Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
In all our properties, each maître de maison draws upon his unique experience and passion to share the authentic culture and tastes of his region with every guest.
Magical places and memories of a lifetime: whether it be a romantic weekend or to celebrate the important moments of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon or family reunions.
Established in France more than 50 years ago, Relais & Châteaux has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. The Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
To arrive in this part of Ireland from Dublin, pass through the magical countryside of Wicklow, a county nestled between the sea and the mountains and boasting some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. Rosslare port is also very close to Marlfield House. It is in this unspoilt, yet easily accessible region that the Bowe family chose to create their gem of a hotel, a model of conviviality and elegance complete with a rose garden and woodland walks. Dining in the Victorian conservatory is delightful, particularly the delicious breakfast. Here life is about enjoyment, don’t we call the Irish “the Latin people of the North”?
Cliff House Hotel is in a stunning location, overlooking Ardmore Bay. The hotel’s architecture is truly extraordinary as it has been built right onto the side of the cliff. The bar and outdoor terrace, the restaurant, spa and each guest room all enjoy exceptional views of the expansive bay. With direct access to the sea, the hotel offers numerous outdoor activities, such as ocean kayaking, surfing, whale watching, fishing and rock climbing. There are many beaches nearby and you can walk to St. Declan’s Well on the famous Cliff Walk. Local attractions such as Lismore Castle and the Midleton Whiskey distillery are easy to reach from Ardmore.
Surrounded by purple heather-covered mountains and cascading blue waters, the town of Kenmare is one of the spots in Ireland that the Irish themselves like best. Sheen Falls Lodge is not only perfectly placed for exploring the southwest of Ireland, the world famous Ring of Beara, Ring of Kerry and the famous Killarney Lakes, but it is also known for its piano-jazz ambience, its collection of old Irish whiskeys, its selection of fine wines from one of Ireland's largest wine cellars and the dishes prepared with the salmon caught in the nearby river. There are unrivalled views of Kenmare Bay, the McGuillicuddy Reeks and cascading Sheen waterfalls. All of this, combined with outstanding Irish hospitality and Celtic legends, creates a sense of magic that pervades.
One step inside the sprawling grounds of this historic Regency mansion house, one of the most lavish in Ireland, and an air of tranquillity takes hold. Classical grandeur meets with a landscape of rolling hills, follies and ancient grottoes in the breathtaking property, set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Ballyfin opened in 2011 after a spectacular eight-year restoration and has already gained a following for its unique combination of modern luxury with romantic period detailing. The hotel has been designed as a home-away-from-home making the experience entirely intimate. Guests can enjoy estate-grown food prepared by the executive chef, take part in wine and whiskey tastings in the cellar, enjoy a treatment in the wellness-centre, swim or simply spend an afternoon in the library, finishing with a fireside cocktail in the house’s cosy Ballyfin Bar.
