Castles and country estates in Ireland

Staying at one of Ireland's castles or country estates is the best way to experience both sides of the Republic. Members can indulge countryside pursuits, soak in spas and explore the countryside and its welcoming villages, and our lifestyle managers will swiftly transport members to the city when they crave a dose of culture.

Here are some of our favourite five-star estates in Ireland. Call your lifestyle manager for more suggestions and to find out how we can hire out entire castles and manor houses for our members, and see our feature on Irish city breaks for more tips on visiting the Emerald Isle.

Ashford Castle

Cong, County Mayo

Ashford Castle is a 13th-century fortress that stands at the centre of a vast country estate, surrounded by sculpted gardens, thick woodlands and the glassy waters of Lough Corrib. Members can take part in traditional county activities, such as clay pigeon shooting, falconry and fishing, or swap their rifle for a four-iron for a round on the nine-hole golf course.

The individually styled rooms are traditional and opulent, and the hotel's spa offers a wide range of treatments for men and women, while the medieval ruins, stone cottages and cosy pubs of Cong village are a short stroll away.

Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, County Wicklow

This Palladian-style mansion is built on a 1,000-acre estate on the doorstep of Dublin, but members may find it hard to pull themselves away from the two golf courses, vast spa and Gordon Ramsay restaurant to make the 30-minute drive to the Irish capital.

Powerscourt features some of the largest hotel rooms in Ireland, and views of the gentle landscape, framed by the towering Wicklow mountains, flood through the floor-to-ceiling windows of many of its suites. The surrounding hills and valleys, with their ancient woodlands and surging waterfalls, are ideal for afternoon hikes, or members can amble into the nearby village of Enniskerry for a pint of Guinness.

Adare Manor

Adare, County Limerick

When people talk about ‘authentic' Ireland they mean places such as Adare, one of the Emerald Isle's prettiest villages, a location that's steeped in history, tradition and an abundance of natural beauty. The manor is the focus of the village, and at this luxury spa hotel members can fish for trout in the River Maigue, saddle up for a canter through the countryside or take aim with an archery lesson.

Its championship golf courses are considered some of the best in the world, and the hotel even hires out classic cars for those who want to snake through Limerick's country lanes and relive the golden age of motoring in an E-Type Jaguar.

Killarney Park Hotel

Town Centre, Killarney, County Kerry

This spa hotel lies at the edge of the vast wilderness of Killarney National Park, steps away from the pubs, restaurants and shops of the historic town on the shores of Lough Lein, giving members easy access to both countryside and culture. The hotel is a winner of the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association Hotel of the Year award, and its location makes it ideal for a tour of the clubs, links and championship courses in the southwest of Ireland.

The tranquil spa has plunge pools, saunas and Jacuzzis, as well as a wide selection of treatments, and the hotel's Park Restaurant is a romantic venue to sample seasonal produce or take afternoon tea (with a crisp glass of champagne).

Hayfield Manor

Perrott Avenue, College Road, Cork

Set within two acres of sculpted gardens Hayfield Manor is Cork's first five-star hotel, a calm retreat from which to explore the Republic's second city and its surrounding countryside - or just recline in the spa and wind down in its peaceful tree-lined grounds.

The estate has two restaurants - the sultry Orchids and the light and relaxed garden bistro - and its rooms are sympathetically furnished with antiques and period features. Hayfield Manor was featured in Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2009 as one of the best places to stay in the world.