Ireland

WHERE TO STAY:

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  KILRONAN CASTLE is one of Ireland’s most luxurious castle hotels. Located in Roscommon Ireland, Kilronan is the ancestral home of the Tennison family and the legendary Colonel King Tennison. It is one of a few Irish castle estates that can trace its history back to royal families.

  This secluded, luxury hotel is majestically set on the shores of Lough Meelagh, surrounded by over forty acres of breathtaking Irish scenery, lush green pastures, ancient forests and historical points of interest. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent Roscommon lawns, the luxury Castle hotel will overlook the site for a proposed Nick Faldo Designed 9 Hole Par Three Golf Course and a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds. The world-class Spa & Leisure Centre is now open where you can relax and unwind in the pool or be pampered with one of our luxurious spa treatments.

  Kilronan’s commitment is to provide the highest level of luxury, comfort and service. You will enjoy old world elegance with modern day comforts. One step inside Kilronan Castle and you will be at home. With the warm and friendly atmosphere your every need will be met because everything has been designed with your desires in mind.

  Address: Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon
  Tel: +353 (0) 71 9618000 | Fax: +353 (0) 71 9618001
  E-mail: Website:

• WATERFORD CASTLE, Balinakill, Waterford. 14 rooms. Plenty of Irish grandeur surrounds you in this centuries old castle that stands on a 300 acre island. A private ferry delivers you to the regal mansion and your baronial room. An 18 hole golf course is on the premises and romance is in the air. A former owner translated the ultra romantic Rubiyat of Omar Kayyam into English! This is like living in a dreamy movie! Balinakill, Waterford County. Balinakill, Waterford County. Tel: 051 873 531.

• GRAFTON HOUSE, Dublin. This trendy little hotel is located near Grafton St., the city's main shopping thoroughfare. Reasonably priced, nicely decorated rooms are located in two separate Gothic style buildings. The second floor bar with a cozy fireplace is a popular gathering place for locals as well as guests. l Fade Street, Tel: o1/679 2041.

• ASHFORD CASTLE, Mayo. 72 rooms. You'll feel like royalty or at least like one of the many celebrities or statesmen who have stayed in this romantic place which was built as a home for the Guiness (beer) family. Ask for a room in the original building which has extra spacious rooms, bathrooms and suites. Stroll hand in hand in the beautiful gardens that are famous throughout the world. Play golf or tennis, fish, or relax in the spa and your honeymoon days will seem like a fairytale. Tel: 094 954 600.

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• AREA CODES. The country code is 353. Northern Ireland is 44.

• ELECTRICITY. Ireland has AC current, 220 volts. Wall plugs have three prongs. Get your own adaptor and plug before leaving home.

• BANKING. ATM's give the best rate of exchange. However, all Irish ATM's do not accept pin numbers with over four digits. Change to a four digit number before leaving home. If you want to exchange money back to dollars, begin two days early as all banks do not have foreign currency available.

• WEATHER. A typical day might include sunshine, strong winds, rain and sleet. Always keep an umbrella and rain jacket with you.

• RESTROOMS.  They are often marked in Irish only--Fir (Men) and Mna (Women.)

• RENT A CAR. It's the best way to explore the country and see the spectacular beauty. Drive on the right and prepare for narrow roads. Remember that speed limit signs are in kilometers/hr and that new highways can end suddenly.

• KNOW YOUR COUNTY. When asked where they're from, Irish people will often name the county where they were born. Learn the county of the places you want to visit.

• INVEST IN A DETAILED MAP. Many road signs are written in Irish only.

• DRIVE SLOWLY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. Flocks of sheep and goats meander the roads.

• ASK IF A SERVICE CHARGE HAS BEEN INCLUDED in your restaurant bill.

• WRITE DOWN YOUR DESTINATION IN IRISH. Ask your Concierge to help. Some road signs are in Irish only.

DON’T MISS:

• VISIT A PUB. The Irish public house (or bar) is an integral part of life. There are over 10,000 to choose from throughout the country. Even in the smallest towns, they are the center of local color, cozy places where you can chat, sing, have a beer and a snack and hear what makes the Irish world go 'round. Invite your neighbors for a drink and you'll make new friends, learn about the best things to see in the area and the best ways to get there.

