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The origins of Straffan House go back a long way - the history is known as far back as 550 AD - but it was the arrival of the Barton wine family in 1831 that established the tone of today’s magnificent building, by giving it a distinctively French elegance.
Set in lush countryside overlooking formal gardens and its two championship golf courses, the estate boasts unrivalled opulence. Originally opened as a hotel by the Smurfit Group in 1991, the property was acquired by Dublin-based businessman, Michael Fetherston, in 2020. Since then, an investment programme has taken place to transform the property, in particular the lobby and lounge areas, bar and restaurant. The guest rooms and suites have always been known for their spaciousness and luxury - and, since 2022, there has been ongoing refurbishment to keep them up to the highest standards expected by discerning travellers.
The hotel and two clubhouses offer a range of dining experiences: The K Club’s premier restaurant, The Barton Grill (see below) offers relaxed fine dining based on local and estate-grown seasonal produce, and a signature list of 250 wines. Other dining options include The Palmer, a casual all-day dining venue with a covered terrace and seating for 120, and the stylish South Bar and Restaurant with its statement bar, open plan seating and great views across the golf course.
Golfers have welcomed with open arms the addition of the new K Golf World, a separate venue on the resort which offers 8 state-of-the-art golf simulators. It has a dedicated sports bar with multiple TV screens and a small-bites offering.
Although most famous for its golf, The K Club is also a premier business, conference and events destination.The scale of the property allows it to handle everything from small meetings and private dining for a dozen or so guests up to conferences and major corporate occasions for 500 with style, and without impacting on other activities – and the exceptional amenities on-site and in the surrounding area make it an ideal destination for team building and incentive groups. (Visitors from abroad may be intrigued to try the Celtic Challenge…)
Estate activities include river fishing for salmon and trout, and coarse fishing with a choice of five stocked lakes (equipment bait and tackle provided; tuition available). Other on-site amenities include a swimming pool; spa; tennis; walking; cycling; equestrian, archery, falconry, kayaking and Segway tours.
For the business guest, the estate setting and golf offer great opportunities for informal networking and downtime – and, with everything being so enjoyable, a work visit can easily become a rewarding stay… And the exceptional dining options might well sway a decision to stay on for a break - notably the experience in the beautiful main restaurant, The Barton Grill, but The Palmer, The Drawing Room, Henry Lounge, and South Bar & Restaurant, offer a range of very different options – or guests can slip out to Straffan village to visit The K Club’s own local, The Straffan Inn.
A mapped garden walk, with planting details, will interest guests with a grá for horticulture, and tours of the wine cellar are available, led by the hotel’s highly respected sommelier, Lisa O’Doherty
The Barton Grill
This is the K Club’s premier restaurant and, beside it, a pleasantly clubby bar opens onto an enticing terrace with a distinctly French tone - here, on fine summer evenings, guests can consider menus over an aperitif (a seasonal cocktail perhaps, reflecting produce available in the walled garden) and admire the golf course across the river before heading in to thei beautiful restaurant. Recently reimagined to offer a less formal experience, it provides an elegant and atmospheric setting for Executive Chef Gary O’Hanlon (a Euro-Toques Ireland member) and Head Chef Adam Leahy to showcase local and Irish produce on menus that offer a range of classic bistro style dishes, including a very good burger, alongside others leaning more towards fine dining.
Gary O'Hanlon took over as Executive Chef in 2024 and he continues a longstanding commitment to using the best of local and estate-grown produce, and all the little touches - a complimentary amuse-bouche, home-made petits fours with the coffee - that make a special dining experience memorable may be expected. Service is professional and friendly - and, given the intertwined history of Straffan House and the Barton family, it is appropriate that the Bordeaux Reserve from Barton and Guestier should be the label chosen for the hotel’s house wine, heading up a signature list of 250 wines.
