Now that summer is well underway, many people’s thoughts turn to spending time away with friends and family. 
When planning your next Irish country house weekend, it’s important to consider what everyone wants to get out of it – fun with friends? Sporting activities? A chance to escape the rat race for a while?
Whatever you decide to do, you will get the most out of it with a bit of prior planning.
Here are four top tips to help you enjoy the perfect country house weekend in Ireland.
Do your research
As with so many things, a little prior knowledge can make an experience so much more enjoyable. So, while you are preparing to go away, take a look ahead at what you might be able to visit, do and eat when you get there.
Read what your accommodation’s website or social media says about the area.
Check opening dates and times for local attractions – some places only open during tourist seasons. Work out whether you and your guests want to eat out or stay in. Does your accommodation offer in-house dining?
This can be a real treat for the whole party, when chefs use locally-sourced ingredients to provide delicious, authentically Irish meals.
Stay flexible
Plan a loose agenda if you wish, but don’t insist on your guests following it too rigidly.
Create lists of options for people to choose from, grouped under headings like ‘active’, ‘touristy’, ‘outdoorsy’ or ‘chilled’. While some things do need to be fixed, such as arrival and departure times or pre-ordered dining arrangements, everything else can be moved around to suit those present.
Keep an open mind – you may discover new things to do once you settle in.
Pack with precision
Don’t leave packing until the last minute.
The more time you devote to it, the less likely it will be that you will forget anything vital.
You can find packing lists online if that would help.
Some Hidden Ireland properties are located in quite rural settings without walking distance access to local shops, so the more prepared you can be with what you bring with you, the more relaxing your country house weekend will be.
Of course, you can always order anything online that you can’t be without for delivery to your holiday accommodation if you are going to be away for long enough.
Read – and leave – reviews
Always read the reviews for anywhere you are staying or planning to visit during your country house weekend in Ireland.
Not only will they tell you what other visitors have enjoyed doing and seeing, they can also provide other useful information.
For example, if previous guests mention the amenities available in your accommodation, you know what you do and do not need to bring with you.
Return the favour if you can – if you appreciated a place or an event local to where you have been staying, leave them a review to say so and share your good experiences with others.
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With careful planning, flexibility, and attention to detail, your Irish country house weekend is sure to be a delightful escape into the charm and beauty of the Emerald Isle.