Carton House

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Rooms at Carton House

Carton House boasts 165 luxurious bedrooms that are contemporary, simple and chic. The hotel itself consists of a series of long and meandering corridors, curvaceous walls peppered with Skyline images of the old house, to ensure that one never forgets how the old and new sits together at the doors of 147 bedroom. All rooms have king-sized beds with colourful cushions, bath and power showers, flat-screen TVs, WiFi, a sofa and desk, air-conditioning and minibar.

The 18 historical suites in the original house are larger and more decadent with emphasis on design features unique to the original room, and for the ultimate in comfort and design, the Lady Emily Suite, accessed either by the grand main staircase or the state-of-the-art Milanese lift, has its own sitting room with sweeping views of the stunning grounds.
Carton House have room types to suit all tastes, the following is a taste of what the hotel has to offer:

• Superior Room
• Deluxe Room
• Junior Suite
• House Deluxe
• House Junior Suites
• Carton House Suites
• Presidential Suites

Superior Rooms

All of the147 superior bedrooms sit neatly behind the mature cedar trees estate. The bedrooms are generous in space and in state-of-the-art, furnished with custom-made beds, armchairs and a glass pedestal table. (13 foot x 23 foot)

Features Include:

• King size zip & link bed
• Air conditioning, individually controlled
• LCD screen television
• DVD & CD player
• In house movies
• WiFi – Complimentary  throughout the hotel
• Minibar
• Tea & coffee facilities
• Hairdryer
• In room iron & ironing board
• 24 hour room service
• Large bathroom with separate walk in shower & bath
  
  

Deluxe Rooms

The deluxe rooms are slightly larger that the superior rooms, each with their own personal balcony overlooking the wonderful 1,100 acre estate at Carton House. They are beautifully designed to be more open and contemporary with fabrics and finishes retaining their luxurious appeal. (16 foot by 28 foot)

Features Include:

• King size zip & link bed 
• Private balcony
• Air conditioning, individually controlled
• LCD Screen television
• DVD & CD player
• In house movies
• Bathrobe & Slippers
• WiFi – Complimentary throughout the hotel
• Minibar
• Tea & coffee facilities
• Hairdryer
• In room iron & ironing board
• 24 hours room service
• Large bathroom with separate walk in shower & bath
  
  

 

House Deluxe

The dream of staying in the main house becomes real with a number of Deluxe Rooms located here, in this beautiful setting with fabulous views of the gardens. Each Deluxe room in the main house are designed differently with the ordinal character of the room standing out whether it low or high ceiling, small windows or fireplace but all have the comfort of a four poster bed.  To name but a few below.....

• The Ingoldsby
• The Lady Hermione
• The Talbot
• The Summer
• The Spring
• The Lord Offaly
• The Silken Thomas
  

Dining at Carton House

Carton House’s philosophy is simple food cooked tastefully, presented well and great value for money. The executive Chef, Cathal Kavanagh has a real passion for food, knowing just the right time to explore his creativity and introduce some tantalizing, mouth watering dishes. Carton House has many dining options, something to suit all tastes and group sizes.  In terms of dining options Carton House has the follow options:

The Linden Tree Restaurant, which serves breakfast from 7am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and to 11am on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is also served in The Linden Tree Restaurant from 6:30pm to 9:30.

The Kitchen Bar is the heart of the hotel for drinks, choose from a selection of hot beverages, wines and cocktails, and food is served from 12pm – 7pm daily.

The Club House with its bar, restaurant and decking area serves breakfast from 7:30am to 12pm and food is served all day from 12pm to 10pm, and Ala Carte, Buffet and Table D’Hote menu are available.

Or if you are staying at Carton House, why not let them organize a picnic for you? Rent a bicycle or even walk the woods and if you fancy a snack, enjoy The Carton Picnic.


Dining at Carton House is a truly memorable experience. The Linden Tree restaurant is a beautiful setting for every occasion with a pleasing space of cushioned walls, walnut panelling, marble floors, cream leather seats and the presence of nature enhanced by three massive bay windows.

Dining at Carton House is a truly memorable experience. The Linden Tree restaurant is a beautiful setting for every occasion with a pleasing space of cushioned walls, walnut panelling, marble floors, cream leather seats and the presence of nature enhanced by three massive bay windows.

The Linden Tree Restaurant

At the Linden Tree restaurant it has been designed it in such a way that wherever you are sitting you should have a view of the fantastic surroundings of the Linden trees. The hotel has have commissioned quite unique and exceptionally large windows to give the impression of a magnificent large canvas which nature paints and alters depending on the time of day and season we are in.
 
Please note that reservations for the Linden Tree restaurant will be held for a maximum of 15 minutes after the confirmed dining time. Thereafter, reservations cannot be guaranteed.