• TRY A GUINNESS. This hearty beer is an Irish tradition. There's an art to drinking it. The bar tender fills the glass 3/4 of the way up, waits, then tops it off and serves it. Then, you wait till it settles and the colors deepens. Each swallow leaves rings on the glass so you can see how much you have left.

• DINE IN A CASTLE. Dromoland and Ashford are two famous history laden castles where you'll feel like royalty as you stroll the exquisite grounds and enjoy a hearty meal in historic surroundings.

• LUNCH IN A VILLAGE. You'll feel like you're walking in postcard scenery when you meander through the narrow streets of beautiful places like Cong in County Mayo, Lismore in Tipperary, and Kinvara in Galway. There are hundreds throughout the country.

• SHOP. Wonderful products are for sale in modern malls and tiny shops. Hand knit Aran sweaters, Belfast linens, Donegal tweeds and Waterford crystal (Visiting the factory is memorable!) are just a few of the high quality treasures to be found! Ask about the Value Added Tax and you can get part of your money spent back when you leave the country.

• ENJOY A GOURMET DINNER. Ireland has become famous for cuisine. Talented chefs prepare creative dishes from the abundant fresh local produce. Splurge one night and you'll be glad you did! In many restaurants, the setting is as memorable as the meal.

• PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF. Irish courses like Ballybunion, Port Marnock, Royal County Down, the K Club. Lahinch, and others are legendary. The scenery is breath- taking and the challenge is world famous. Be prepared to walk and dress for rain and wind.

• KISS THE BLARNEY STONE. It isn't easy but ancient tales say you'll get the gift of gab if you climb 127 steps, lie down, lean your head back and kiss the world famous stone.

• THE RING OF KERRY. Follow the 110 mi. road to Killarney and you'll see some of most splendid scenery in the country. Panoramic ocean views from the high cliffs seem

  to get more beautiful around every turn in the road.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

• DOHENY & NESBITT, Dublin. The epitome of an old Irish pub, complete with counter nooks (snuggs) so you can steal a kiss and have some privacy while standing at the bar. Buy your neighbors a drink and you'll have a typical Irish experience. 5 Lower Baggott St.

• CHAPTER ONE, Dublin. Plenty of atmosphere is served up with inventive dishes. Located downstairs in the Dublin Writers Museum, this cozy French restaurant is full of literary history and romantic charm. Reservations are a must. 18-19 Parnell St. Tel: 0l/873 2266.

• MALT HOUSE, Galway City. Delicious fresh seafood dishes are the specialty in this contemporary restaurant that is hidden away in a courtyard in the old part of town. You'll love lingering over lunch or dinner. Old Malt Arcade, High St. Tel: 091/567-866.

• BRULEE'S RESTAURANT, Limerick City. This Georgian brick town house makes you feel at ome right away when you dine on special Irish dishes with sophisticated flair. 8 Lower Mallow St. Tel: 061/319-931.

• FLEMINGS, Cork City. Located in a Georgian house overlooking the river, this stately French restaurant serves delicious food made from local ingredients. Vegetables come from a garden on the premises. If you want to savor dinner longer, reserve a table in one of the upstairs rooms. Silver Grange House, Tivoli. Tel: 21/4821621.

• BLUEBERRY TEA ROOM, Donegal. Comfort food and light dinners are served with home made breads and deserts just across the street from Donegal Castle. Open every day but Sunday. until 7 p.m. Get there early to avoid lines at lunch time. Castle St. Tel: 074/972 2933.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

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  KILRONAN CASTLE - For those eager to plan a destination wedding at Kilronan Castle, impeccable service will be provided by the hotel's dedicated Events and Banqueting Team. Whether set in the Grand Ballroom or in one of the hotel's more intimate rooms, your wedding day at Kilronan will be the fairytale you have always dreamed of!

  Address: Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon
  Tel: +353 (0) 71 9618000 | Fax: +353 (0) 71 9618001

  E-mail:
  Website:
  
  
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