Ireland's Blue Book Announces Four New Additions For 2018

DUBLIN 2, Ireland - Dec. 7, 2017 - PRLog -- Ireland's Blue Book is delighted to announce four new additions to its 2018 edition featuring the best of Ireland's distinctive and stylish properties: Castle Grove Country House, Glenlo Abbey, Virginia Park Lodge, and the private rental property, Killadangan House. This brings the number represented by Ireland's Blue Book to 53, the highest since 1974.

The announcement was made at the Blue Book Annual General Meeting of Blue Book hoteliers and restauranteurs on November 7, 2017 at Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan.

The new members were pleased to be invited to join the Ireland's Blue Book family. "The welcome we have received has been delightful, and we look forward to working with our new colleagues in the year ahead," expressed Chef Richard Corrigan of Virginia Park Lodge.

Castle Grove Country House, Co. Donegal

Castle Grove is a family-run Georgian house, built in 1695 and set on a 250-acre estate at the end of a mile-long avenue along the shores of the Lough Swilly. It features two drawing rooms with open fireplaces, a cozy bar and a library; bedrooms are furnished with antiques and luxury fabrics. The award-winning restaurant serves excellent cuisine by master chefs who combine locally-sourced produce with organically-grown fruit and vegetables from the four-acre Walled Garden.

Glenlo Abbey, Galway

The five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Golf resort nestles peacefully on a stunning 138-acre estate on the edge of Lough Corrib, with the beautiful, rugged and unspoiled natural scenery of Connemara just on its doorstep. Guests can dine aboard the award-winning Pullman Restaurant, a fine-dining restaurant set on two original Orient Express carriages. A stay here would not be complete without savoring the AA two-rosette-awarded fine dining experience in one of Ireland's most unique and historic settings.

Virginia Park Lodge, Co. Cavan

Virginia Park Lodge is an 18^th-century hunting estate, formerly the home of Lord Headfort and his wife, the actress Miss Rosie Boote, Marchioness of Headfort. Set on 100 acres of beautiful countryside overlooking Lough Ramor, it offers a stunning haven for walkers, fishermen, boaters and those simply looking to relax in the serene beauty of the Irish countryside. Twelve Woodland Huts provide additional accommodation. The Lodge was revived by Chef Richard Corrigan—one of the most establish Irish chefs in the UK and beyond, who also operates his flagship London restaurant Corrigan's in Mayfair, and the 101-year-old Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill in Piccadilly.

Killadangan House, Co. Mayo

Killadangan House is a beautifully-restored and elegantly-furnished period property overlooking Clew Bay, located just minutes from Blue Flag beaches, The Great Western Greenway and Croagh Patrick, as well as the superb restaurants, cafes and nightlife of Westport town. Newly launched for 2018, it offers private and luxurious self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 10. Small all-inclusive retreats are also organized throughout the year.

2018 offers four new ways to enjoy Ireland's singularly one-of-a-kind properties.

About Ireland's Blue Book

Ireland's Blue Book is a unique collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Georgian Manor Houses, Stately Castles, Luxury Boutique Hotels and Designer Lodges, and Michelin-star Restaurants representing the finest of Ireland's hospitality, accommodations and cuisine. Activities range from golf, fishing, spas, area tours, horseback riding and cookery schools to relaxation in warm and comfortable surroundings.

To maintain exclusivity and represent its bespoke high standards, Ireland's Blue Book members must be invited to join, and a "vote in" of 75% is required by the current membership. Characteristics of Ireland's Blue Book members include uniqueness, environmental awareness, high standards and self-regulation, as well as fine and award-winning cuisine.

Ireland's Blue Book is the sole Irish representative association of Europe's leading heritage accommodation provider – Historic Hotels of Europe. Learn more about Ireland's Blue Book properties or reservations can be made at www.irelands-blue-book.ie or 800.323.5463.

PRESS INFORMATION

Carlyle Fairfax Smith          Michelle Maguire, CEO

Carlyle International          Ireland's Blue Book

Ph: 703.898.1333          Ph: 011.353.1.676.9914

Carlyle@CarlyleInternational.us          Michelle@IrelandsBlueBook.com