Nine miles north of the city centre in the lovely little fishing village of Howth lies this long-established golf and spa resort. Set in the historic estate of Howth Castle, which has been in the hands of the same family since Norman times, the hotel's grounds boast, as HG Wells put it, "the finest views west of Naples". It's a golfer's paradise, but the stunning views over Dublin Bay and Ireland's Eye may distract you from your swing. And for those who don't want to play a round there's also a spa, swimming pool, tennis courts and fine restaurant, not to mention the excellent Kitchen In The Castle cookery school. Courtesy buses can bring you into the village, and there are great packages available for golf, spa or cookery weekends.