The Castles of Ireland

INCLUDE A VISIT TO DUNBOYNE

The next to last leg of our big Irish adventure had us pulling off-road and into the beautiful first view of Dunboyne Castle Hotel in County Meath. As in most of the places we stayed, the early mists had brought out the most lush shade of green that will always remind me of Ireland.

This four-star luxury property is nestled in 21 acres of countryside where the Georgian-style mansion of today welcomes visitors. Originally built in 1764, it has undergone many changes over time.

While our previous choice of castles at Kilronan was a visit to the past, this one was an interesting mix; back to the future so to speak. The middle section is obviously the original building that has been added onto on both sides in a sleeker more contemporary design. Surprisingly it works really well.

SPACIOUS ROOMS & LUXURY BATHS

We were checked in with brisk efficiency and stopped to snap a few pics before being taken for the LONG haul to our room. Having been assigned to the very end of the building, the property is quite large and left us feeling like a scooter might come in handy! Remember that when booking if you don’t fancy a walk!

The room was very nice, light, spacious and comfortable. We had a good size working desk (a big plus for my travel blogging), table and chairs and sofa for lounging and Ta-Da; a Nespresso coffee station for making the perfect espresso or latte in room (if you know me than you know that I am addicted to Nespresso)!

The bathrooms were ample and luxurious with products, towels, robes and slippers for wondering down to the spa later. We made a quick drink, unpacked and got a reservation for dinner at award winning Ivy’s located on site. The menu looked promising and we were looking forward to what this chef might bring to the table.

We walked down to the Lobby Bar which was really a large comfy lounge with fireplace and it was already busy with business people attending conferences, tourists like us and wedding attendees.

A misty rain started which caused the ones seated outside to run in for a warm seat by the fire. There was a nice coziness for such a large gathering area.

DINING AT IVY’S

We drifted into Ivy’s a little early but we could see why they suggested reservations as it was really busy and a little noisy at first. After the arrival of our usual martini’s we ordered small plates to begin.

The menu changes seasonally and you can tell the Chef wants to make it light for his spa visitors and about fresh local ingredients. Who says eating light has to be bad?

The Caprese salad came out beautifully arranged on a dark plate to make the white of the fresh mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes stand out in stark contrast.

Drizzled with the finest olive oil, balsamic vinegar and herbs, this salad tasted freshly picked at it’s best. Mushroom soup was creamy and dreamy as well.

Braised pork belly arrived tender and crispy with a parsnip puree reduction and greens which we enjoyed immensely with a lovely bottle of Rioja from Spain suggested by our waiter.

The choices for dessert were all good and we tried several different things; none of which disappointed. Espresso and after dinner drinks were enjoyed in room while we dreamed about our spa visit the next day.

BREAKFAST & SEOID SPA TIME

We were up and out early for a brisk walk with our travel buddy and a HUGE buffet breakfast set up in Ivy’s. It looked wonderful with everything imaginable as European hotels are prone to do. A small menu of items were available for those who shun a buffet (normally that is us but never when in Europe)!

Back to our room for a quick change and we were ready to check out the Seoid (meaning jewel) Spa that was included in our room charge.

It was UBER nice with a calm color scheme, relaxing heat in the laconium, crystal steam room, massage pools and an outdoor hot tub. Many private treatments were available by appointment.

Comfy chairs and beds in a separate room with waters and fresh herbs supplied a quiet area for retreat, reading and napping. Music playing soft and low along with scented candles in lanterns everywhere lulled me back to sleep after my steam.

WALKABOUT IN DUNBOYNE VILLAGE

Back in the room after our spa day we decided to venture out for a few items and see what the local village might have to offer in the way of shopping and restaurants. While the younger locals always tell you there is nothing much to see, I think they don’t really have an appreciation of where they live.

The villages for the most part are always tidy, clean, cute and very local. The pubs are full of interesting chatty people and the shops with locally made things that would be treasures to me and my tribe. This one was no different; a visit to a pub and a shop or two proved our theory.

We were not able to visit the local chapel as there was a very BIG funeral going on that we just supposed must be some important somebody from the sheer number of attendees.

Turns out after asking, it was simply a much loved local man who had dropped dead of a surprising heart attack on the golf course. A fate to which we both agreed was a preferred way to go all things being considered.

THE CASTLES OF IRELAND-DUNBOYNE TOP NOTCH!

Our time at this luxury spa hotel was relaxing,very enjoyable and provided great value for expense. You will not be disappointed if you decide to include it in your itinerary on your next trip to Ireland.

The location is excellent if you want to take advantage of being at the center of Ireland’s heritage capital for side trips to historic sites like Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, majestic Newgrange and Brue na Boinne.

You might want to read more blogs under Explore the World and hey don’t be a stranger! Let me hear what you would like to read about or tell me about your next big adventure OK? Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

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