If you're trying to think of what to get for Mother's Day this year, look no further than an Ireland's Blue Book Gift Voucher. Although we may not be able to bring our Mums out for a delicious lunch or treat her to a Spa getaway on Mother's Day this year, you can always spoil her with the gift of something to look forward too when times are better. An Ireland's Blue Book Gift Voucher can be used across our full collection of over 56 Irish Country Houses, Hotels and Restaurants. A warm and safe welcome awaits from the Blue Book when you can travel again.
We have put together a list of 7 ways that we think all Mum's would love to use their Blue Book Voucher, and things you can do together when we are free to travel again.
For the Mum who Deserves a Lie-in…
Breakfast in bed at a Blue Book House. The Wineport Lodge in Co. Westmeath is calming retreat situated on the banks of Lough Ree. Your mum can enjoy a delicious breakfast in bed and read the papers, or simply gaze out upon the rippling water. Or at Ballymaloe House, where a beautiful tray with will be delivered to mum's room, laid with tea served in fine china, scones, pastries and delicious preserves.
When your mum is your best friend what better way to celebrate than with a cheeky cocktail or two at a city centre hotel. The Manor Bar at Hayfield Manor exudes old world glamour and is the perfect spot to relax after a day's shopping in Cork and enjoy some delicious cocktails. Why not go all out and celebrate with one of their indulgent champagne cocktails, like a Bellini or French 75.
A delicious afternoon tea in a Blue Book house or hotel. The Merrion Hotel in Dublin City Centre offers up a sumptuous Art Afternoon Tea, where the delicate desserts and pastries are inspired by the art displayed all around the hotel. The gracious surrounding of the Merrion's Drawing Rooms are the perfect place to relax for an afternoon with a selection of delectable treats. The renowned Bushmills Inn in County Antrim have recently introduced a brand new Afternoon Tea offering, in the newly renovated loft of the old coach house. Alongside the traditional elements of Afternoon Tea such as delicate finger sandwiches and light, buttery scones, there is also a choice of bubbles and cocktails to be enjoyed.
Blue Book Vouchers can be used to pay for a meal at any of our Restaurants, so when we can get out and about again why not make a reservation at one of the 5 Michelin Starred Blue Book Restaurants. At Chapter One, you could enjoy a decadent pre-theatre menu before a show at the Gate Theatre, or perhaps a stroll around the National Art Gallery before dinner in Restaurant Patrick Guilbauds. Outside of Dublin you can find not one, but two Michelin Star restaurants in Kilkenny - the Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate and Campagne in the centre of Kilkenny city.
For the Mum who Deserves Pampering…
Treat your mum to a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating treatment, with a Blue Book spa break. The Sámas Spa in the Park Hotel in Kenmare, offers an array of fabulous treatments, perfect for soothing the mind and spirit. The Sámas Experience is three hours of dedicated bliss including an hour in the Thermal Suite with its aromatic steam rooms, sauna and outdoor heated vitality pool, followed by an luxurious treatment such as a facial or massage, and finally an hour or pure serenity in the relaxation room, enjoying refreshments and the stunning sweeping views of Kenmare Bay.
This is a day for expectant mothers too. Treat mum and dad to be to a night away before the new arrival - where they can take some time to enjoy each others company before bump becomes baby! Chill at the Ice House, where a 60 minute maternity massage specifically designed for mum to be will ease the tensions away. Why not stay overnight in one of their luxurious rooms before a delicious breakfast the next morning?
For the Mum with Green Fingers..
A stroll in some of the beautiful gardens and woods of some Blue Book country houses. Stop and smell the roses in the beautiful gardens at Castle Durrow, or find the Secret Garden Café among the lush surrounds of Enniscoe House.