Hotel: Rathsallagh House Country Inn

Address: Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Website: rathsallagh.com

TraveLife Ranking: Four Plus Stars

Rooms: 29

Room rates: $270+

Awards: Ranked highly by Ireland’s renowned Blue Book.

Highlights: There's lots to occupy your day at this beautiful country house where you are made to feel at home by owners Joe and Kay O'Flynn and their friendly staff. Guests even get a menu in their one-of-a-kind room outlining the "102 things to do and places to visit" while staying at Rathsallagh.Or, you can do nothing, except enjoy Rathsallagh's peaceful parkland setting while strolling its manicured gardens; introduce yourself to some of the horses lazily grazing in the nearby pastures; curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace in the house's antique-laden lounge; relax in the comfort of your well-appointed room; or book some treatments at the delightful spa.

History: The country house dates back to 1798 and once served as Queen Anne's stables. The home’s many antiques and weathered buildings make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Interior highlights: The atmosphere is happy and relaxed throughout thanks to the log and turf fires and the colorful overstuffed furniture featured in the public rooms. This is more like grandma’s house than hotel.

In the next room: This area is favored by visiting golfers and prominent horse enthusiasts so don’t be surprised if you bump into a international golf star in the O’Flynn’s charming bar one night.

The rooms: Great detail is given to the little things at Rathsallagh - like fresh-cut flowers in your bright room that opens up onto a country courtyard. Each of the 29 rooms has its own unique character and come filled with oversized beds dressed in crisp linens, overstuffed chairs that invite guests to curl up and relax and over-the-top bathrooms highlighted with soaking tubs and separate shower stalls. Suffice it to say, Rathsallagh House is more a home than a hotel and the O'Flynns' make you feel part of the family. Their down-home hospitality extends to the dining room where one or both of the O'Flynns stop by and ask about the highlights of your day.

Amenities: There’s a charming golf course right next door to the hotel property and you can also fish, play tennis, enjoy a picnic or take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning property. The country spa and sauna are refreshing and quickly put you in a relaxed frame of mind.

Restaurants: The hotel’s main dining room is famous for its award-winning breakfast, featuring white and black puddings, thick-cut bacon, sausage, eggs and fresh fruits that helps fuel guests through their hectic days. At night the main dining room becomes a romantic retreat where fish dishes come swimming in delicate sauces and samplings of Irish cuisine will have you dancing a jig. The hotel’s quaint Irish bar is where golfers and fishermen gather to enjoy a pint or two and trade tall stories about that day’s accomplishment. An after dinner drink in the delightful bar is a perfect way to end a perfect day.

Shopping: There’s a few lovely towns within easy driving distance of the inn and each offers its own special shopping charms.

Close By This is golf country and such classic courses as the world-renowned K Club (site of the 2006 Ryder Cup), Druids Glen, Mount Juliet and several others, including Ireland's oldest course, Curragh Golf Club, are all within an hour or less drive of Rathsallagh. This area is also horse country and home to the National Stud, a place where some of the greatest race horses in the world come from. Tourists are welcome to visit. Other tourist sites nearby include Glendalough, where the remains of a monastic village is located, Powerscourt Estate, the beautiful Versailles-like gardens, and Russborough featuring its Alfred Beit art collection.

Tips: Rathsallagh is a member of the Emerald Triangle, three hotels in separate parts of the country that a linked together by charm and service. The K-Club will become very popular both before and after the 2006 Ryder Cup and Rathsallagh is a perfect place to base yourself. You’ll feel right at home here.