A wise Irishman once noted, “Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.” Travelers to this Emerald Isle are sure to discover the truth of that statement. Exploring ancient sites, wandering through castles and sampling a pint or two of fine Irish ale are just a few of the happy adventures awaiting visitors to Ireland.

A journey to Ireland would not be complete without a stay in Dublin. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the easiest way to see the sites of the city are on foot. The Guinness Brewery is a popular attraction, as is the National Gallery, where you’ll find works ranging from Manet to Picasso. From there head in any direction and you are sure to find something of interest, from Blarney Castle and the lakes of Killarney in the southwest to the unique landscape of Connemara in the western portion of Ireland. Don’t forget to set aside a few days to explore Northern Ireland and Belfast.

On her popular website, travel writer Karen Brown offers several comprehensive itineraries for visitors to Ireland. Her readers also have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as Ireland’s top lodging experiences.

The Quay House, a historic gem located just off the harbor in the seaside village of Clifdon, has been chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Most Romantic” inn. Quay House offers seven guest rooms and seven studios, each with individual dcor ranging from traditional Irish with antiques to more fanciful and bohemian-themed rooms. All but two of the rooms boast a harbor view. A homemade breakfast buffet is served each morning in the cheerful conservatory.

The enthusiastic innkeepers at Ballyvolane House encourage their guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Their passion for innkeeping has earned Ballyvolane the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Ireland’s “Warmest Welcome.” This idyllic Irish country home is surrounded by spectacular gardens, and also offers seven kilometers of private salmon fishing along the River Blackwater. The tastefully furnished guest rooms include special items such as clawfoot tubs perfect for a long, restful soak. Spend an hour with a good book in the drawing room or ask the innkeepers to prepare a picnic lunch and you can find a sunny spot on the inn’s grounds. Four-course dinners are served each night in the beautiful dining room, featuring an ever-changing seasonal menu.

Surrounded by acres of parkland, which includes a ruined Norman Church, a stay at Ballaghtobin is a bit like staying at a friend’s posh country estate. The ivy-covered inn offers three charming guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. The Sun Room is a delightful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Ballaghtobin, which is located in County Kilkenny, was named by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Greatest Value.”

If money is no object, or you just wish to treat yourself, consider The Merrion, a five-star hotel in Dublin, next to the Irish House of Parliament. The elegant rooms are spread among two buildings, the historic main house and the garden wing. The accommodations range from a 2,200-square-foot penthouse with a rooftop hot tub to spacious guest rooms with king-size beds and views of the city or hotel gardens. The hotel’s spa offers massage treatments, a swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness center. There are two restaurants and a cozy pub; the Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is the only two-star Michelin restaurant in Ireland. With all this to recommend it, Karen Brown readers voted The Merrion as Ireland’s best “Splendid Splurge.