2 Hotels Perfect For A Quick Stay, A Quick Spin From Dublin

Summer is fast approaching, and if you’re anything like me, you probably want your days to be filled sun, sand, and seriously delicious mixed drinks.

But if, like me, you’ve already used up a copious amount of your annual leave and therefore, cannot really justify booking yet another trip abroad, never fear.

Because gorgeous times can be had here in Ireland too – sometimes, even less than an hour drive from Dublin.

There are countless hotels and guesthouses around the country that are absolutely worth a visit. But I’ve been to two over the past few months that were ideal for a little night away – and won’t have you driving for hours on end.

…If you live in Dublin or the surrounding area, of course.

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort – Co. Wicklow

A mere 45 minutes away from Dublin 8 (my departure point) is Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, a four star hotel nestled on the banks of Blessington Lake – and it’s the height of quiet luxury.

Residing on the grounds of an 18th century manor house, and a seriously plush golf course, is the lakeside hotel that boasts some gorgeous views… and gorgeous food.

We checked into our room, a deluxe double space overlooking the sprawling golf course (that yes, was occupied even during the traditional Irish April showers), before heading to the Fairways restaurant.

And honestly, this could be one of the best hotel dining experiences I’ve ever had. Both myself and my partner are vegetarian/pescatarian, and were presented with our own curated menu, stacked with options that were thoughtfully put together.

We both went for the goats cheese mousse and pumpkin ravioli with cheese sauce, and shared a semifreddo for dessert despite being the most full we’d ever been. There was even an amuse-bouche to kick everything off – fancy.

And then, of course, there’s the spa. If a delicious meal and a round of golf aren’t enough for you, why not book yourself in for a pamper session in one of their treatment rooms, or treat yourself in the Tulfarris salon?

We had a 30 minute massage and flaked out in the relaxation room for a bit, before returning to our room to continue the cozy vibes. Bliss.

You can find out more about Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort here. 

Trim Castle Hotel – Co. Meath

Despite living just an hour away from Trim, I’m ashamed to say I had never been there. I knew there was a castle, I knew there was a river, and that was pretty much it.

I didn’t, however, know that there was a lovely and quaint hotel right in front of the castle. History meets modernity, and here, you’re going to experience both.

We checked into our room on a Friday night, driving the hour journey after work, and congratulating ourselves with a bottle of prosecco. Dinner was in the BoAnn restaurant, a dining spot that promises a seasonal menu with an Italian twist.

And it did not disappoint. For starters we went for a bruschetta to share followed by a vegan, cashew pasta for her and a prawn tagliatelle for me. The pasta was among some of the best I’ve had on a hotel stay – super fresh and seriously tasty.

We washed it all down with a bottle of pinot grigio and sampled a gin cocktail from the hotel’s extensive menu. It was icy, fruity, and so delicious.

The following morning we went for a walk around Trim Castle grounds before heading back to the hotel for a spot of Afternoon Tea in the Brasserie.

The selection of sandwiches, cakes, and scones were gorgeously presented, and the glass of bubbly didn’t go amiss either.

We were given a chicken Ceasar wrap despite saying we didn’t eat meat, but with that many cakes on offer, we certainly didn’t leave hungry.

You can find out more about Trim Castle Hotel here.