Checking In: Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny

2 days ago 340

A slice of mini-break heaven …

The reception in the Manor House

VIBE: Classic Georgian estate, home to two five-star hotels: the 32-bedroom Manor House and the 93-bedroom Hunter’s Yard.

NEED TO KNOW: Former chatelaine of Mount Juliet, Lady Helen McCalmont, was renowned for the exceptional hospitality she bestowed on her guests. Period features, crackling fires and knowledgeable staff create a sense of her legacy which continues with the present team.

A bedroom in the Manor House

ROOMS: I stayed in the Manor House where spacious, individually decorated suites are named after former family members. Mine, overlooking the walled garden, was lovely, light-filled with a gorgeous bathroom and Bvlgari toiletries.

FACILITIES: Biking, walking trails, a top-notch equestrian centre, falconry, health club with pool and a secret cinema.

DINING: Impeccable. Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are served in the Lady Helen Restaurant. The room’s romantic ambiance complements chef John Kelly’s seasonal and spectacular Michelin-starred tasting menu (€110). A new Prestige Wine Pairing menu (€205), developed by sommelier Jean-Baptiste Renault, further elevates the experience.

The Jack Nicklaus golf course

GOLF: Mount Juliet’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course has been the venue for five Irish Opens and two World Golf Championships. Lessons are available for beginners or improvers with one of the pro team. There’s still time to perfect your skills before The OFX Irish Legends Tour from May 12; the Range Club offers VIP access and hospitality at this event, €150 per person.

DON’T: Miss the fireside stories about the estate’s history.

DO: Try one of the holistic, restorative Ground Wellbeing treatments in the spa. Or take home the hotel’s Moongate Gin, made with 18 botanicals, or the evocative signature candle, with a mist and lilac scent.

BOOK: The Birdie Package, available from Monday to Thursday, from €205 per person per night based on two adults sharing, which includes accommodation, breakfast and a meal in Jack’s Bar, a warm-up session on the driving range with Toptracer technology, followed by a round of golf on the course with complimentary access to the facilities. There’s also a discount in the Golf Shop. www.mountjuliet.ie.