Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Ireland's Kilkea Castle Opens for Play

(County Kildare, Ireland) - World class golf is being offered at Kilkea Castle in Ireland. Having undergone a five-year, $30 million renovation and restoration, the 12th century hotel resort and golf club is now open.

Kilkea Castle’s new clubhouse proudly overlooks the 9th hole of its private golf course with the majestic castle visible just beyond. The 18-hole, par 70 parkway course features the River Greese as a natural hazard flowing throughout with two different lakes included in the design.

Additional offerings include a driving range, practice putting green, fully stocked golf shop and, overlooking the course, 18-self catering, three-bedroom lodges are available, perfect for families or a group of avid golfers. You may also choose to stay in the castle or one of the beautiful carriage rooms, all with striking views of the golf course.

KILKEA CASTLE & ESTATE:
Kilkea Castle, which dates back to 1180, combines history and mystical charm with the allure of timeless sophistication and luxury. One of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland, the medieval fortress and estate was sold by the Fitzgerald family in the early 1960s. It was run as a hotel for decades but entered examinership in 2009, as a result of the Irish financial crisis.  It has undergone a five year, $30-million renovation and restoration and today stands ready to extend a 5-star welcome to travelers from around the globe. The estate, which is located one hour from Dublin, includes the castle, the carriage rooms, a grand function hall, restaurants and bars, the spa, and the golf club with self-catering suites. It sits on 180 acres of lush woodland, lavish, rose-filled gardens, a serene river, and a world-class golf course.

OWNERS:
In 2012, Boston construction mogul Jay Cashman and his wife Christy purchased Kilkea Castle, which had been owned by the state since 2009. Mr. Cashman is the founder and CEO of The Cashman Companies, which employs more than 1,000 people in the marine construction, dredging, vessel leasing, renewable and wind-powered energy, real estate development, environmental remediation, heavy/civil construction, water storage, and power plant maintenance. Mrs. Cashman is an actress, writer, producer, philanthropist and entrepreneur who has appeared in over 20 films, including American Hustle, The Forger, Joy, and Ted 2. In 2014, she founded of Saint Aire Productions and co-founded Charity Warriors Challenge, an annual competition that provides a platform for women and their charities.

ROOMS & DÉCOR:
The 12th century castle has been fully refurnished and the result is an intriguing mélange of medieval décor and modern chic. Guests may enjoy a variety of offerings in the castle itself, including a luxurious Drawing Room, perfect for afternoon tea, and a grand Dining Room for sumptuous meals and gatherings. Other areas to enjoy include the Castle Lounge, with its roaring fireplace, and The Keep, an authentic Irish pub where guests may enjoy Irish whiskey and Guinness after a full day of activities. There are 11 beautifully appointed bedrooms in the castle, including the Fitzgerald Suite that features sweeping vistas of the landscape that encompasses the estate. In the court yard, the original carriage house and stables have been converted into 31 lovely bedrooms, many of which showcase original features including bespoke wrought iron and exposed wooden beams.

GOLF CLUB & COURSE:
Kilkea Castle’s new clubhouse proudly overlooks the 9th hole of its private golf course with the majestic castle visible just beyond. The 18-hole, par 70 parkway course features the River Greese as a natural hazard flowing throughout with two different lakes included in the design. Additional offerings include a driving range, practice putting green, fully stocked golf shop and, overlooking the course, 18-self catering, three-bedroom lodges are available, perfect for families or a group of avid golfers.

DINING:
Using seasonal local produce from ethically sourced suppliers, the culinary team at Kilkea Castle delivers superb traditional Irish cuisine with a hint of international flavor. Options include The Bistro, an informal dining experience that seats 68 located in the clubhouse which offers a selection of healthy breakfasts, lite bites and hearty main dishes. A sophisticated setting, Hermione’s Restaurant, which accommodates 110, offers a mix of haute cuisine with seasonal specials and Irish favorites. In the Castle, guests can enjoy High Tea in the Drawing Room, with specialty teas or a glass of bubbly and delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam and a lashing of fresh cream. For a sophisticated culinary experience, guests may also enjoy the grandeur found in the Dining Room, which overlooks the Rose Garden and 18th hole.

BANQUET HALL & FITNESS CENTER/SPA:
The first building that greets visitors at the main entrance to the castle is the new Baronial Hall, a grandly appointed event space that accommodates up to 280 guests, perfect for wedding receptions, live concerts and performances, conferences and conventions, and fetes and celebrations of all kinds.  Just behind in what was once a nightclub is the luxury spa and fully appointed fitness center, scheduled to open in July 2018.

PURSUITS & PLEASURES:
In addition to golf, Kilkea Castle hosts a variety of pursuits and pleasures including Tennis, Archery, Falconry, Skeet Shooting, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Tubing, Cycling, Fishing, Birdwatching, and a variety of tailored Spa Treatments. Nearby guests can enjoy Sightseeing, Shopping, Hiking, Live Music, Art Exhibits, Theater Performances, and Horse Racing.

Additional information: www.kilkeacastle.ie

1 comment:

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