Thursday, February 02, 2012

A medieval Irish castle and a Dublin gem give couples a taste of town and country

Ireland might not pop to mind as the most romantic of destinations, but the Emerald Isle’s charms can be quite seductive.

Dublin has a youthful, energetic vibe, while the rolling countryside beckons with its peaceful, quiet beauty. Couples can sample a little bit of both with the six-night “Town and Country Experience.” The package includes three nights each at a pair of historic Irish properties: The Merrion in Dublin and Ashford Castle in County Mayo.



Originally built in the 13th century as a monastery, Ashford Castle eventually fell into the hands of the Guinness family who turned it into their country estate. It became a hotel in 1939. Set on 350 acres of gardens and forest, the imposing gray castle looks like something out of a fairytale.

Click here to read this article from the Chicago Sun Times