Ireland's Blue Book

Ireland's Blue Book is a collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, Castles and Restaurants located throughout the island of Ireland. The collection includes six five-star properties, which are the Merrion Hotel, Dublin, the Park Hotel Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Hayfield Manor, Cork, Ballyfin Demesne, Co. Laois, Glenlo Abbey, Galway and Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny. It also has five Michelin star restaurants: Campagne in Kilkenny City, The Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny, and L’Ecrivain, Chapter One and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin city.

In 1974, the Ireland's Blue Book Association was formed with 11 founding members who realised that there was a gap between the bed and breakfast accommodation and the larger hotel industry which was not being marketed at that time. By doing this, the Association has ensured the economic wellbeing of some of Ireland's most historic properties which might otherwise have had to close their doors.

There are 53 properties in the 2020 edition of Ireland's Blue Book, plus an additional 3 exclusive rental properties. Members are

selected on a strict criteria basis with a strong focus being on properties with a strong individualistic style and character and are not part of hotel chains. The Association's unique combination of Country Houses, Castles, Historic Hotels and Restaurants all add a uniqueness which is unlike any other marketing organisation. They represent the finest of Ireland's hospitality, accommodation and cuisine.

The properties are readily available in the form of the iconic Blue Book, which holds all the general information for each property and is updated each calendar year. The Wilder Townhouse in Dublin and Glin Castle, an exclusive rental property in Limerick, were added to Blue Book in 2020.

A new chairperson of the Association is elected every two years, with Laura Bowe of Marlfield House, Co. Wexford taking the role for 2020.

Essential Blue Book characteristics include: Uniqueness - Each property is different in style, setting, ambience and atmosphere. In an era of increased uniformity, this is important to the ethos of the Blue Book. The uniqueness of the properties is further enhanced by innovative cuisine which draws heavily on the provision of local fresh and organic produce.

Environmental Awareness - In owning and developing historic properties the members are responsible for the development and preservation of heritage houses in a sensitive and environmentally friendly way.

High Standards and Self-Regulation - The Blue Book operates under the statutory rules and regulations of the broader tourism industry. However, it is unusual in being self-regulating and it maintains its own high standards. It is the ultimate accolade for a restaurant or a country house to be invited to join the Association.

Ireland’s Blue Book promotes its properties around the world, working with media and travel agents from all over Europe and other continents. Sales trips take place every year in locations such as Canada and the US. Several trade shows and events are attended throughout the year in Ireland to promote themselves to a domestic audience. Over 100 trade, consumer, media and corporate events were attended by the Association over the last year.

Publicity, both national and international, plays a vital role in attracting guests to Ireland’s Blue Book houses, hotels and restaurants. The Association has worked with PR agencies in different countries, while also keeping a close relationship with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, to ensure they are included in media visits from international journalists. In 2019, Ireland’s Blue Book distributed its books to over 28 countries.

Ireland’s Blue Book also sends a bi-monthly ezine to customers all over the world. This ezine includes the latest news from the properties, as well as getaway ideas and special offers.

With a strong social media presence, Ireland’s Blue Book also utilises this to reach out and promote its properties to international and domestic customers through over 10 social media channels including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

While a large amount of the associations marketing efforts is focused on attracting overseas visitors to Ireland and to its member hotels, the association has also grown a very successful gift voucher business.

“I think the secret is the flexibility of the vouchers as they can be used for overnight stays or for a meal or spa treatment.” says Michelle Maguire, CEO of Ireland’s Blue Book. “The fact that we have over 50 properties throughout the island of Ireland also gives great choice. When you receive the voucher, you can choose anything from a stay in a lighthouse or castle, take a spa break or have a meal in a Michelin star restaurant. The gift vouchers also give recipients the chance to explore parts of Ireland they may not yet have visited.”

HOTELWARE perfectly crafted *NEW

Do you want high quality tableware that will amaze your guests?

Our new ‘Perfectly Crafted Hotelware’ brochure contains all our Exclusive Crockery that you won’t get anywhere else! From high-class dining through to nibbles and buffet, we are sure to have something to suit your style!

SUPERWHITE | CREME | ALTO | ARTISAN

download YOUR COPY NOW