Located just an hour outside Dublin is Kilkea Castle, which will soon be the area’s newest five-star hotel. 

The castle is one of Ireland’s oldest and dates back to 1180. It has recently undergone a five-year, €30 million renovation to bring it up to luxury standards. 

The property will be unveiled at an invite-only cocktail party on October 27. The property will be available for exclusive bookings, private events, celebrations and weddings beginning November 2017 and as a 5-star hotel and resort in the first quarter of 2018.

Kilkea Castle is located in the countryside of County Kildare. The estate has 180 acres of woodland, rose-filled gardens, a serene river, and a world-class golf course and club.

The former Carriage House and stables have been converted into 24 bedrooms and suites, showcasing original features such as wrought iron and exposed wooden beams while 11 guest rooms in the castle overlook the grounds and nearby landscape. 

Guests can take their afternoon tea in the luxurious Drawing Room, or have a grand meal in the Dining Room. There’s also the Irish Pub and the Castle Lounge (great for sitting by the fire with a drink), the casual Bistro in the clubhouse, and the sophisticated Hermione’s Restaurant. Executive chef Ronnie Wolf oversees dining on the property and offers 26 years of experience. He uses seasonal local produce from ethically sourced suppliers to create traditional Irish cuisine with a hint of international flavor. 

Kilkea Castle’s new clubhouse overlooks the 9th hole of its 18 hole, par 70 private golf course. There is also a driving range, practice putting green, fully stocked golf shop and, overlooking the course, three-bedroom, self-catering lodges available for families or a group of avid golfers. 

In addition to golf, Kilkea Castle hosts a variety of activities including tennis, archery, falconry, skeet shooting, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, tubing, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, and a variety of spa treatments.

Rooms can be booked starting November 30 with a minimum of three rooms (except for the Carriage House rooms and suites).