Out past Dublin and in the sleepy lowlands of Kildare sits the demesne of the FitzGerald Dynasty and Carton House estate with it. The FitzGeralds held this land for over 800 years, although the Carton House was only commissioned in 1739. In the present day, it’s known as Carton House Hotel. Its current owners have retained much of the original estate’s splendor. It also boasts manicured gardens and luxurious amenities, making it a well-managed property that honors its history while still catering to the needs of modern clientele. If you’d like to know more, keep reading our review of Carton House Hotel.
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A brief history of Carton House Hotel
The beginning
To learn the story of the Carton House Hotel, we need to start in the past. The FitzGeralds rose to prominence during Maurice FitzGerald’s conquest of Ireland, after which he was rewarded lordship over Maynooth. In 1315, the family was granted the earldom of Kildare, giving them more power and influence over Ireland.
This brings us to the Carton House we know today, which was commissioned by the 19th Earl of Kildare to the architect Richard Cassels in 1739.
Additions to the estate
Aside from the head of the FitzGeralds, other members also contributed to the house and estate over the years. Lady Emily Lennox, wife of the 20th Earl of Kildare, led many of these additions such as Shell Cottage, which she personally decorated.
One addition to the estate not by any FitzGerald’s hand is Tyrconnell Tower. It was built by the Talbot family during the 17th century and was meant to serve as a mausoleum for the Talbots.
Famous guests
The Chinese Boudoir served as the bedroom of Queen Victoria during her visits. A boathouse and artificial lake were said to be added as the queen had dreamt of being on a lake before her visit.
Other famous guests of Carton House include rock singer Marianne Faithfull and Princess Grace of Monaco.
Carton House A Fairmont Managed hotel
Address: Carton Demesne
Architecture & design
The mind that brought Carton House to reality belongs to Richard Cassels, a German architect who settled in Ireland and whose name became synonymous with the archetypal Irish country house design. In line with the Palladian architecture popular during its era, the main building of Carton House adheres strictly to symmetry and Greco-Roman aesthetics.
The exteriors of Carton House showcase firmness and stability, but its interiors offer a warm and comforting ambiance. My personal favorite is the Whiskey Library which serves as the hotel’s exclusive lounge.
The Gold Salon serves as the premiere space for afternoon tea, with its gleaming Baroque features. The ornate plasterwork ceiling depicts “The Courtship of the Gods” and was done by famed stucco artists Paolo and Filippo Lafranchini. The Gold Salon’s mirrors have been magnified and tilted to present the magnificent stucco work without compromising guest comfort.
Rooms & suites
The accommodations at Carton House Hotel are separated mainly by location. The Garden Wing rooms are designed in Fairmont’s signature style, combining familiar comforts with luxury standards. The House rooms have a more homey atmosphere, owing to the historic location, although the amenities are still equally indulgent.
Garden Wing
Connected to the House via glass corridors, the Garden Wing is home to a significant selection of rooms.
Configurations are separated mainly by bed type: king-size beds or double beds. Families with children may find the double rooms preferable. Select units also include an ensuite balcony or terrace, with views of the garden and golf course. The largest of these accommodations are the Signature Suites, boasting 107 sqm (1151.74 sqft).
The House
The Garden Suite is situated next to the estate’s rose garden. We love how each suite features a lovingly furnished living area with a fireplace.
The House has a Presidential Suite, which exudes opulence and comfort in equal measure. These are also the largest accommodations in the hotel, featuring 133 sqm (1431.60 sqft) of space, all furnished with an antique fireplace and a lavish marble bathroom.
Lennox Lodge
Meticulously restored and modernized, the four-bedroom Lennox Lodge is a gorgeous property by the courtyard. It was named after the beloved Lady Emily Lennox, wife of the 20th Earl of Kildare. This would be my personal choice if I were traveling with a bigger group!
Restaurants & bars
No first-rate hotel is complete without a restaurant of its own. In the case of Carton House Hotel, there are several, with each one offering a high-quality dining experience.
The Morrison Room
Named after its architect Richard Morrison, the FitzGerald banquet hall, now known as the Morrison Room, is a Michelin-recognized signature restaurant at Carton House. Guests should not miss out on bestsellers such as the Skeaghanore duck and Achill mountain lamb, or try new treats like their roasted West Cork lobster.
