Five-star art immersion weekends in Ireland

By Hilary Nangle, Globe Correspondent

Two of Ireland's finest properties, the five-star Merrion Hotel in Dublin and the ultra-haute Ballyfin, in County Laois, have teamed to offer Inspiring Irish Art Weekends that showcase the properties' museum-quality art collections. The themed weekends, available Oct. 11-13, 2-13, and Apr. 4-6 and 11-13, 2014, include one night at each property.

At the Merrion, guests will received breakfast; a private tour of The Merrion's 19th- and 20th-century Irish art collection by expert from the National Gallery of Ireland; an afternoon "Art Tea" with pastries inspired by The Merrion's in-house artwork; and dinner for two at The Merrion's Michelin-starred Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant. The magnificently restored Georgian property is located downtown and within walking distance of most of Dublin's top sights.

The second night at Ballyfin, a five-star, 15-room country house hotel set on a private 600-acre estate, includes breakfast; a private tour of Ballyfin's 17th-century art collection by Irish art expert William Laffan; and a cocktail reception and five-course dinner for two in the Ballyfin's State Dining Room.

The package also includes transfers to and from airport and between The Merrion and Ballyfin. The cost for the two-night package is approximately $3,570 for two people sharing a room.