The ‘Irish Independent’ can exclusively reveal new members of Ireland’s Blue Book
A restored 18th-century village in Co Kildare, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Dublin and John Brennan’s Co Kerry glamping and self-catering resort will join the Blue Book for 2024.
The Irish Independent can exclusively reveal the new members for the collection as: Cliff at Lyons, Co Kildare; Glovers Alley restaurant at The Fitzwilliam Hotel; and Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare.
The news comes as Ireland’s Blue Book celebrates 50 years. The collection began in 1974 when 11 founding members honed in on an untapped niche between B&Bs and larger hotels. Next year, it will include 65 country house hotels, manor houses, castles and restaurants.
The thermal village at Cliff at Lyons
“In commemorating 50 illustrious years of Ireland’s Blue Book, we take immense pride in the high standards we’ve set, the enduring friendships we’ve cultivated along the way, and most significantly, the cherished guests we’ve had the honour to serve,” CEO Michelle Maguire said.
Dromquinna Manor, a growing suite of luxury safari-style tents and self-catering stays overlooking Kenmare Bay, joins the collection as John and Francis Brennan are selling their Park and Lansdowne hotels in Kenmare.
The Blue Book’s AGM was this year held at the five-star Park Hotel, where the mood was said to be both celebratory and emotional.
Both the five-star Park Hotel and its sister four-star will remain in the Blue Book for at least the coming year, however.
Chef Andy McFadden. Photo: Gerry Mooney
Glovers Alley by Andy McFadden is the latest Michelin-starred restaurant to join the Blue Book, while Cliff at Lyons brings a village-style country resort to the collection.
Its Aimsir restaurant won two Michelin stars within months of opening in 2019 – however, chef Jordan Bailey and wife and collaborator Majken Bech-Bailey left it this year.
“We look forward to the next release of reservations following a formal announcement on the exciting next chapter for Aimsir,” the hotel’s website says.
Dromquinna Manor, Co Kerry
John & Gwen Brennan at Blackberry Lodge, Dromquinna Manor
John Brennan, wife Gwen and son Adam have grown this 40-acre waterfront property in a smart, organic fashion since first opening in 2011, and today the woodland setting has matured into a luxury collection of seasonal glamping tents, restored mews, stable and farmhouse stays and the popular Boathouse Bistro.
Its 5,500 sq ft Blackberry Lodge is one of the largest rentals around Kenmare (sleeping up to 12), while the €350-a-night Hideaway (two-night minimum stay; second night from €250) was previously a standalone Blue Book member. The safari-style tents “allow guests to connect with nature without foregoing creature comforts,” the Blue Book says – with king-size “wilderness beds” and continental breakfast hampers to boot.
Weddings take place in the 19th-century manor house. Reservations for Dromquinna’s 2024 season will reopen next February 1.
Details: Glamping from €195, self-catering from €220; dromquinnamanor.com
Cliff at Lyons, Co Kildare
Cliff at Lyons, Co Kildare
The restoration of this Co Kildare demesne began with Ryanair founder the late Tony Ryan, and today continues under the Cliff group.
The restored 18th-century canal-side village includes a mill, dovecote, walled garden and stone cottages among its layout. A photogenic Well in the Garden Spa, artisanal cafe and choice of traditional rooms or cottage settings complete the picture of an elegant, small-scale resort that is popular for weddings.
Chef Jordan Bailey and wife and collaborator Majken Bech-Bailey left its two-Michelin star restaurant Aimsir this year, leaving a question mark as to how the fine dining space will evolve, but “an exciting next chapter” is promised. Donegal-born Seán Smith is executive head chef.
Details: B&B from €229; cliffatlyons.ie
Glovers Alley, Dublin
A dish at Glovers Alley
Glovers Alley by Andy McFadden sits in a 1930s-inspired dining room at The Fitzwilliam Hotel – a space once occupied by Thornton’s.
The Michelin-starred restaurant joins Campagne, Chapter One, Dax and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (at The Merrion) among the Blue Book’s standalone fine dining options, and fuses the best of Irish ingredients and produce “with a touch of French inspiration”, it says.
A-la-carte menus start from €100pp, with tasting menus from €140pp (or €240pp with wine pairings), and TLC and sophistication are on show in its vegetarian and vegan tasting menus too (€115pp).
Expect “a contemporary and refined dining experience”, the collection says. Read Katy McGuinness’s Glovers Alley review here.
Details: gloversalley.com