Penny McCormick checks out the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co Kilkenny…
VIBE Historic manor house with airy contemporary extension on 170 acres of mature parkland and gardens.
NEED TO KNOW Previous owner Lady Charlotte Isabel Wheeler-Cuffe was an amateur botanical artist, plant collector and avid gardener. Her botanical collection still blooms at Lyrath while her illustrations adorn some fragrant hotel gifts, including a candle collaboration with La Bougie.
ROOMS There are 141 rooms, some of which are in the Manor House, originally designed by John McCurdy. My room, in the modern extension, was huge, understated and comfortable with an extensive pillow menu, delivered by the Sleep Concierge.
DINING Choose from the 2AA Rosetteaccredited Yew Restaurant for classic cuisine, The Grill & Bar famous for its steak, lobster, pasta and cocktails, or Tupper’s Bar for casual dining.
DON’T miss afternoon tea in Lady Charlotte’s pretty Drawing Room.
DO peruse the hotel’s extensive art collection and explore the estate on foot or (complimentary) bicycle, where forest bathing amid the great oaks or enjoying the walled garden are highlights. You may bump into the resident pooches, Murphy and Rudy!
DON’T miss the superb Oasis Spa – its botanical Kerstin Florian treatments are top-notch, especially the sleep-focused Nordic Zen treatment (€160) which includes a Turkish body scrub, plus hot stone and facial massages.
VERDICT Charming and colourful, inside and out. Currently on offer is a two-night Ladies Luxury Getaway, which includes afternoon tea and dinner, access to the thermal suite plus a cinema evening with popcorn and Prosecco, from €270 per person. www.lyrath.com
