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Adventure Travel in Ireland: City Swank and Country Mannor

With the recent ATTA conference in Ireland, outdoor adventure on the underrated yet beloved island is destined to take off. From “coasteering” (also called “coastaling,” see photo above) to sea kayaking, sea stack climbing, hiking, fly fishing, cycle touring and mountain biking, whitewater, SUP, adventure racing and more, Ireland really does have tons to offer the adventurer on every level.

On our recent adventure and gear testing mission to Dublin and Northern Ireland with Columbia Sportswear, we paid witness to two of the sweetest lodging options we could have ever imagined. I’m reminded of the Aesop Fable of the town mouse and the country mouse…well, take a look at this plush, modern/urban hotel in Dublin’s city center; and an equally as elegant, but completely remote and historic overnight option in the northern region of Donegal. Of course you should try to check them both out next time you are there, but here you can decide which style most appeals.

1. Town Mouse: The Marker Hotel and Brasserie

Marker-Rooftop

Built from scratch in April 2013, the completely swank and modern Marker Hotel will not disappoint the adventure traveler, and is top-notch by any standard. At a cost of 124 million Euros, it should be nice, but the designers truly followed through with thoughtful finishes and artwork in each of the 187 guest rooms, its Brasserie fine-dining restaurant, full spa, and rooftop bar.

The pool and gym are so nice, you may not even want to leave the hotel, but right out the front door on the canal you’ll find sea kayaking, SUP, and wake boarding.

From the friendly refined service to the location and amenities, the Marker should be on any travelers must-hit list. markerhoteldublin.com

marker-pool

2. Country Mouse: Lough Eske Castle

Who doesn’t love staying in castle? Or perhaps you’d like to get married in one? I cannot recommend any castle worldwide for this kind of thing more than the Lough Eske Castle in the northern county of Donegal, with ideal access to the country’s Wild Atlantic Way. Not only can this be your adventure hub, it can serve as your relaxation and walking spot, your spa, billiards room and pub, and dining headquarters, whether you are there to ride, race, or celebrate a special occasion.Lough-Eske-castle-2

The service at Lough Eske is literally second to none, and the details in each remodeled room take this attitude even further…heated towel racks in luxurious bathrooms, fine linens, and in-room carafes, just to name a few.

Sure, lodging in a historic lakeside castle may sound a bit over the top — and it is — but it’s worth every penny. Lough Eske has claimed a “World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel” title for five years running.

It’s a fairy tale come true at Lough Eske, as well as a culinary, historical, photographic, and nature-lover’s delight. lougheskecastle.com

Lough-Eske

 

 

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