1. GARDEN OF DELIGHTS
Tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere, you reach Kilmokea Manor, in Wexford, just as you are about to give up. But it's worth the fret, with gardens that are out of this world, from formal beds to exotic wilderness. Stay two nights for dinner and BB and get a third night's BB free, for €560 per couple. Tel: 051-388 109, kilmokea.com.
2. GEORGIAN SPLENDOUR IN TIPPERARY
Enter Ashley Park House under a stone arch via a sweeping avenue along a private lakeshore and through a beech wood. Lovingly restored, the beautiful Georgian House in Co Tipperary is fit for a president (Mary McAleese has stayed). It sits on 80 acres but you can also borrow a boat and head out to the lake. Two nights' BB plus dinner costs €155 per person sharing. Tel: 067-38223, ashleypark.com.
3. HIDEAWAY HOUSE
Former summer home of Lady Gregory, Mount Vernon in Co Clare makes for a beautiful hideaway, tucked between the Burren and the sea. Built in 1788, the house has four beautiful bedrooms, so no scrum for breakfast. And, if you're in need of dinner, that can be arranged, with seafood caught that day. BB from €95 per person per night. Tel: 065-707 8126, mountvernon.ie.
4. REMOTE ESCAPE
Situated on an island off an island, Rúairí and Marie-Therese de Blacam's Inis Meain Restaurant and Suites is the perfect remote escape, offering good local food and simple, elegant accommodation with an emphasis on space. Guests get a fishing rod and a bicycle. Two-night stays in May and June from €500 per room. Tel: 086-826 6026, inismeain.com.
5. SEA AND SOLITUDE
Donegal has long been the retreat of choice for those in search of solitude – mainly because it takes so long to get to. But Rathmullan House is worth the drive. Overlooking Lough Swilly, with a two-mile golden beach on its doorstep, it is the perfect place to unwind. The food’s great too and two nights’ BB with one dinner costs €200 per person sharing.
Tel: 074 9158188, rathmullanhouse.com
6. LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY
Wicklow Head Lighthouse, 5km outside Wicklow town, is approached via a long lane inhabited only by sheep. Your nearest neighbours are a colony of seagulls whose cries are dampened by the metre-thick walls. With sea on three sides, it's about the only holiday you'll go on hoping for a storm. Three-night stays from €750. Tel: 01-670 4733, irishlandmark.com
7. COSY UP IN THE BIG HOUSE
Ballynatray, an 800-acre estate on the mighty Blackwater and close – but not too close – to the historic town of Youghal, is immediately identifiable as an Irish "Big House". But it offers some cosy corners perfect for retreating to, including the Boat House, a studio apartment over the river, or the Love Nest, a one-bedroom hideaway with open fire and kitchenette. Rates from €130 per night. Tel: 024-97460, ballynatray.com
8. I AM AN ISLAND
Inish Beg, a private island estate near Baltimore in West Cork, has its own boathouse on the water's edge. Seclusion doesn't have to mean boredom, as there is plenty to do, including power boating, windsurfing and sailing. With gardens, woodlands and a pool, weekly rates from €1,545.Tel: 028-21745, inishbeg.com
9. ON THE FARM
Farm holidays are a great way of escaping the grind, unless, of course you're a farmer. If you've kids, a stay at Kiltale Farm near Trim has a daily round of animals to feed, cows to milk and ponies to ride. There's a variety of accommodation and you can be as social or anti social as you like. A three-night family break is €360. Tel: 046-943 6679, meathselfcatering.com
10. COUNTRYSIDE CASTLE
Ballynahinch Castle, Georgina Campbell's Hotel of the Year, sits in as beautiful a setting as one could wish for. Little wonder it has such a strong link to the arts, with miles of Connemara countryside to act as muse. A three-night summer break with two dinners starts at €360 per person sharing. Tel: 095-31006, ballynahinch-castle.com