Golf Club House

Following an exhilarating day on the golf course, guests can tuck into a hearty meal in the clubhouse, which is situated in the beautifully converted old stable block. There is also a summer deck, so guests can soak up the stunning scenery, while enjoying a healthy lunch or a refreshing drink in the summer, before teeing off.
Or alternative from the hotel, why not try the Club House for a more informal dining experience for lunch or dinner.

The Kitchen Bar

The Kitchen Bar is located in the original Kitchen Wing of Carton House. The interior of each space is unique, converted from their original uses as Kitchen, pantry & the hotels designers have worked with the original details to create a bar of special atmosphere & character. It also includes a very unique snug – well worth a look! Opening Hours in The Kitchen Bar:   9am until late for hotel residents.

History of Carton House

During its colourful history, Carton House observed the cosmopolitan and glamorous lifestyles of both royalty and celebrity. Having received such diverse company as Queen Victoria, Prince Rainier, Grace Kelly and Peter Sellers, the estate has also provided the backdrop for many TV and film productions, including Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon. With a history spanning more than eight centuries, Carton Demesne has seen many changes in its lifetime.

The Carton Estate first came into the ownership of the FitzGerald family shortly after Maurice FitzGerald played an active role in the capture of Dublin by the Normans in 1170 and was rewarded by being appointed Lord of Maynooth, an area covering townlands which include Carton. His son became Baron Offaly in 1205 and his descendant John FitzGerald, became Earl of Kildare in 1315. Under the eighth earl the FitzGerald family reached pre-eminence as the virtual rulers of Ireland between 1477 and 1513.But the eighth earl’s grandson, the eloquently titled “Silken Thomas” was executed in 1537, with his five uncles, for leading an uprising against the English. Although the FitzGeralds subsequently regained their land and titles, they did not regain their position at the English Court until the 18th Century when Robert, the 19th Earl of Kildare, became a noted statesman.

The first record of a house at Carton was in the 17th Century when William Talbot, recorder of the city of Dublin was given a lease of the lands by the 14th Earl of Kildare and is thought to have built a house here at this time. The house and lands were forfeited to the crown in 1691 and in 1703 sold to Major General Richard Ingoldsby, Master General of the Ordnance. In 1739, the lease was sold back to the 19th Earl of Kildare who employed Richard Castles to build the existing house. Castles was also responsible for some other great Irish Houses including Westport House, Powerscourt House and in 1745, Leinster House which he built for the FitzGeralds.

In 1747 James the 20th Earl of Kildare and from 1766 first Duke of Leinster, married Lady Emily Lennox, daughter of the Duke of Richmond and great–grand-daughter of the English King Charles II. Lady Emily played an important role in the development of the house and estate as it is today. She created the Chinese room (bedroom to Queen Victoria) and decorated the famous Shell Cottage on the estate with shells from all round the world. One of Emily’s 23 children was the famous Irish Patriot Lord Edward FitzGerald, leader of the 1798 rebellion.

Carton remained unaltered until 1815 when the 3rd Duke decided to sell Leinster House to the R.D.S. and make Carton his principle residence. He employed Richard Morrison to enlarge and re-model the house. Morrison replaced the curved colonnades with straight connecting links to obtain additional rooms including the famous Dining room. At this time the entrance to the house was moved to north side.

Carton remained in the control of the FitzGeralds until the 1920s when the 7th Duke sold his birth right to a money lender Sir Harry Mallaby Deeley in order to pay off gambling debts of £67,500. He was third in line to succeed and so did not think he would ever inherit, but one of his brothers died in the war and another of a brain tumour and so Carton was lost to the Fitzgeralds.

Lord Brockett purchased the house in 1949 and in 1977 his son David Nall-Cain sold the house to its present owners Lee and Mary Mallaghan.

Activities & Golf at Carton House

Relish the freedom to enjoy the authentic woodland, meandering Rye River and Carton lakes of the 1,100-acre private Estate on which Carton House is superbly located. Carton House offers guests an abundance of activities to enjoy in true spirit of a resort property. From pursuits involving physical exercise to the more relaxed beauty treatments, it is guaranteed you will leave Carton House refreshed, relaxed and replenished.

It is often a debate of guests staying at the Carton House, is it more relaxing than vigorous or the other way round. There are golfing, fishing, walks, clay pigeon shooting, off-road driving, mountain biking - all with expert help and tuition. For more gentler indoor pursuits try The Spa at Carton House or a quiet swim. At the Carton House you'll find a world of ease and comfort, time to unwind and reflect.

