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Mount Juliet Conrad

Lying amidst 1500 acres of unspoilt woodland, pasture and formal gardens beside the River Nore, Mount Juliet House is one of Ireland's finest Georgian houses, and one of Europe's greatest country estates.

Even today it retains an aura of eighteenth century grandeur, as the elegance of the old house has been painstakingly preserved - and it has a uniquely serene and restful atmosphere. Suites and bedrooms in the main house have period decor with all the comfort of modern facilities and there's additional accommodation in the Club Rooms at Hunters Yard, which is where most of the day-to-day activities of the estate take place, and very close to the main house.

There is also self-catering accommodation offered, at the Rose Garden Lodges (close to Hunters Yard) and The Paddocks (at the tenth tee). Mount Juliet is highly respected as a golfing destination, and considerable investment has gone into upgrading the golf course, which now offers an 18-hole putting course in addition to the Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course.

But there is much more to this wonderfully relaxing hotel than golf: it is well located for exploring one of Ireland's most beautiful areas and there is no shortage of things to do on the estate - gardens and woodlands to wander, new sports to try, the Spa & Health Club for pampering.

The hotel is a top destination for activity breaks - there's an equestrian centre and a spa, and a range of Master Classes is offered in a number of disciplines, including fishing, painting, salsa and wellness.

The hotel offers a choice of fine dining in the Lady Helen Dining Room (see below), or an equally attractive contemporary option in the stylish Kendals restaurant at Hunters Yard.

Conference/banqueting (140/140). Children welcome (under 12 free sharing with 2 adults, but with extra bed is about €65; cot available €50, baby sitting arranged; children's play area). No pets. Gardens. Equestrian; Angling. Clay pigeon shooting, Archery, Tennis, Croquet, Cycling, Walking, Trails. Spa and Health Club (15m Swimming Pool; Treatments; Hair Dressing). Banqueting (romantic wedding venue, in large marquees set up outside the front of the house, overlooking the river.)

Rooms 58 (2 suites, 8 junior suites, 8 superior, 1 disabled; all no smoking). No Lift. B&B from €120 pps; sc discretionary. Open all year.

Lady Helen Dining Room:

Although grand, this graceful high-ceilinged room, softly decorated in pastel shades and with sweeping views over the grounds, is not forbidding and has a pleasant atmosphere. To match these beautiful surroundings, classic daily dinner menus based on local ingredients are served, including regional Irish farmhouse cheese.

Service is efficient and friendly, and there is an extensive international wine list.

Seats 60 (private room 30); toilets wheelchair accessible. D daily 7-9.30. A la carte. L Sun only, 1-2.30pm. House wine from €32. *It can be difficult to get a reservation at the Lady Helen Dining Room, especially for non-residents, so booking well ahead is advised. A very attractive alternative dining option is offered at the newer contemporary restaurant, Kendals, which is open for breakfast, & also for dinner (6-9.30) daily, *Informal dining is available in The Club, Presidents Bar (12am-9pm). Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

M7 from Dublin, then M9 towards Waterford, arriving at Thomastown on the N9 via Carlow and Gowran. (75 miles south of Dublin, 60 miles north of Rosslare)