The magnificent country-house retreat Hilton Park has been in the same family since 1734. Its six spacious, light-bathed guest rooms have original furniture, free-standing baths and four-poster or half-tester beds. Top-class cuisine is largely sourced from the estate's farm, lakes and gardens (four-course dinner menu €65; Tuesday to Saturday). It's located on a 240-hectare estate, 27km southwest of Monaghan town.
The gatehouse sleeps up to four and has a wood-burning stove.
Cots and half-price meals are available for kids, who also have their own two-course high tea (€15).
Guests get free access to its 18-hole golf course, fishing lakes and row boats, as well as bikes for exploring the grounds. In spring you can see the farm's newborn lambs.