Tour Host Pick of the Month

Les Routiers Ireland

by Sheri Leigh

At the end of the world in Connemara, sits Renvyle House Hotel, a country house hotel renown for over 100 years as the place to get away from it all. A welcoming tea by the fire in the main salon lifted our spirits. The main salon is one of a selection of rooms where guests read, lounge and pass the day in polite conversation. It is a scene from a Victorian novel, the comfortable relaxed atmosphere, gentile company and local flavor. Stepping back in time has never been so easy.

Renvyle House Hotel is only one of the jewels of Ireland that are represented by Les Routiers, an organization which specializes in marketing excellent accommodations and world class restaurants to the cultured traveler.

Established in the 1930’s in France as a roadside service for long distance drivers promoting quality food along the road, today Les Routiers Ireland has over 170 properties from country houses, B&B’s and hotels as well as pubs, cafés and restaurants.

Another gem is the Arlington Lodge in Waterford. An old Bishop’s Palace, this country house is located in the city, but once inside the walls, the relaxed atmosphere takes you back to a by-gone era. Rooms are decorated in antiques and with wonderful paintings throughout.

Meals at both restaurants are to die for. Wonderful fresh food from local producers, carefully crafted to ensure a subtle range of flavors complement the dishes. Staying at either of these accommodations and enjoying their unique restaurants is a treat for any traveler who loves to eat.

Les Routiers principles insure that any establishments represented will match in quality, as all are inspected and membership is by invitation only. A must for any traveler looking to explore Ireland and taste the best the country has to offer.