With Ireland set to reopen its doors to international travelers on July 19, both the five-star Merrion Hotel in the heart of Dublin and the 800-year-old five-star Ashford Castle in County Mayo are ready to welcome American guests again.
Wellness is at the forefront at The Merrion, which has introduced an opportunity to reconnect with nature with the Wicklow Wellness Experience. Guided by an ecotherapy expert, guests will spend the morning forest bathing in the Knocksink Nature Reserve, located just 40 minutes from Dublin. Back at the hotel, guests will be treated to an hour-long spa treatment using Forest Therapy Oils at The Merrion’s recently opened Spa and Health Club. The Merrion has also recently introduced its very own non-alcoholic Irish spirit, called Artonical, a distilled non-alcoholic gin made with natural botanicals including juniper, angelica root, lemon, orange and grapefruit. Guests can enjoy signature “NoLo” mocktails in The Merrion’s serene garden.
Ready to welcome international guests, The Merrion has also introduced a new Sweet Suite Access experience for guests. The offer includes: a chauffeur service direct from the plane to a private terminal at Dublin Airport; fast track service through customs and immigration; a private airport suite to relax in while guests’ luggage is retrieved; and a true Irish welcome on arrival at The Merrion. The Sweet Suite Access experience starts from €850 (USD$1,030) per night (a minimum two-night stay applies) and is valid for all suite bookings through December 23, 2021.
At Ashford Castle, the chef team led by Executive Chef Philippe Farineau has been busy foraging on the 350-acre estate, picking wood sorrel, violet flowers, wild garlic and Irish strawberries to use in signature dishes and cocktails. The summer months are the perfect time to take advantage of the countless activities on the grounds, including kayaking, biking, fishing, falconry, golfing, stand-up paddle boarding and zip-lining.
Ashford Castle has also recently launched a series of exclusive experiences to allow guests to explore local life in Western Ireland. Available only to guests of the hotel, Ashford is offering exclusive access to Irish culture previously unattainable to most tourists. Guests can choose from four specially curated experiences, each based around a core theme: “Meet the Makers,” “A Taste of the West of Ireland,” “Ireland’s Ancient Music and Story” and “Real Connemara.”
Travelers looking to experience both properties can book the Town & Country Experience, including two nights at The Merrion and two nights at Ashford Castle. Guests at both hotels will be greeted with a bottle of Champagne in-room on arrival and a full Irish breakfast in the morning. Included at The Merrion is a dinner at restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (Dublin’s only 2-star Michelin restaurant), tickets to a performance at the Gate or Abbey Theatre, and a private guided tour of The Merrion’s art collection with a guide from the National Gallery, followed by Afternoon Tea in the Georgian Dining Room. At Ashford Castle, the experience continues with chauffeur transfer from Dublin to Ashford with a picnic and wine to enjoy the journey, a five-course tasting menu at the George V dining room, a Hawk Hour for two guests to fly their own Harris Hawks and a full-day “Meet the Makers” immersive Irish experience. Prices for the six-night experience start from €2,985 (USD$3,620) per person, based on double occupancy.
Both hotels can arrange onsite 24-hour PCR tests for international travelers. For more information on The Merrion, click HERE. For more information on Ashford Castle, click HERE.
ABOUT ASHFORD CASTLE:
Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres in County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, with a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river and mountains. It features 83 guestrooms, suites and a Lakeside Cottage, and is renowned for a range of country sports including an equestrian centre, fly fishing, an exclusive nine-hole golf course and Ireland’s first school of falconry. Several dining rooms and bars, along with a gracious afternoon tea service are among the amenities. It is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
ABOUT THE MERRION:
The union of four restored Georgian townhouses, joined with a contemporary Garden Wing, The Merrion’s 123 guestrooms and 19 suites include a two-floor Penthouse Suite and private rooftop terrace. The Spa and Health Club offers a range of treatments and an in-house pool. In addition to the Garden Room restaurant the Merrion is home to Ireland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud. The Merrion houses the largest collection of private art in Ireland outside of the National Gallery. The Merrion is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Pool at Ashford Castle
Wine cellar at Ashford Castle