Kathleen's Kitchen
Using the same space that was once the servants’ kitchen, Kathleen’s Kitchen boasts classic features, such as the cast iron stoves, that give it a homey and authentic atmosphere. The menu, on the other hand, offers delectable Irish cuisine. The pan-seared venison loin and braised beef cheeks, in particular, sound mouth-watering.
The Carriage House
Guests will find themselves at ease in the warm and lively atmosphere of The Carriage House, a classy and classic Irish pub. Formerly the building that housed the FitzGeralds’ carriages, it has been remodeled with booth seats and tables while retaining some of the original features. The menu consists of course dinners and authentic Irish steaks, which I wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Wellness facilities
Carton House Spa
Even with proper rest and a healthy diet, our minds and bodies still accrue some wear and tear as we go about our daily lives. That’s why I’d recommend taking advantage of the spa and wellness facilities at Carton House.
While I did not expect an old mill from the 18th century to be the location of Carton House Spa, I also find it fitting that the building that used to grind grains is now grinding and washing away the stresses and aches of its guests. The menu features signature treatments and rituals using body care from award-winning brands like Susanne Kaufmann and Margaret Dabbs.
Other wellness facilities
Of course, a stay at a luxury hotel wouldn’t be complete without lavish and well-appointed fitness and wellness facilities. Here’s what you can expect:
- An 18-meter (59.06-foot) indoor pool.
- A two-story gym that's equipped for cardio and resistance training.
- A sauna, steam room, and hot tub.
I must admit, however, that longer operating hours would be better, as facilities like the pool are only open until 8 pm on weekends and bank holidays.
Event spaces & experiences
Events
Being a grand estate with wondrous architecture, it’s no surprise Carton House makes for a majestic event venue.
Couples looking for a magical wedding can hold their special ceremony here. The solid stone edifice and lush gardens will perfectly symbolize the steadfastness and beauty of your union. They can cater to ceremonies and receptions of various sizes.
- The Manor House can accommodate between 30 to 60 guests.
- The Princess Grace Suite and the Lady Granville Suite can accommodate up to 80 persons.
- Larger gatherings can make use of the Carton Suite, which includes a spacious outdoor terrace.
Experiences
Carton House also offers a spate of wonderful activities and experiences. I personally would like to try my hand at falconry, as I’ve always admired the elegance and ferocity of these raptors. More peaceful endeavors include bicycle rides around the estate, as well as fishing on the river and lake.
Location
Carton House Hotel can be found in Maynooth, a university town to the west of Dublin. It’s a short 35-minute drive from Dublin Airport, which makes it a convenient option for all types of travelers.
Must-visit attractions:
- Dublin Zoo: I'll be honest, I didn't expect one could meet Sumatran rhinos and Asian lions in Ireland, but they're a beloved part of the Dublin Zoo family. Reaching the zoo will take a short 30-minute drive from Carton House.
- Irish Parachute Club: If you'd like to try some skydiving while in Ireland, you can check in with the Irish Parachute Club. They're about 55 minutes by car, over at Clonbullogue Airfield in Clonad.
Why this historic hotel deserves a spot on your list
I can think of many reasons why you should book a stay at Carton House Hotel, including:
Heritage: The property is rich with well-preserved stories, not just of the FitzGeralds but of the Irish people in general. As a history buff, I’d put climbing Tyrconnall Tower on my itinerary, along with perusing the lexicons stashed away at the Whiskey Library. I do think it’s a shame they don’t have any medieval armaments as part of the decor.
Romance: While it’s quite different from the typical fairytale castles of Central Europe, the estate’s gardens and lake provide such an endearing and magical atmosphere. I guess it all depends on what you find romantic! Personally, the Manor House has a stern and down-to-earth charm that appeals to my sense of practicality and adventure.
Quality: When it comes to hotels, I believe Fairmont has a good track record when it comes to services and amenities. Carton House Hotel even boasts a number of awards, including Ireland’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2024 and Ireland’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2023.
Carton House: A stronghold of Irish heritage
Having weathered the centuries, Carton House and its estate are a steadfast symbol of Irish history. Whether you’re of Irish heritage and looking to reconnect with your roots or a culture vulture who wishes to broaden your horizons, you’re certain to have a memorable stay here.
History
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