Once the residence of the Dukes of Leinster, Carton House is an imposing mansion designed in classic style by the renowned architect Richard Castles, and built around 1740. It is set in one of Ireland’s finest country estates - and home to two championship golf courses.
No guest could fail to be impressed by the building itself, which is vast yet very elegant - and it has now been skilfully adapted to its new use through a stimulating combination of old and new. It is a natural choice for major corporate events and meetings, and would make a wonderful venue for special occasions of all kinds - these are, after all, uses that are not so very far from its previous life of entertainment on a grand scale.
Public areas include a whole series of grand rooms, including The Duke’s Study and The Gold Salon, each more impressive than the last, and the old kitchen - with its vast cast-iron stoves still in place - is now a bar, furnished rather surprisingly (but comfortably) in a very modern style.
The accommodation has been designed and built in sympathy with the main house; the style is luxurious and contemporary, pleasingly bold in scale and with some appropriately regal colours - and, of course, rooms have all the little luxuries including robes and slippers and a minibar, as well as king size beds, LCD screen television, DVD and CD player.
Sporting activities are central to Carton House, and are a major attraction at this stylish destination so close to the capital - as is the hotel’s leisure centre which has a full range of beauty and health treatments, an 18m pool, children’s pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room, gym with cardiovascular & strength equipment and a juice bar. There are also two outdoor tennis courts, personal training and a wide range of specific training lessons.
Prices are not unreasonable for a hotel of this calibre, and promotional offers are often attractive.
Conferences/Banqueting (multiple rooms available to max. 480), meeting rooms, free broadband wi/fi.
Rooms 165; B&B from €85pps. Children welcome (under 12s free in parents room, cot available, baby sitting arranged). Spa, golf (36). Forest/woodland with trails, off road 4x4 driving, archery, training pitches.
The Linden Tree:
In a famous and beautiful room overlooking the golf course and gardens – and designed with very large windows to take full advantage of the setting - the fine dining restaurant has been allowed a classical style, with pristine white linen and simple, elegant table settings.
The Linden Tree is mainly an evening restaurant and a visit here will always be worthwhile for the overall experience. Although the restaurant is not open for lunch, Irish High Tea is somewhat unexpectedly served here in the afternooons (2-4.30).
* An informal dining option is also available (to members and visitors) in the Clubhouse, which is some distance from the house in renovated stables.
