Words by Esther O’Moore Donohoe
They send us texts written entirely in block capitals. They know how to work the scanner on the printer and can tag you in 800 new photos on Facebook in seconds flat. They are the only people who can get knots out of necklaces and can pack a dishwasher like no one else. They are our mothers and they are practically perfect in every way.
At The AA we’re not claiming to be as brilliant as your mam/mum/mammy/ma but like most mothers, we’re good at multi-tasking. We watch the roads at AA Roadwatch, look after your valuables with AA Insurance and come to your rescue when your car has given up with AA Rescue. But, did you know that at The AA, we also keep an eye on hotels and B&Bs all over Ireland too? What’s even better is that we now offer AA Hotel Vouchers for use in AA approved hotels. If you could just think of someone who needed a bit of pampering in a fancy hotel?
A cup of tea and a homemade card would make any mother’s day no doubt, but if you want to really spoil them, we’ve chosen five AA approved hotels that are offering something special this Mother’s Day.
1. The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan is what we would regard as very snazzy altogether. If your mum is up for a bit of adventure she could throw on her wetsuit and go kayaking, enjoy the views from a hot air balloon or even go clay pigeon shooting. However, if a sandwich and a slice of cake are more her thing, afternoon tea served in the Drawing Room at Castle Leslie might suit her better. Alternatively, AA vouchers can be used to enjoy fine dining at Snaffles in The Lodge at Castle Leslie, the two AA Rosette award winning restaurant.
- For more information and bookings call (047) 88100.
- E: info@castleleslie.com
- W: www.castleleslie.com
2. Castleknock Hotel & Country Club in Castleknock, Dublin, have a special Mother’s Day lunch menu on offer in their award winning Park Restaurant at €29 per person. If you really wanted to indulge her, you could also book a treatment in their deluxe Day Spa for some relaxing alone time. There are also other great promotions available on their websites for the months of March and April which are worth a look.
- Bookings can be made by calling (01) 6406322.
- E: reservations@chcc.ie
- W: www.castleknockhotel.com
3. Located in Dundalk, County Louth, family run Ballymascanlon House Hotel is perfect if your mum is a keen golfer. After completing a game on their 18 hole course, lunch or dinner can be enjoyed in the impressive original Victorian house or its more contemporary extended wing.
- P: (042) 9358200
- E: info@ballymascanlon.com
- W: www.ballymascanlon.com
4. Set on the shores of Lough Meelagh, Roscommon, Kilronan Castle is the perfect place to treat your mum like a queen for the day. They are offering a package this Mother’s Day which includes two treatments at their spa and light afternoon tea for two all for €75. If that’s not enough, you can walk it all off afterwards on over 40 acres of stunning grounds.
- P: (071) 9618000
- E: enquiries@kilronancastle.ie
- W: www.kilronancastle.ie
5. Dingle is one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns and Dingle Skellig Hotel, Kerry takes full advantage of its location on the most westerly peninsula in Europe. Their Coastguard Restaurant has a fabulous lunch on offer this Mother’s Day between 12:30pm and 3pm which can be enjoyed against the backdrop of Dingle Harbour and Bay. Whatsmore, Coastguard Restaurant is also a recipient of an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence 2014 for added assurance. Also located in the hotel, the Peninsula Spa is offering a Mother’s Day special for €99 which includes a back, neck and shoulder massage, a Yonka facial plus a lunch voucher valid until Friday the 20th of March.
- Call (066) 9150200 for more details.
- E: reservations@dingleskellig.com
- W: www.dingleskelling.com