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Kilkea Castle the perfect luxury hotel

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Hilda
Monday, 02 March 2020 / Published in Home, Lifestyle & Leisure, News, Travel

Kilkea Castle the perfect luxury hotel

Kilkea Castle is only a stone’s throw from Dublin (about an hour’s drive). GG and I arrived as Storm Dennis was in full swing. The 12th century castle stands proudly over 180 acres of woodland, golf course and gardens. I had spent an afternoon there last year at the opening of the Spa, but it was GG’s first glimpse of the hotel.

And, boy, was he impressed. Why? Because it looks like it stepped straight out of the pages of a history book. It has turrets and battlements and at any moment you feel you might get hit with an arrow from one of the long thin slits behind which archers hid. Behind the larger windows you can imagine ladies doing embroidery or gossiping!

You see this castle has been beautifully restored. Great care was taken to retain authenticity, but with 5-Star luxury. Its American owners, The Cashmans, spent €35 million and the project took several years to complete. It also boasts a  large wedding/conference venue – The Baronial Hall – where we listened to the wonderful ‘Bagatelle’ perform that evening.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The large door (below) opens straight into a very understated reception on the left.

At this level, there is also a huge fireplace with a roaring fire and seats and a bar (The Keep) which also opens out to a large patio area.

ACCOMMODATION

Cocooned inside our luxurious bedroom, we gazed out at the storm, looking down on the walled garden from one window and at the 18th hole from the other.

Kilkea Castle garden

All 11 rooms in the castle are named after previous owners…ours was the Earl of Kildare. The bedroom below is a photo I took of another room, as I accidentally deleted ours! But you can see a tour of ours on my Insta stories.

Kilkea Castle bedroom

But there are beautiful carriage rooms (in the  adjoining courtyard, below) and lodges overlooking the 18-hole golf course also. In total, there are 140 bedrooms with accommodation options to suit different budgets and needs.

Kilkea Castle Carriage Room

FOOD

Dinner that evening in ‘1180 Restaurant’ (when the castle was built) was absolutely delicious. What also impressed us was a carefully curated, excellent wine menu, with very reasonably priced wines. We are talking fine dining here, with ingredients sourced locally and amazing presentation.

Ravioli Starter

Kilkea Castle ravioli starter

Graham had Dexter Beef while I had Sea Bream; both were outstanding.

Kilkea Castle Main Course Dexter Beef

Desserts were irresistible.

Kilkea Castle dessert

Breakfast did not disappoint either and was exactly what you would expect of a 5-star establishment. The buffet was rather cleverly displayed in an old bookcase, also used to disguise the entrance into the kitchen.

Having helped ourselves to the extensive selection of fruits, yogurts, etc., Graham could not resist what he described as the perfect Eggs Benedict, while I opted for poached eggs and avocado.

Kilkea Castle breakfast

THE SPA

I treated myself to a relaxing Elemis facial at the wonderful Spa and though I did not indulge in the Hydrotherapy Pool (below), I did take some time in The Relaxation Room. While there, I chatted to a new bride who had her wedding there on the previous Friday. She told me that it was totally magical from beginning to end and she didn’t want to leave.

EXPERIENCES

You can enjoy horseback riding, falconry, archery, fishing and tennis. And there are a lot of places to visit in the area…The National Stud, for instance, or if you fancy some shopping you can visit the Kildare Village outlet about twenty minutes away.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON KILKEA CASTLE

This was a rare experience of total luxury. The accommodation, the food, the surroundings are all truly beautiful. And as always what sets the Irish hotel industry apart is the quality and friendliness of its staff. Every single person, from the wonderful reception staff to the restaurant manager, was helpful, charming and friendly. Below, I am enjoying a G&T before dinner.

Hilda at bar

As one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland, Kilkea Castle has a very interesting history, which you can learn about while there. You can book directly through Kilkea Castle website or by telephoning. And there are often wonderful deals available, particularly at off-peak times. So, like me you can dip your toes into a little bit of luxury and live like a lord or lady. Go on you deserve it.

If you are on Instagram, you can see more photos and videos on my stories there at overthehilda.

