This Georgian mansion was once the residence of the Earl of Carrick. Set on a hill overlooking the River Nore, the 18^th century estate is found in the countryside 20 minutes outside the medieval city of Kilkenny.

Choose to stay in the traditional Manor House or laid-back Hunter’s Yard, both which have been awarded five stars. They sit within the 1,500-acre estate which  includes a championship golf course, equestrian centre, swimming pool and fields of horses calmly grazing on the green grasses. French country chic rooms mix antiques and hand-embroidered fabrics.

International dishes are prepared with local produce and herbs at Lady Helen restaurant and a cosy bar invites late-night chats. As Conde Nast state: "If you want to relax and just take in the beauty of Ireland, stay here."

At the foot of a hill — in the shadow of Ireland’s most iconic medieval site, the Rock of Cashel — stands another architectural masterpiece, Cashel Palace. Built in 1728 by Sir Edward Lovett Pearce, the architect who designed the Parliament House in Dublin, this red brick manor was once the residence of Ireland’s archbishops. It is a brilliant blend of classicism and sophistication, with a façade that hides behind its symmetrical layout a world of surprises: a majestic colonnaded hall, walls covered in detailed wood panelling, staircases with handrails carved in the shape of candy canes, and rooms that seem to have been taken from a fairy tale. With its English-style gardens, comfortable sofas warmed by the cosy fire of the bar, and a spa bathed in light, Cashel Palace takes its guests on a magical journey. It is an idyllic refuge where you can recharge your batteries before plunging into the area’s Celtic history or wandering through the enchanting moorland.

Gregans is more manor house than castle, captivating with its setting on the edge of the lunar-like, limestone landscape of the Burren in Co Clare.

The 18^th century house has been welcoming guests since the 1940s. Its  antique-strewn suites and rooms have just the right amount of modernity and the cosy Corkscrew Bar is the perfect setting for pre- and post-walk relaxation. Garden flowers adorn every room as the light from open fires or candelight dance. Dining here is a treat as the chef brings flair and finesse to local produce.

Gregans is run by the second generation of the Haden family and guests have included J.R.R Tolkien, who's said to have been influenced by the Burren when writing The Lord of the Rings, as well as other revered artists and writers such as Seamus Heaney and Sean Scully.

Ashford Castle Hotel is a 5 Star Luxury Castle on the Banks of Lough Corrib and is perhaps Ireland's most quintessential and beautiful castle hotels. It has everything a person could want on a vast estate of 350 acres of woodlands, park and Lakelands. The hotel boasts two fine dining restaurants, a beautiful oak-panelled bar, fishing, falconry, clay pigeon shooting and a host of other activities on its extensive estate. Many of our visitors to Ireland remark afterwards that a  stay at Ashford was a once in a lifetime experience.