As the darkest week of the year draws to a close, it can help to get through this busy period knowing you have something to look forward to.
Whether you are dealing with the challenges these hard frosts are bringing to the yard, getting the last of the Christmas orders out or finalising projects before holiday mode sets in, a getaway is always a welcome gift.
Whether that getaway extends to a few nights away or an afternoon break from the demands of everyday, Lyrath Estate on the doorstep of Kilkenny city has that rest and recharge concept in mind.
Driving through the gates, the open parkland and mature broadleaf trees envelope you as you retreat away from the outside world.
Speaking with a first-time visitor to the property, the sense of space and appreciation that the fields have been left as fields and not developed into a manicured golf course was noted.
Settling in, accommodation makes the most of the grounds, with bedrooms having balconies to sit and admire the formal gardens or take in the expansive parkland surrounding the hotel. In such a setting, it is hard to believe you are just a few fields away from Kilkenny Mart!
Jersey milk
The connection to the land has always been associated with Lyrath in Kilkenny.
A local visitor to the hotel reminisced on seeing previous owner, Captain Tupper, delivering his fresh Jersey milk to the creamery in his Morris Minor car.
The original 17th century manor house has been preserved impeccably and connecting it is a contemporary new hotel to the rear. If art may catch your eye, joining the old and the new together is a well curated collection of contemporary Irish art.
Afternoon tea at Lyrath.
Keen to keep the history of Lyrath alive, a stylish afternoon tea can be taken in Lady Charlotte’s drawing room.
Former resident of Lyrath, Lady Charlotte was an amateur botanical artist and plant collector, with her influences still blooming at Lyrath nowadays.
House-made lemon curd accompanies the obligatory scones, along with a satisfying selection of savoury sandwiches and on the top tier, a taste of fine patisserie with a glossy Lyrath apple pie and mini-magnum style lollipop the big winners.
Along with pots of freshly brewed tea and the option of mulled wine or prosecco, this could be a winner for Women’s Christmas, coming shortly on 6 January.
Steaks, sides and sauces
The Grill, located on the mezzanine floor, is a lively bistro, which has a well laid-out menu with tender steaks and all the classic sides and sauces.
Breakfast will set you up for the day, whether you will be exploring the historic city that is on your doorstep or getting out to see the grounds on the hotel’s complimentary bikes.
The full Irish might be the star of the show here, but that is well supported by freshly cooked-to-order dishes from the kitchen such as kippers, eggs Florentine or Benedict or even a hearty breakfast salad.
Drone image of Lyrath estate and grounds.
Nestled into the private gardens, the spa and swimming pool provide relief from the chill outside and will rejuvenate tired, hardworking bodies.
With the spa and thermal suite separate to the leisure centre area of the swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and fitness centre, you can choose the cocoon of a full body spa treatment or join your companions for a few laps of the pool.
It was on arrival to the spa that it became clear these are separate amenities and treatments at the spa must be booked in advance.
Hotel residents who have not booked a spa treatment are welcome to avail of a two-hour thermal suite experience at a fee of €25, which must be booked in advance.
If sharing time with the people most important to you and creating memories are what you are looking for in a gift, the team at Lyrath look forward to welcoming you to this peaceful, rural idyll.
Caitriona Bolger was a guest of Lyrath.
To book your great Kilkenny escape now, log on to www.lyrath.com or call 056-776-0088. Read more
This Christmas, my style is ... edgy!
Best books for young animal lovers
As the darkest week of the year draws to a close, it can help to get through this busy period knowing you have something to look forward to.
Whether you are dealing with the challenges these hard frosts are bringing to the yard, getting the last of the Christmas orders out or finalising projects before holiday mode sets in, a getaway is always a welcome gift.
Whether that getaway extends to a few nights away or an afternoon break from the demands of everyday, Lyrath Estate on the doorstep of Kilkenny city has that rest and recharge concept in mind.
Driving through the gates, the open parkland and mature broadleaf trees envelope you as you retreat away from the outside world.
Speaking with a first-time visitor to the property, the sense of space and appreciation that the fields have been left as fields and not developed into a manicured golf course was noted.
Settling in, accommodation makes the most of the grounds, with bedrooms having balconies to sit and admire the formal gardens or take in the expansive parkland surrounding the hotel. In such a setting, it is hard to believe you are just a few fields away from Kilkenny Mart!
Jersey milk
The connection to the land has always been associated with Lyrath in Kilkenny.
A local visitor to the hotel reminisced on seeing previous owner, Captain Tupper, delivering his fresh Jersey milk to the creamery in his Morris Minor car.
The original 17th century manor house has been preserved impeccably and connecting it is a contemporary new hotel to the rear. If art may catch your eye, joining the old and the new together is a well curated collection of contemporary Irish art.
Afternoon tea at Lyrath.
Keen to keep the history of Lyrath alive, a stylish afternoon tea can be taken in Lady Charlotte’s drawing room.
Former resident of Lyrath, Lady Charlotte was an amateur botanical artist and plant collector, with her influences still blooming at Lyrath nowadays.
House-made lemon curd accompanies the obligatory scones, along with a satisfying selection of savoury sandwiches and on the top tier, a taste of fine patisserie with a glossy Lyrath apple pie and mini-magnum style lollipop the big winners.
Along with pots of freshly brewed tea and the option of mulled wine or prosecco, this could be a winner for Women’s Christmas, coming shortly on 6 January.
Steaks, sides and sauces
The Grill, located on the mezzanine floor, is a lively bistro, which has a well laid-out menu with tender steaks and all the classic sides and sauces.
Breakfast will set you up for the day, whether you will be exploring the historic city that is on your doorstep or getting out to see the grounds on the hotel’s complimentary bikes.
The full Irish might be the star of the show here, but that is well supported by freshly cooked-to-order dishes from the kitchen such as kippers, eggs Florentine or Benedict or even a hearty breakfast salad.
Drone image of Lyrath estate and grounds.
Nestled into the private gardens, the spa and swimming pool provide relief from the chill outside and will rejuvenate tired, hardworking bodies.
With the spa and thermal suite separate to the leisure centre area of the swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and fitness centre, you can choose the cocoon of a full body spa treatment or join your companions for a few laps of the pool.
It was on arrival to the spa that it became clear these are separate amenities and treatments at the spa must be booked in advance.
Hotel residents who have not booked a spa treatment are welcome to avail of a two-hour thermal suite experience at a fee of €25, which must be booked in advance.
If sharing time with the people most important to you and creating memories are what you are looking for in a gift, the team at Lyrath look forward to welcoming you to this peaceful, rural idyll.
Caitriona Bolger was a guest of Lyrath.
To book your great Kilkenny escape now, log on to www.lyrath.com or call 056-776-0088. Read more
This Christmas, my style is ... edgy!
Best books for young animal lovers
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