I always like sharing my opinions of where we stay and new readers might like to read my review of Harvey’s Point (loved it) or Mount Wolseley Hotel (not so good) or even a review of a quirky guesthouse in Bangor (Northern Ireland).

Thank you for reading. I was invited as a guest of the hotel, but my review is (as always) honest and the views expressed are entirely my own and Graham’s too, of course!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tagged under: castles in Ireland, castles to stay in Ireland, Irish 5 star hotels, Irish castle, Irish getaway, Irish golf courses, Irish hotels with golf course, Irish luxury hotels, Kilkea Castle, midweek break, weekend away

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19 Comments to “ Kilkea Castle the perfect luxury hotel”

  1. Rosemary says :Reply
    March 3, 2020 at 1:12 pm

    What a divine experience, Hilda!

    This is one of those experiences that dreams are made of…actually sleeping and living in a castle.

    So happy you had the chance to enjoy this wonderful treat!

    Rosemary xoxo-rd

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 3, 2020 at 4:32 pm

      Thanks Rosemary. It was a a fab experience. xx

  2. Trish says :Reply
    March 4, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Thank you for this post. We visited Ireland for the first time in 2018 and are hoping to return, this looks like the perfect place for a lovely get-away outside of the city.

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 5, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      Thank you. I hope you get to Kilkea Castle when you are here.

  3. Christina Daggett says :Reply
    March 4, 2020 at 4:07 pm

    Thank you for sharing your experience at the beautiful Kilkea castle. Exploring castles is one of my favorite things to do when traveling in Europe, and Ireland has some truly magnificent ones. Even the castle ruins there are pretty spectacular. We’re hoping to get back to Ireland in the near future. You look very relaxed and pretty having your drink at the bar. Cheers!

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 5, 2020 at 5:14 pm

      Maybe you will get to Kilkea Castle when you are here next. Thanks for commenting Christina.

  4. mireille says :Reply
    March 4, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    This would be such a fun special experience. The castle and the grounds are beautiful.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 5, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      It is a real treat. Thanks Mireille. x

  5. Mary Katherine says :Reply
    March 4, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    I stayed here one night back in the mid-90’s, and as a castle fanatic anyway, it was the experience of a liftetime. It was my first hotel room with my own fluffy bathrobe, and our room had one of the arrow-slit windows. What I remember most about dinner was that we had Waterford crystal wineglasses – swoon! My only regret is that it was with the very unsuccessful first husband, and not the much superior 2nd husband model I am blessed with today. This post is a real treat.

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 5, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      I hope you get to go again and experience it with gorgeous hubby number 2. Thanks for commenting xxx

  6. Nancy says :Reply
    March 5, 2020 at 4:03 am

    Hilda this looks like a dream vacation! What a wonderful experience and your pictures were spectacular. I hope that some day I can visit this castle and enjoy the experience first hand.

    Regards,

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 5, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      I hope you get to come to Ireland and we can meet up too.

  7. Gail says :Reply
    March 6, 2020 at 9:31 am

    I love historic castles, particularly when they have been carefully restored. This looks like a superb place for a break.

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 7, 2020 at 10:36 am

      When you visit Ireland next you will have to go. It is a treat.

  8. ROBIN LAMONTE says :Reply
    March 8, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    Hilda,
    I just love when you travel and post your trip!
    I still haven’t been to Ireland yet and hope to see all your lovely places!

    I just love castles and so happy you shared your experience with us!

    Hugs,
    Robin

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 8, 2020 at 7:29 pm

      Thank you for your lovely comment. I hope to meet you when you make it Robin and maybe you will get to Kikea Castle.

  9. Emma Peach says :Reply
    March 10, 2020 at 1:14 pm

    It looks amazing Hilda! I love your beautiful dress! Thanks for linking up.

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  10. Anna Parkes says :Reply
    March 15, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    Oh what a lovely treat for you both! Everything seemed to be idyllic and I’m more than a tad envious of your stay. And that dress – what a glorious maxi! You look gorgeous xxx

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      March 16, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      Anna it was FABULOUS. Seems like a lifetime ago now! xx

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