Located just 25 minutes from Dublin city centre and in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, this Barberstown Castle is steeped in history through three very different historical periods, and has been occupied continuously for over 400 years.
It now includes the original keep in the middle section of the building, a more domestic Elizabethan house (16th century), a ‘new’ Victorian wing added in the 1830s by Hugh Barton (also associated with nearby Straffan House, now The K Club, with whom it shares golf and leisure facilities) and, most recently, a large new wing added by the current owner, Kenneth Healy, which is built in keeping with its age and style.
Some of the individually decorated rooms and suites are in the oldest section, the Castle Keep, but most are more recent - stylish and spacious, some with four-posters.
Public areas include an elegant bar and two drawing rooms, and, there are big log fires everywhere - a cosy scenario for enjoying light meals or afternoon tea.
Conference/banqueting (200/270); free broadband wi/fi, business centre. Garden, walking, archery, clay pigeon shooting. Fly fishing, golf & equestrian nearby. Spa. Children welcome (under 2s free in parents room, cot available). No pets.
Dining
Fine dining of character is offered in the Barton Rooms restaurant, where menus include a seasonal à la carte. The style is classic French with the occasional nod to international trends; local beef or lamb usually feature, also game in season, and there will be several appealing fish dishes and at least one imaginative vegetarian dish.
Finish with a classic sweet like vanilla crème brulée - or a selection of Irish farmhouse cheeses and home-baked breads.
Service is friendly and very professional, and informal meals are also offered in Clapton's Lounge.
