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Barberstown Castle

Steeped in history through three very different historical periods, Barberstown Castle has been occupied continuously for over 400 years.

It now includes the original keep in the middle section of the building, a more domestic Elizabethan house (16th century), a ‘new’ Victorian wing added in the 1830s by Hugh Barton (also associated with nearby Straffan House, now The K Club, with whom it shares golf and leisure facilities) and, most recently, a large new wing added by the current owner, Kenneth Healy, which is built in keeping with its age and style.

Some of the individually decorated rooms and suites are in the oldest section, the Castle Keep, but most are more recent - stylish and spacious, some with four-posters.

Public areas include an elegant bar and two drawing rooms, and, there are big log fires everywhere - a cosy scenario for enjoying their delicious afternoon teas.

Conference/banqueting (200/270); free broadband wi/fi, business centre. Garden, walking, archery, clay pigeon shooting. Fly fishing, golf & equestrian nearby. Spa. Children welcome (cot available) No pets.

Rooms 59 (16 junior suites, 17 premier rooms, 21 ground floor, 1 shower only, 3 disabled, all no smoking.) Lift. B&B €120 pps, ss €40. Closed 24-26 Dec.

Restaurant:

Fine dining of character is offered here, and head chef Bertrand Malabat presents a number of menus including a six-course Tasting Menu (served to complete parties only) and a seasonal à la carte with about six choices on each course.

The style is classic French with the occasional nod to international fashions; local beef or lamb usually feature, also game in season, and there will be several appealing fish dishes and at least one imaginative vegetarian dish.

Finish with a classic sweet like vanilla crème brulée - or a selection of Irish farmhouse cheeses and home-baked breads.

Service is friendly and very professional

Seats 100 (private room 32); not suitable for children after 8pm; reservations advised. D Wed-Sat, 7-9.30; á la carte. House wine about €23.50; sc discretionary (but 10% on parties of 7+). Fine dining restaurant closed Sun, Mon, Tue. Light meals are available in the Tea Rooms, 10am-4pm daily. Closed 24-26 Dec, Jan and Easter week. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

West M4 - turn for Straffan exit at Maynooth - follow signs for Naas/Clane