Luxurious Georgian Mansion, Quirky Townhouse, Historic Inn, Elegant Townhouse and 15th Century Castle join Ireland’s Blue Book for 2023
Fernhill House and Gardens in Cork, The Lansdowne Kenmare in Kerry, The Old Inn in Down, Perryville House in Cork and Tubbrid Castle in Kilkenny are the five new properties joining the Ireland’s Blue Book collection of country houses, historic hotels, and restaurants for 2023. The new additions bring the total number of properties in the Ireland’s Blue Book collection to 63.
Fernhill House & Gardens is a luxurious Georgian Mansion set on picturesque gardens overlooking the beautiful countryside of Clonakilty in West Cork. Fernhill’s gardens are among the finest in Ireland. The gardens inspire everything at Fernhill including their own gin and food which features produce from their Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden.
Located in the heritage town of Kenmare, The Lansdowne Kenmare is a quirky townhouse which offers real Irish hospitality, featuring all the facilities one would expect from a stylish property including the LK Café, The Dining Bar Terrace, The Piano Lounge and of course a kitchen focused on serving delicious food cooked over coals. The twenty-eight bedrooms are spacious, comfortable, and slightly modern to add a contemporary feel to this iconic hotel.
The Old Inn, dating back to 1614, is labelled as one of the region’s most historic hotels due in part to its links with author and 20th Century Literary icon C.S. Lewis. The hotel is bursting with character, from cosy corners and elegant interiors to the stunning views from the Treetop Spa over the beautiful country park.
An elegant period townhouse, Perryville House is warm, light-filled and true to its original role as a private residence which is based in Kinsale. Enjoy the finest Irish hospitality and luxury accommodation in their 34 beautiful bedrooms. Based on the Wild Atlantic Way, Perryville House is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.
Tubbrid Castle is a 15th-century Irish castle deep in Ireland’s Ancient East. Uninhabited for the past hundred years, it has been restored to its former glory. Sleep and feast like a king in a four-poster bed and it’s Great Hall’s fully equipped kitchen and oak banquet table.
Commenting on the inclusion in the collection, owner of The Lansdowne Kenmare, John Brennan, says: “We are delighted to have The Lansdowne Kenmare join Ireland’s Blue Book. Ireland’s Blue Book represents the true essence of Irish hospitality and The Lansdowne Kenmare, dating from 1770, proudly carries that heritage forward following a total renovation in 2021. We are all very proud to be a member of an association with such a reputation.”
Managing Director of The Old Inn, Colin Johnston, says: “We are delighted to join such a prestigious group of unique and historic hotels and look forward to the journey ahead as part of the Blue Book family”.
Michael O’Neill Junior, the proprietor of Fernhill House and Gardens says: “My family and I are absolutely thrilled that Fernhill has been invited to join the Blue Book as it represents the pinnacle of Irish country house hospitality. Fernhill has been in my family for four generations, so it is very dear to our hearts and we are so looking forward to sharing our house and gardens with wonderful Blue Book guests here in West Cork”.
Incoming Blue Book chairperson Joe O’Flynn warmly welcomes the new additions, saying: “I am delighted to welcome Fernhill House and Gardens, The Lansdowne Kenmare, The Old Inn, Perryville House and Tubbrid Castle to Ireland’s Blue Book. I would also like to sincerely thank our loyal guests for their continued support of the Blue Book this year”.
