Historically hip

LINDEN TREE

Dine on contemporary food in the ancestral seat of the Fitzgerald family, as you overlook the pristine lawns. Price: Two/three-course dinner, €40/€50 Try: Saddle of rabbit, Inch House pudding, Parma ham, chanterelle, chicory Drinks: Cocktails; bubbles Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Tel: (01) 505-2000 cartonhouse.com

BELL TOWER

Total elegance and superb food in the splendid Castlemartyr Resort, which was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh. Price: Mains, €18.95-€29.95 Try: Fillet of beef, cheek beignet, Madeira duxelles, celeriac puree, asparagus, €29.95 Drinks: The works Castlemartyr Resort, East Cork. Tel: (021) 421-9000 castlemartyrresort.ie

THE MUNSTER ROOM

Dine in style in this beautiful oak-panelled room, where chef Michael Thomas delights with his seasonal menus. Price: Three-course menu, €60 Try: Baked brill, roast cabbage, pumpkin, scallion and smoked bacon beurre blanc Drinks: Extensive wine cellar Waterford Castle Resort, The Island, Co. Waterford Tel: (051) 878-203 waterfordcastleresort.com