The Molton Brown Spa at Carton House

The Spa at Carton House Hotel quickly moves you into a different world that is peaceful and pure, where you can de-stress, renew and revive in the most captivating and serene of settings. The Spa at Carton House stands on its own in terms of our uplifting and sensual treatments, sheer beauty and luxury of treatment rooms and the expertise of the staff who are totally committed to your health, senses and experience of the Spa. All treatments are tailored to meet you specific requirements and aim to radically enhance your well-being.

The Renew Journey
The Renew Journey consists of a choice of therapies designed to rebalance and recharge your skin and body, lifting and restoring your spirits.

The Regenerate Journey
The Regenerate Journey consists of a choice of therapies designed to deeply relax and regenerate, releasing mental and emotional tension and fatigue.

The Replenish Journey
The Replenish Journey consists of a choice of therapies designed to indulge, pamper and stir the senses, hydrating and replenishing to the mind, body and soul.

The Radiance Journey
The Radiance Journey consists of a choice of therapies designed to awaken the body and mind with warmth and energy, leaving the skin glowing with radiance and vitality.

Golf at Carton House

One of Ireland's finest private Golf Clubs, welcoming guests from all around the world, Carton House Golf Club is a retreat for all those who appreciate true champsionship golf, majestic surroundings, immaculate greens & exquisit service. 

The Montgomerie Course

Inspired by the greatest links lands of the world, The Montgomerie Course pays tribute to the traditions of the game and sets a challenge like no other. This is golf at its purest. This is adrenaline and shot-making at its best. Designed by Colin Montgomerie, it’s a journey across sweeping fairways, cavernous bunkers and impeccable greens. It’s an adventure from first to last and is proud to have hosted the worlds finest golfers at the 2005 and 2006 Irish Opens.

The O' Meara Course

Designed by 1998 Open Champion and US Masters Champion Mark O’Meara, this classic parkland course might lull you with its beauty but is still full of challenge. You’ll find yourself skirting the banks of the river Rye then sending the ball soaring over its golden waters. And, when you cross the greens, it is as if your feet float on a thousand velvet kisses from beneath.

The following locations are in close proximity to Carton House

Boyne Valley - Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre (1 hour)

The Boyne Valley, located on the east coast of Ireland in County Meath, contains the largest and most decorated megalithic sites in all of Ireland and has been described as "the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe". The large Megalithic sites were built over 5000 years ago between 3800 and 3200 BC, built before both Stonehenge in England and the great pyramids in Egypt. Within a three square mile radius in the Boyne Valley are grouped more than 30 prehistoric monuments including the great passage tombs and their satellite structures, standing stones, barrows and other enclosures. The great sites of the Boyne Valley include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Loughcrew, Fourknocks and the Hill of Tara. Neolithic communities built these sites over earlier sacred spots and it is suspected that they were used for a combination of different purposes, including use as burial tombs, sacred temples and astronomical observatories. The nearby village of Slane makes an ideal base from which to explore the area.

Dublin City (45 minutes)

Dublin is a city brimming with culture. The 8th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, must be viewed. It is on display at the impressive Trinity College, Ireland's first university (founded 1592) in the heart of Dublin. For the rest of the day, it is up to you how much you want to pack in. Phoenix Park, twice the size of New York City's Central Park, Georgian Dublin around Steven's Green, the Nation Botanical Gardens, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art Gallery are all highly recommended stops on your tour. Be sure to pay a visit to Dublin's Temple Bar area to experience the lively Dublin pub culture.

Glendalough (1 hour 20 mins)

An hour south of Dublin nestled among the Wicklow Mountains lies Glendalough ("The Glen of the Two Lakes"), the site where St. Kevin founded a unique monastic settlement in the 6th century. Most of what remains of the settlement is in ruins but the Round Tower at Glendalough, built as a refuge from marauding Vikings, is over a 1000 years old and is remarkably well preserved. The site itself is set next to two clear water lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep glacial valley. It is one of the most serene and beautiful places in all Ireland and it is easy to see why the monks picked it for a place of prayer and contemplation. There are a myriad of walking trails throughout the area making it a truly invigorating place to spend the day.

Kilkenny City (2 hours)

Kilkenny, or the Marble City as it is known, is one of Ireland's oldest cities, and proud of it. Its array of ancient buildings is unrivalled. It is renowned for being a vibrant cultural center, devoted to the musical and visual arts. Its two most impressive landmarks are Kilkenny Castle, founded in 1172 and privately owned until 1967, and St. Canice's Cathedral. The current structure of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, though this is nowhere near the beginning of its story, which is rich in folklore and legend. There is no shortage of pubs to explore and enjoy in Kilkenny and during the summer the city is always full of life. The summer also sees the city host an Arts Festival and a very highly regarded Comedy Festival called the Cat Laughs.