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Destination Ireland:

Castle Breaks There is something about a castle that just exudes romance, maybe it’s because they

are steeped in mystery, or due to their picturesque settings. With Valentine’s Day just

around the corner, we explore some of Ireland’s most beautiful castle retreats.

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Castle Leslie, Monaghan

Situated in Glaslough, this castle graciously sits

on a large estate with three scenic lakes and woodlands that are part of the ancient Celtic

Traugh woodland. The estate is 60 minutes from Belfast and 80 minutes from Dublin.

A stay at this wonderful castle promises to

be the perfect rural retreat from all stresses

and worries. There are 20 rooms to stay in at

Castle Leslie, each with their own titles and

their own amusing history attached to the

original interiors. The castle also hosts the

Victorian Treatment Rooms were you can enjoy

a relaxing selection of treatments or a dip in

the hot tub that overlooks the stables. There

are also a lot of outdoor activities to try your

hand at from horse-riding at the charming

Equestrian Centre, fishing for pike in one of

the well-stocked lakes, clay pigeon shooting,

kayaking and casual strolls over the beautiful

undulating countryside, castleleslie.com

Belle Isle Estate, Fermanagh

Nothing defines 'getting away from it all' more than a trip to this 470 acre estate spread over eight islands on

Lough Erne. This special place has earned the 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, so you can be reassured

that you will find quality and beauty here. The Belle Isle castle itself, with its strong stone walls and window

surrounds, encased in a sea of ivy leaves will make you feel like you have wandered into a villainless fairytale. You

can stay in ultimate comfort in one of the 13 exquisite guest rooms in the castle, enjoy dining banquet style by

a log fire, or there are self-catering options on request. There is also fishing, sailing and beautiful walking trails

available that can take you all over the island, for you can explore to your hearts content, belle-isle.com

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DESTINATION IRELAND: CASTLE BREAKS

Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara

This Connemara gem is one of the finest four star luxury castle destination

Ballynahinch Castle prides itself on creating an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere for all guests to enjoy with 48 guest rooms all finished to an excepttonayajS

qua ity for your ultimate comfort and ease. On the grounds of the castle tfojeffijs

the famous salmon fishery, where according to the seasons, youj&gB'fifljoy freshly

caught at The Fisherman's Pub or at the Owenmore Restaurant along with duck,

fresh picked mushrooms, woodcock and shellfish ballynahinch-castle.com

1nr Bellingham Castle, Co. Louth

From the 17th century to the 1950s, Bellingham Castle was one of the

ancestral homes for the Bellingham family. It is steeped in history, even

said to have held troops of King William III in the grounds the night before the Battle of the Boyne. The castle was burned down in the

autumn of 1689 by King James II in vengence. Today it serves to be one

of the most exclusive places to have a romantic break. All the luxury

bedrooms are individually designed, some with bath tubs in the bedroom for an extra bit of decadence. You'll feel like royalty! bellinghamcastle.ie

Wilton Castle, Wexford

Situated on the banks of the Boro River,

in the heart of County Wexford, Wilton Castle is surrounded by open parkland and quiet wooded countryside. This

beautiful castle with its soaring chimney

stacks and turreted towers has been

lovingly restored from ruin by its present

owner and can now be enjoyed as a private

self-hire venue. Wilton Castle has four self

contained suites in the lovingly restored

two storey part of the Castle. Decorated and furnished with a timeless appeal, each

suite has its own kitchen and sitting room

with working fireplace. There are plenty of

things to do nearby - a visit to the Saltee

Islands is a splendid way to spend your day,

or take a step back in time and learn of our

heritage by exploring the Dunbrody Famine

Ship, wiltoncastleireland.com

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