819, this fine establishment owned and operated by chef Kevin Dundon is located just outside the village of Duncannon in county Wexford. One can experience either the Harvest Room Restaurant or Dundon’s Seafood Bar and Terrace where the finest seafood, meat and game that can be found in the South-East is served up alongside the freshest seasonal vegetables.
For those of you who would love to recreate that "ooh-la-la" feeling at home, why not enrol in a cookery masterclass overseen by Chef Kevin himself? After learning some new culinary skills, why not stay overnight in a stunning suite that oozes character and olde-world charm?
If seafood is your thing, you may want to have a look at our blog on the Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Ireland.
2. BALLYMALOE HOUSE, CORK
First opened in 1948 by Myrtle and Ivan Allen, Ballymaloe Cookery School has become a world renowned venue for those who wish to experience the best of food Ireland has to offer, be it eating the chefs creations or learning how to cook it yourself.
Should you wish to experience two celebrity chefs in the one venue, you have come to the right place as Darina Allen and her brother Rory O’ Connell teach you how to master the basics or dabble in more exotic cooking and baking. After all that hard work, why not sit back and enjoy the exquisite food served up in Ballymaloe’s restaurant? It also boasts a music venue which has played host to the likes of Paul Brady and Luka Bloom. A trip to Ballymaloe House is truly an experience you will not forget.
If it’s a foodie experience your looking for, check out our blog on Ireland’s Michelin Star Gems.
3. GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL, GALWAY
How does the idea of enjoying the finest of dining aboard a train carriage that once chugged along the Orient Express train route sound? Amazing, right? Not to mention, it was later used in the famous film adaptation of the Agatha Christie book “Murder on the Orient Express”!
The train carriage can be found in the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate, just outside Galway city. As well as enjoying great food, you can also take in a round of golf and/or watch a movie in the private movie theatre located at the hotel. After a fabulous and fun-filled day, you can then retire to one of the wonderfully anointed bedrooms where you can feel like Louis the VIII or Queen Elizabeth for a night.
We were only planning to write about 3 Restaurants and 3 Hotels, but upon hearing about this floating hotel, we felt we simply had to include it too!
4. SHANNON PRINCESS, ATHLONE
If the thoughts of being wined, dined and sleeping in luxury on the River Shannon truly floats your boat, then barge your way onto the Shannon Princess.
You can enjoy the best of local produce that Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands has to offer as Skipper Ruari Gibbons imparts his fantastic knowledge of the history of the buildings and animal species nestled alongside the banks of The Shannon as you leisurely cruise along Ireland’s longest river.
The owners of venues that seek to entertain guests on the Irelands Blue Book list are not ones to rest on their laurels. They are always seeking to reach the next level, be it in the quality of the accommodation or food offered. With this in mind, we are in no doubt that this time next year we will be celebrating the newest additions to the dining and accommodation bible that is Blue Book; yet more establishments that went the extra mile and were deemed to have met the organisations high standards.
To find out a comprehensive list of places to eat and sleep in Ireland and the quickest ways to get there, download our free location app here.
And if you’re looking for more weird and wonderful places to stay post-covid, check out our blog here.