Happy case of the Blues for Tankardstown House

Tankardstown House, near Rathkenny, has becomes the newest member of Ireland's prestigious Blue Book, a listing of luxury accommodation and restaurants in Irish country house hotels, manor houses and castles. The Tankardstown Estate is the only new inclusion in the 2010 guide. The criteria for inclusion in the Blue Book includes charm, character, style and individuality. Membership is by invitation only and it enjoys the reputation of being the connoisseur's guide to the finest accommodation and dining in Ireland. Tankardstown House is the first Meath property to join the Blue Book, which has 40 member properties in the collection, including five in Northern Ireland. The 2010 Blue Book is available at all regional tourist offices, good bookstores and through the head office of The Blue Book. Tankardstown is set on over 80 acres of idyllic acres of parkland and has been restored by Trish and Brian Conlon. The Georgian country estate's main house and renovated stable block provide accommodation and the estate also includes the Brabazon restaurant - named after the original builder of the estate in Georgian times, Brabazon Morris - a bar, bistro and garden shop. Ms Conroy said: "I'm delighted to be a part of the Blue Book family, as I feel that what we offer at Tankardstown fits really well with the other great venues and properties around the country. We look forward to having a long and fruitful relationship with the Blue Book." President of The Blue Book John Brennan said: "Tankardstown is a wonderful addition to our association. Every year, there is huge interest for new properties to become part of The Blue Book 'family'. However as membership is by invitation only, the strictest criteria apply to the properties who are invited. Tankardstown House is an exquisite Georgian house set on a private estate offering great hospitality and exceptional design and style." The launch of the 2010 Edition of the Blue Book guide took place last week at a reception in the Crawford Gallery, Cork.