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8th July 2017
09:44pm BST
One of the greatest discoveries that we ever made was the joy of the mini-break.
Perfect for those times when you're feeling a bit overwhelmed but can't afford to take a week's holidays, heading away for 24hrs can really clear the head and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
When we're booking a little getaway, we look for three things - a hotel that is easy to get to, feels luxurious and has some delicious food on offer.
One place that ticks all of these boxes is Dunboyne Castle, which is less than 18kms from Dublin and easily accessible by public transport — which is always a plus.
One of our pet peeves when it comes to hotels is high-concept design that just doesn't translate to a warm and cosy experience but luckily, comfort is the key focus at Dunboyne.
The recently refurbished rooms are decked out with gorgeous soft furnishings, with the different textures and tones adding a really luxe feel.
Dunboyne Castle itself is a carefully restored original Georgian house, which is set against a contemporary and stylish modern extension - giving you old-world charm alongside all the added extras that we've become accustomed to!
Of course, a spa is essential for a relaxing break and Dunboyne's Seoid Spa is on hand with plenty of fab treatments to shake all those stresses away.
With a Middle Eastern theme and organic Voya products, the menu has all the usual favourites as well as some more unusual options like the Rasul Mud Chamber, Dry Flotation Bed and Voya Seaweed Bath.
The prices start from just €25 as well so you can treat yourself even if you're on a budget!
The Thermal Suite at the Seoid Spa is pretty impressive as well, with hydrotherapy pool, laconium, steam room and sauna. Although, if you're anything like us, you'll probably just end up curled up on one of heated loungers with a stack of magazines — bliss!
Obviously, you'll have worked up an appetite after all that chilling out and this is where Dunboyne really comes into its own.
There are a few options on site when you're feeling peckish, with a delicious Afternoon Tea served in Terrace Lounge and dishes like Honey, Black Bean & Chilli Chicken Wings on offer in the Sadlier Bar.
The Ivy is the hotel's main restaurant and has maintained two AA Rosettes since 2013, with treats like West Coast Scallops with Buttermilk Gel, Seared Duck Breast with Orange Marmalade and Espresso Semifreddo among the dishes on offer.
Go on, treat yo'self!
