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Perhaps the most luxurious stay in Kilkenny. This Georgian townhouse overlooks the river and Kilkenny Castle. Rooms are spacious, and sweeping staircases lead down to the well-maintained gardens.

Each of the 20 rooms here has an individual decor, yet the feel of the place is like a friendly country house, with sofas around the lounge’s fireplace.

Recently reopened after a complete revamp, this is a trendy place in a central location. It attracts a regular young crowd keen on people-watching, as well as the after-workers. A good alternative to the traditional Dublin pub.

The same idea as the original restaurant in Chatham Row (see MAO); the space here is bigger and airier – very much suited to the style of the food.

By far the best place to eat on Achill Island, Calveys has an air of understated elegance and serves local fish and shellfish, free range poultry, organic vegetables and game.

This picturesque fishing village has a number of unusual buildings and a heritage centre.

This country house and restaurant was once a gracious aristocratic home and has now earned itself international renown for both its food and atmosphere.

An oasis of calm in the wilderness of the Atlantic coast, this hotel rests elegantly amid beautiful gardens. Rooms look onto the gardens or the sea. Antiques and period paintings abound, as do open turf fires. Private beach. Walks, cycling, horse-riding and fishing are available.

The mansion built in the 1790s for the Earl of Belmore by James Wyatt stands grandly at the end of a long driveway and is set in impressive grounds. The house has been almost completely rebuilt in its original Neo-Classical style as commissioned by the first earl, while the sumptuous interior is richly decorated with elaborate plasterwork. The lavish 18th- and 19th-century Regency furnishings are those favoured by the second earl during the 1820s.