www.pregnancyandparentingmagazine.ie | 59
Your time
Let’s face it, no matter how much you love your kids, they can
be hard work. But at least when they are small and cute you have a
fighting chance of
convincing your gullible in-laws, brother, sister, distant
cousin to look after them for the weekend while you sneak off for a
romantic break to re-connect with your other half. Just think how
tough life will become once they grow into teenagers? No relative
worth their salt is going to take on a stroppy fifteen year old so
that you can reinvigorate you love life.
And once you have convinced (for which you can read ‘bribed’ or
‘blackmailed’) someone to take your little one for the weekend, you
will want to make the most of it by booking somewhere a bit
special. And there’s never been a better time to book a weekend.
That in mind, here is our selection of special getaways for parents
in dire need of some serious pampering.
Country EscapeCastle Leslie must surely be one of the most
relaxing and pampering getaway destinations for any couple, but it
comes
into a whole life of its own for parents. Why? Well, if you
really want to get away from it all, the Castle itself is a haven
of tranquility – you wont find televisions, radios or minibars in
the bedrooms here and we encourage you to switch the mobile phones
off to take best advantage of the relaxing atmosphere (although
there is WIFI for those in need!). Think four poster beds,
fabulously large baths, logs crackling in open fires – this is the
place to sink in to huge heritage couches in front of the fire with
the Sunday papers sprawled around, a cup of coffee and maybe a few
scones.
If however you fancy a break with more of a buzz, opt for the
boutique, country house style Lodge, which offers a completely
different experience to the Castle. Recently upgraded with a new
wing, the Lodge is the social hub of the estate and home to
Snaffles Restaurant, Conor’s Bar and the Victorian Treatment Rooms
(the Estate’s glorious spa). The recent expansion adds a gorgeous
con-servatory for guests to relax in but if this doesn’t quite
satisfy your grá for outdoor pursuits, the Estate’s Equestrian
Centre is within arm’s reach. Spend an afternoon
exloring the allowing the 1,000 acre Estate on horseback before
heading back to the Castle for a traditional afternoon tea in the
Castle or a few pints in Conor’s Bar. Perfection.
Parents Will Love: The Overnight Escape. From €110 per person
sharing take advantage of one night’s fabulous accommodation, a
full hearty Irish breakfast and a mouth-watering five course dinner
in the multi-award winning Snaffles Restaurant.
Check out www.castleleslie.com for further details.
TWO’S companyThe Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate
Superior Room at the Lodge, Castle Leslie Estate
Stressed out? Sleepless nights? There’s never been a better time
to book a relaxing and restful weekend away (for two!) …
By KATE KELLY
60 | Pregnancy & Parenting
Your time
Stylish RetreatCarton House Hotel in Kildare makes for an
enviable weekend getaway for parents in need of a bit of TLC. It is
effortlessly stylish, the service is impeccable and it offers every
luxury a stressed out parent could possibly need on a weekend away,
including the vibrant Kitchen Bar and fabulous Linden Tree
restaurant.
There are many contrasts to be found here. The elegant Palladian
house is set over a thousand acres of beautiful parkland and offers
not one, but two, of the most envied golf courses in the country.
But whilst you walk in expecting a traditional country house hotel,
you will leave having appreciated splashes of striking contemporary
art, curved corridors and circular, glass lifts. Built originally
for the first Duke of Leinster, Carton House retains the original
archi-tecture and character that attracted the likes of Queen of
Victoria and Grace Kelly (in fact, there are even historical tours
on offer showcasing the painstaking renovation of the original
house) but it has also been chicly modernised to ensure every
corner is a feast for the senses.
If you can, opt for one of the deluxe rooms in the original
house, which although contemporary in design with four poster beds
and beautiful en suites, also retain some of the real character of
the house and offer spectacular views of the gardens. Once you step
into the Linden Restaurant for breakfast, you will definitely want
to try it out for dinner – the food really is great. And you will
be delighted to know that Carton also boasts a world-class spa
offering even more tempting treats.
Parents Will Love: The Stay, Dine and Golf package. From €150
per person based on two sharing enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast
with a three course
dinner in one of the resort’s restaurants, a round of golf per
person on your choice of championship golf courses, and
com-plimentary access to the Carton House Leisure Centre.
Check out www.cartonhouse.com for further details.
Lord and Lady of the ManorIf you feel like channeling your inner
Earl and Countess of Grantham, then an escape to Cahernane House
Hotel in Killarney may be in order. Situated on a beautiful,
private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park, this elegant
country house hotel is Ireland’s answer to Downton Abbey.
Originally built in 1877 as a family residence for Henry Herbert,
Cahernane is a grand country residence with stately reception rooms
filled with historical artefacts and original antiques.
For the real lord and lady of the manor experience, opt for one
of the twelve beautiful rooms in the original manor house, each
lovingly restored and packed with old world charm and luxurious
detailing. Or if you prefer a real romantic escape, choose one of
the eight luxurious bedrooms in the recently restored Coach House,
each specifically designed with colour palettes conducive to sleep
and relaxation.
Once you have caught up on all that lost sleep, pop in to the
welcoming confines of the Cellar Bar for some craft gin or locally
produced craft beers, before booking in to the Herbert Restaurant
for a candlelit dinner amongst the style and grandeur of the
original house with beautiful views over the gardens and Purple
mountains beyond.
Parents Will Love: The Secret Romance package. From €307 per
adult sharing enjoy a two night stay in a Deluxe room with dinner
on one night of your choosing and a glass of champagne each to mark
the occasion. On arrival your room will be decorated in rose petals
where a chocolate dessert plate will be designed with a personal
message to welcome you. This romantic break away also includes a
champagne breakfast brought directly to your room. You can also
enjoy a compli-mentary romantic boat trip to Inisfallen Island
(weather permitting) or a traditional horse and carriage ride to
the beautiful Muckross Abbey.
Check out www.cahernane.com for further details.
The Lobby at Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry
The Relaxation Room at Carton House
