Paulstown Road, Kilkenny, Ireland | (618) 248-8274
Housed in an elegant 17th-century country house, but up-to-date with modern renovations
Surrounded by woodland and manicured grounds
Rooms are spacious with pretty views and a choice of pillows
Huge conference center can host up to 1,500
Choice of two restaurants and two bars on-site
Large swimming pool with separate kids' pool and whirlpool
Full-service spa offers a range of services in tranquil treatment rooms
Kids' club during school holidays
Free Wi-Fi and on-site parking
Navigating the hotel can be tricky
Fee for spa access
Restaurants are on the pricey side
The Lyrath Estate Hotel's blend of 17th- and 21st-century design is impressive, as are the large manicured gardens and lush parkland surrounding the property. The hotel has all the makings of a country getaway, with an extensive list of amenities for children and adults. Rooms are spacious and nicely finished. The restaurants are on the pricey side, but there are plenty of other options in Kilkenny, just a mile away. All in all, the hotel is a decent luxury option that delivers on facilities. Those looking to be closer to the hustle and bustle of the city center should check out the slightly less posh Newpark Hotel.
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Scene
Impressive fusion of 17th-century elegance and creative contemporary design
Set in an ivy-covered 17th-century manor house, the Lyrath Estate Hotel was developed in 2008 and reborn as an impressive marriage of elegant period architecture and creative contemporary design. The lobby, for example, is housed in a bright, modern atrium attached to the original stone walls of the building. Inside, sleek modern furnishings and fresh flowers are side-by-side classical statues. Meanwhile, manicured gardens surround the hotel, and extend onto 170 acres of wood and parkland interwoven with trails and paths. The setting attracts a real mix of families, couples, and business guests. At times, weddings and other big events scheduled for the large conference center can take over parts of the hotel.
Location
Situated one mile from Kilkenny in southeast Ireland, and 80 miles from Dublin
The hotel is located a mile from the city of Kilkenny in southeast Ireland, while Dublin is about 80 miles away, or an hour and a half by car. It is just off the R712 Dublin Road, and enjoys easy access to the M8 and M9 roads and connections throughout Ireland. Kilkenny is a classic medieval city, and is still surrounded by the town walls that were built to protect it centuries ago. Kilkenny Castle, one of the area's most famous sights, is less than ten minutes away from the hotel by car, as is St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower. The city also has a thriving arts scene, and is known for its galleries and artists' studios.
Rooms
Spacious and elegantly finished rooms blend the modern with traditional
The hotel's 137 rooms are set away from the main body of the hotel, off low-lit corridors with wooden paneling. Standard room decor is average, combining traditional wood furniture with fabrics and accents in muted tones. Deluxe rooms are more plush with extra touches, like contemporary furniture and recessed lighting. In-room amenities include TVs, but no iPhone docks. Bathrooms are simple, but functional, with granite counters, tubs, walk-in showers, and high-end Damana toiletries. Large beds include a choice of pillows, and some rooms also have balconies overlooking the grounds.
Features
Extensive facilities include a kids' club and full-service spa
Lyrath Estate offers plenty to keep both children and adults entertained. Guests can make use of the hotel's mountain bikes, movie room, and a video game room, all for free. There is also a garden play area for children, and the Tree House Fun Club, which offers a program of supervised kids' activities throughout all school holiday periods.The hotel has two dining options: La Perla offers traditional fine dining in an elegant setting with views of the gardens, while Yindee's provides Asian cooking overlooking the lobby. There are also two bars -- one cool and contemporary, and the other cozy and traditional. The hotel's Oasis Health Club is well-equipped, with a gym, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, and thermal suite, while the Spa & Wellness center offers a range of treatments. The indoor pool is a good size, and includes a separate kids' pool and whirlpool.The massive Kilkenny Convention Centre is also part of the hotel, and can accommodate 1,500 people.
