Blue day for Ballina hotel, in the best possible way

BELLEEK Castle in Ballina has been added to Ireland’s Blue Book collection for 2017.

It's one of three new properties to join the collection of country houses, historic hotels and restaurants for 2017, the others being Hilton Park Manor, Co. Monaghan, and The Tannery Townhouse & Restaurant, Co. Waterford.

The new additions bring the total number of properties in the collection to 50 for 2017, the highest number since the Blue Book Association was founded in 1974.

Chairperson of Ireland's Blue Book and proprietor of L'Ecrivain Restaurant, Sallyanne Clarke, said: “We are delighted to have Belleek Castle, Hilton Park and The Tannery as part of the Blue Book family. I am privileged to continue my role as chairperson of the association, and with 2016 being one of the strongest years for Irish tourism, our hotels and restaurants are looking forward to a very busy year ahead.”

Belleek's addition brings the number of Mayo properties in the Blue Book to five, joining the Ice House (Ballina), Enniscoe House, Newport House and Clare Island Lighthouse.

Belleek, an 1820s neo-gothic castle, is informal, cosy, warm and friendly. An open fire with the sweet smell of burning turf welcomes you in the original Great Hall, while all rooms are individually furnished with antiquities, some of them coming with beautiful four-poster beds.

The kitchen team is led by local chef Stephen Lenahan, whose philosophy is to use classic and imaginative cooking with local, seasonal ingredients from the land, sea and air, combining a depth of flavour with the traditions of the castle.

Ireland's Blue Book is a unique collection of Irish country house hotels, manor houses, castles and restaurants. With a choice of elegant Georgian manors, stately castles, historic hotels, cosy B&B accommodation, luxury boutique hotels and designer lodges, there is a property in the collection to suit everyone's tastes and requirements.