Kilkenny venues named in new ‘Fab 50’ list of Ireland’s best places to stay

TWO very different type of accommodation providers in Kilkenny have been listed in a new Fab 50 list of Ireland’s best places to stay.

Mount Juliet and it’s Thomastown neighbour Legan Castle Farmhouse (pictured above) were named in separate categories in the annual Fab 50 list, compiled by the Irish Independent in association with Fáilte Ireland.

Mount Juliet (pictured below) is listed in the ‘Lap of Luxury’ category among some of the country’s best hotels and guest houses.

The county Kilkenny estate, which recently secured Fáilte Ireland’s 5-star rating, is one of just two properties to make the Fab 50 for a second year.

Travel writer Pól Ó Conghaile said: “Securing Fáilte Ireland’s top rating this December is the ultimate seal of approval for a refurbishment journey begun after its acquisition by Tetrarch in 2014. There’s a new, 77-bed Hunter’s Yard hotel on site.

“The Hound is attracting growing kudos as a younger sister restaurant to the Michelin Starred Lady Helen (where seven-course tasting menus cost €97pp, with wine pairings from €48), and we hear whispers of a cookery school and café to come later this year. That’s not even starting on the classy equestrian centre or the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course… truth be told, many guests thought it was a five-star all along.”

Legan Castle Farmhouse, which is listed in the Fab 50 ‘Clamping, Glamping & Quirky’ section, received an equally rave review.

Ó Conghaile describes Caroline Sweeney’s 200-year-old farmhouse as a “warm, homely welcome that encapsulates an intimate business built around a castle ruin”.

But he adds: “There’s serious polish to it too. Caroline has worked at London’s Grosvenor House, and attention to detail shines through in her cosy glamping tents, breakfast hampers, evening BBQs, hi-spec shower blocks and the cool little café in a former cowshed (that’s where you’ll find the pavlova). A fifth tent is on the way this year for this little tone poem in the countryside… complete with Connemara ponies, lanterns and a one-bed cottage stay.”