Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Kilkea Castle has 140 bedrooms split across three styles, so it works for couples, societies and mixed groups. The Castle Bedrooms sit inside the main building and lean into the venue's heritage, with period features, rich fabrics and individual layouts that echo the building's 800-year story. If you want a more modern setup, the Carriage Rooms in the courtyard offer cleaner lines, easy access and practical options like interconnecting rooms and accessible ground-floor bedrooms.

For groups that want more space, The Lodges are self-catering apartments overlooking the course, handy if you're travelling with family or want a living area to spread out after golf. Many rooms command views over the rose gardens, the River Greese or the estate's rolling parkland, blending old-world charm with modern comfort. Wherever you stay, you're close to the key bits that matter on a golf break: the course, clubhouse dining and The Keep for a nightcap, plus the spa when you need to loosen up after 18.

Dining at Kilkea Castle spans everything from fine dining in the castle's historic heart to casual clubhouse bites after your round. Restaurant 1180, named after the castle's heritage, sits within the original stone walls and serves elegant, seasonal dishes with views over the rose garden and the signature 18th hole. The menu leans on Irish produce, with dishes presented in a refined setting that suits special occasions or a memorable evening meal. Hermione's Restaurant, located in the Clubhouse, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the course, particularly popular for its Sunday Lunch and ideal for post-golf celebrations or family gatherings.

For lighter fare, The Bistro in the Clubhouse serves everything from sandwiches and salads to hearty mains throughout the day, perfect for a quick bite between rounds or a casual evening meal. The Keep is the one for a post-round pint, especially on winter evenings when the fire's going. This atmospheric bar pours a perfect pint of Guinness and offers a cosy retreat with open fires and stone walls, ideal for unwinding and recounting the day's golf. Traditional Afternoon Tea is served on weekends in Hermione's Restaurant, featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries with castle views, a treat for non-golfers or a rest-day indulgence.

The Spa at Kilkea provides a tranquil escape with five treatment rooms, including a couples suite, a dedicated relaxation room and a Thermal Suite housing a Hydrotherapy Pool, sauna and steam room. The spa menu features Elemis treatments ranging from facials and massages to full-body wraps, designed to ease tired muscles after a round or simply offer a few hours of pampering. Beyond the spa, the estate offers tennis courts, archery, clay pigeon shooting and falconry experiences, giving non-golfers or rest-day activities genuine variety. Fishing on the River Greese provides a peaceful alternative, while the estate's gardens and ancient woodlands are perfect for leisurely walks.

The surrounding Kildare countryside adds further options, with the National Stud Farm, Punchestown Racecourse and The Curragh all within easy reach for equestrian enthusiasts. Shoppers can explore Kildare Village or visit Newbridge Silverware and its Museum of Style Icons, while local attractions include Athy Boat Tours and Burtown House & Gardens. Dublin sits just an hour away for those wanting a day trip to the capital's pubs, restaurants and cultural sites.