Kilkenny

Limitless luxury at the Lyrath Estate: 5-star hotels in Kilkenny

If you're searching for a secluded luxury stay, take a look at 5-star Kilkenny hotel the Lyrath Estate.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special anniversary or just taking some well deserved time out for yourself (we’re all for that!), you can relax in style with this hotel’s award-winning spa, mouthwatering cuisine and opulent bedrooms.

It may have a retreat feel and countryside location – but the hotel is only a 7 minute drive from Kilkenny. Carve out a day on your getaway to explore the medieval town, with its atmospheric, 13th-century abbey, an Anglo-Norman castle and vibrant weekend craft markets. When you’ve finished exploring for the day, the magnificent Lyrath Estate will be waiting for you.

Discover decadent rooms for a blissful night’s sleep at this 5-star hotel in Kilkenny

Set in 170 acres of rolling parkland dotted with ancient trees, shimmering lakes and green lawns, the Lyrath Estate has heaps of leisurely activities. You can try fishing, falconry and archery, take an afternoon swim in the heated pool or plump for a blissful spa treatment.

After a relaxing day, head back to one of the 139 guest rooms – all with views over either the gardens or the estate. In the summer months, opt for a room with a sun terrace or balcony so that you can unwind with a good book in the sunshine.

Deluxe rooms, decorated in warm and welcoming neutral tones, have crisp cotton sheets and bathrooms with cosy underfloor heating for extra comfort. They’re just what you need to keep toes toasty when you’ve been out exploring the estate’s parkland and pathways on a cold day. Wrap up snug in a luxury bathrobe and slippers after a soak in your tub, or sip on an after-dinner coffee from your Nespresso machine.

Executive rooms are generously sized (47 square metres, to be precise) and come with a sumptuous king-sized bed. A walk-in wardrobe and dressing area give you plenty of space for your clothing and accessories, so you can get ready for dinner in style – perhaps while sipping a glass of bubbly that’s been kept chilled in your mini-fridge! The contemporary bathroom has double basins (one each, so no need to wait) and a walk-in shower with luxury amenities by the Irish Handmade Soap Company. There’s also a separate toilet for added privacy.

Hotel Lyrath Estate

Top rated
Kilkenny
9.2 Excellent (3937 reviews)

Taste mouthwatering cuisine that celebrates the best of local ingredients

The Lyrath Estate has no less than four amazing dining options. The Yew Restaurant, which has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, serves local and international dishes in an intimate setting. Think warm tones like burnished copper and dark orange, with textured rugs and upholstery. Elegant columns and ornate light fixtures add a little refinement – the perfect setting for your new long dress. Large windows let in plenty of natural light and have views of the estate’s mature trees. Begin your meal by ordering a classic with a fresh twist, such as tender confit duck leg served with tart apricot chutney and freshly baked ciabatta. Next up, go for a dish like organic grilled salmon from nearby Donegal, or pan-roasted Kilmore Quay cod. Choose a crisp and dry Sauvignon Blanc to wash everything down nicely.

The Grill & Bar captures a hip, industrial-inspired feel – all geometric wallpaper and shining copper accents. Textured seats and shelves filled with books create a cosy ambience, while high ceilings give a sense of grandeur. Sink into plush leather armchairs and booths and order from a menu that’s designed to tempt your taste buds with inventive cuisine. Try browsing the Oyster Bar section, which features locally sourced, organic oysters served with perfectly paired accompaniments like crunchy breadcrumbs and creamy hollandaise sauce. If you’ve worked up an appetite with a spot of archery on the estate, move on to dishes such as hearty, slow-cooked beef ribs marinated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze. For something lighter, opt for a fish dish like succulent tuna steak, which comes with crunchy edamame beans and silky soba noodles.

End a night of food heaven in Tupper’s Bar – it’s a great, intimate setting for an after-dinner tipple. Located in the main manor house, it features wood-panelled doors, scarlet wallpaper, traditional paintings and, most importantly, a roaring fireplace. Settle down in the warmth with a dram of whiskey. You’ll also find some lighter bites here, such as chicken wings in sweet and spicy sauces or a Caesar salad with tender bacon and a zingy anchovy dressing. In the daytime, the Conservatory at Tupper’s Bar is an informal place to relax – it overlooks a Victorian garden that was designed by Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe, a prominent 19th-century botanical artist. The garden is filled with ancient Yew trees that are so old, they’re under a protection order.

Indulge and pamper at the renowned spa

The award-winning Oasis Spa is a heavenly place where you can slow things down and really, really relax. Treatments use premium products by Elemis and Kirsten Florian – both brands packed with luxury natural ingredients. Flickering candles and textured stone walls lead the way to tranquil herbal baths and 10 treatment rooms, including a couple’s room that’s ideal for romantic side-by-side massages. These rooms bring a hint of eastern influence into neutral interiors with their patterned soft furnishings and luxurious silk. Rustic and natural touches like dark wood and decorative wicker balls create a feeling of the outdoors coming in.

Had a day on the estate trying falconry? Soothe tired muscles in the Thermal Suite. Here, you’ll find a warm, bubbling hydrotherapy pool with powerful jets, surrounded by heated beds that massage your body and recline at just the right angle to help you relax. A floor-to-ceiling window gives you a front row seat to the estate gardens as the sun rises – surely the most serene way to start your day.

On cold days, warm up in the swimming pool or bubbling Jacuzzi, or head to the softly lit sauna or steam room. Before your treatment, sip on a fresh herbal tea or fruit-infused water in the relaxation area, as you lie back on a plush recliner. Next, take your pick from a tempting menu of treatments including the ginger whole-body experience, which pampers your body with mineral-rich exfoliators and healing stones.

Fancy a facial? You can opt for an illuminating treatment that uses pink crystals to reveal healthy, glowing skin. Foot soaks help to soothe tired feet and soften skin, while wraps use ocean-derived ingredients to moisturise your whole body and help regenerate skin cells.