Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot Barberstown Castle - Straffan Co Kildare
and local wars which generally resulted in change of ownership. Since 1288 Barberstown Castle has had 37 Barberstown Castle, Straf- owners who have all who fan, County Kildare a high had the foresight to protect end luxury hotel is one of the its heritage and character finest of its kind in Ireland. including Eric Clapton who Built in the thirteen century purchased the property in the castle’s contemporary 1979 and eight years later and historic design sits com- sold it to local businessman fortably with the Victorian Ken Healy, who now resides and Elizabethan wings con- on the grounds. He has carenected to the original build- fully renovated this splendid ing. The Castle was built as a property from a 10 bedroom fortress to protect the village guesthouse to a 59 guestroom, and local people from the Failte Ireland approved, fourattack of the rebellious “Vi star hotel and member of IreFaelain”, who tried to burn land’s Blue Book of Country the town in 1310. It has tra- House Hotels & Restaurants. ditionally found itself in the The careful attention given middle of political struggle to retaining the original castle features, character, style, and personality of this property ensures each building captures an individuality entirely of its own from one of the four important periods in Irish history in which it was built. Guest rooms include ann Festive Weddings at Barberstown tique furnishings, Castle, Co Kildare. four poster beds,
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and soft armchairs, large wardrobes with full-length mirrors and robes, and dining tables. Rooms also have individual names commemorating former owners or notable guests. Complimentary wireless or wired high speed Internet is an unexpected, yet appreciated perk in a medieval castle. Baths feature powern Barberstown Castle from Irel ful showers, porceand’s Blue Book. lain sinks, toilets and duvets, and plentiful towels on heated rails. Bar- fan, one of the early sixth ton Suites restaurant serves century missionaries. Its Palladian style house even French-influenced country close linkages with the town today. Barberstown Castlle house dining recommended and people were proven is a leading member of Ireby the AA and Michelin when an underground tunnel land’s Blue Book a collecguides. The main restaurant from the Church to the Cas- tion of Irish Country House here is exquisite in décor and tle was found in 1996 during Hotels, Manor Houses, Caspresentation. Dining rooms renovations. A ‘Priest’s Hole’ tles and Restaurants located reflect the period characters can be also found in the Cas- throughout the island of Ireof the castle, but the menu is tle which was originally made land. These charming and as contemporary and rich as to protect the priests of the stylish hideaways are the can be with delicacies such town during Penal Times. perfect choice for a midweek as local scallops and halibut Just a few miles further afield or weekend break and those or Irish beef on offer. The Ed- lies the spectacular “Castle- seeking a romantic getaway. wardian tea rooms provide a town”, a Georgian stately Activities vary from golf, fishplace for guests to relax, of- home built between 1722 ing, spas and cookery schools fering comfy couches, after- and 1729 for the Speaker or just relaxing in warm and noon teas, and freshly baked of the Irish House of Com- comfortable surroundings. scones. The neighbouring vil- mons, William Connolly, and Residential Christmas party lage is named after St. Straf- remains Ireland’s largest packages at Barberstown in-
cludes one nights deluxe accommodation, with evening meal in private dining and a fully cooked to order Irish Breakfast the following morning all from €134.00 per person sharing. You’ll feel the difference the moment you arrive. www.irelandsbluebook.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. com