Three of the Finest Houses to Spend a Night in Ireland in

If you are on a tight budget, ignore them - but if you can splash out for at least one night's stay and a meal, here are some excellent houses you may consider. All family run, authentic and historic:

• Ballinderry Park in County Galway - at considerable expense George Gossip and his wife set out to restore Ballinderry Park to its former glory - with stunning results and complemented by fine cuisine from freshest ingredients.
• Kilmokea in County Wexford - Kilmokea was a rectory once, built of sturdy stone in the late 18th century and displaying typical Georgian architecture. Understated elegance with genuine hospitality.
• Temple House in County Sligo - Temple House, on the shores of a large lake, was named after none other than the Knights Templar. It is the (quite stately) home of the Perceval family ... who welcome guests in their historic "B&B".