By KIRSTY WILKIE

SITUATED on the leafy suburbs of Killiney on the south Dublin coast, the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is the epitome of elegance and tranquility.

Overlooking the scenic Dublin Bay, this superb 18th century castle is exactly what a hotel ought to be - classically chic with professional and personalised service. The hotel boasts 113 well proportioned guest rooms and 10 charming large suites, each offering a haven of rest.

The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel has been a family-run hotel since 1971 when the late Paddy and Eithne Fitzpatrick founded it. Today their daughter Eithne Fitzpatrick Scott Lennon and her family continue the tradition of hospitality with a professional and personalised service.

We were warmly welcomed on our arrival, and we were immediately offered tea and refreshments - a prime chance to admire our new surroundings. Cream walls adorned with ornate gilded gold framed mirrors and portraits, gold trimmed Grecian pillars, glass topped tables supporting glass vases of long stemmed white lillies while heavy drapes framed the large windows and comfortable upholstered chairs surrounded tables, the perfect setting for an elegant afternoon tea.

But if we thought the lobby was impressive, our room was absolutely jaw-dropping. We stayed in one of the fabulous Castle Wing suites, turret in shape and Louis XVI in style the oppulent decoration sent my vintage loving heart a flutter. The suite contains three rooms in total - a lounge/dining room, the bedroom and bathroom. Gold, English cream and duck egg blue were the colour scheme of choice for this suite, with hints of dark red woven through in the chairs and vibrant carpet. A large chandelier hung from ceiling in the middle of the bedroom while a faux fire heated the lounge/dining room. The bathroom was a winner with a large claw-foot bath and his and hers sinks.

Unfortunately it was raining on our arrival, and set to do so for the duration of our stay. We could easily have whiled away the day in our beautiful suite, but we were keen to explore the nearby village of Dalkey. Not at all put off by the rain, my partner and I donned our coats and borrowed an umbrella from concierge.

Dalkey is a 5 - 30 minute walk... depending on how long you've spent in the local pub! It's all downhill from the hotel to the village... but a steep uphill march on the way back. Dalkey is a compact 'town' with a great deal of history and character. It has the usual mix of new and old shops with a few pubs thrown in for good measure.

To read the rest of Kirsty Wilkie's feature on her visit to the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel and see all the pictures, pick up a copy of Northern Ireland Travel News...

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