A new chapter in the centuries-old story of Carton House begins this summer, when the extensive two-year, multimillion-euro, complete refurbishment will be unveiled. The renewed splendour of the great estate will be uncovered following a magnificent refurbishment of the original house, surrounding hotel and stunning grounds. For more than 250 years, Carton House has been the finest Georgian estate in Ireland. It now reopens its doors as a Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property and one of the finest hotels in the country, ready for hospitality on a grand scale, just as this imposing estate was originally intended.
One of Ireland’s most historic country houses, Carton House was the home of the influential and aristocratic FitzGerald family, and is now in the proud ownership of the Irish-American Mullen family. Carton House celebrates its first summer as a luxurious Fairmont Managed Hotel, joining the more than 80 Fairmont hotels around the globe as the oldest property in a collection famed for its grande dame hotels and iconic properties including The Savoy in London and The Plaza in New York.
Marc Dardenne, COO Accor Luxury Europe said: “Carton House is a spectacular estate with a history spanning more than eight centuries and a staggering historic house dating back to 1739. A property steeped in grandeur, Carton House has offered timeless hospitality for more than 300 years. It is a property befitting the grandest of hotel brands and we are proud to open its doors this summer as part of our world-renowned Fairmont portfolio.”
Sensitively blending past and present, this refurbishment of Carton House has renewed the beauty of the estate for generations to come.
The House – the historic heart of the estate
The spectacular 18th century Palladian-style mansion, The House, is at the heart of the estate and will be the centre of the guest experience when the hotel opens this summer. The House has been dramatically reimagined while its history has been cherished and its state rooms preserved. The remarkably handsome series of grand and imposing rooms in The House with their fascinating history – the stunning Gold Salon, the Drawing Room, the impressive Morrison Room, the Bell Room – are now beautifully restored and part of the daily rituals of Carton House life and at the heart of each guest’s experience.
A number of new elements have also been added to elevate the guest experience. Designed to add another layer of pleasure and enjoyment to every stay – the cosy book-lined setting of The Whiskey Library with its encyclopedic selection of the world’s finest uisce beatha (the original Irish name for whiskey, meaning water of life); the relaxed and casual dining atmosphere of Kathleen’s Kitchen, located in the original kitchens of The House; The Courtyard Bar, serving light bites alongside an impressive wine and cocktail list, with an accompanying outdoor terrace area is perfect for long overdue catch-ups with family and friends this summer. The particularly special addition however, is The Morrison Room. This spectacular unique space has been transformed into the resort’s fine dining evening restaurant and morning breakfast room. A breathtaking space, The Morrison Room is set to be one of this country’s grandest dining rooms.
The complete refurbishment of Carton House has been carried out under the creative guidance of McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects, with exquisite attention to every aspect of the design. No detail has been missed, whether in the preservation and matching of original hand-painted wallpapers or the conservation of the important stucco plasterwork ceiling in the Gold Salon, dating from the late 1700’s , by the renowned Lafranchini brothers.
18 stunning bedrooms and suites occupy the upper floors of The House, with a further 151 rooms in The Garden Wing which curves around the formal gardens, offering elegant spaces which have been enhanced in both design and facilities as part of the estate’s transformation.
The Estate – sweeping parkland and ancient woodlands, lakes and the River Rye
The grounds at Carton House are spacious and serene, dating back to 1176. Set within 1,100 private acres of sweeping parkland, ancient woodlands, lakes and the meandering River Rye, creates the perfect backdrop for this country mansion. The walled estate, just 20 minutes from Dublin, has Special Area of Conservation Status, home to a herd of red deer, as well as a rich diversity of animal wildlife, and rare species of birds and plants. Historic architecture is dotted throughout the estate, with stories and history to discover around every corner. From the oldest building on the grounds, Tyrconnell Tower, dating back 500 years to the romantic and curious Shell Cottage or the evocative Boat House on the water’s edge, the estate is a treasure-trove of history.
The Grandest of Experiences
A number of bespoke experience packages have been created at the resort for guests to enjoy this summer encompassing several different options for the type of stay you wish to enjoy. Allow Carton House to prepare your itinerary or choose to curate your very own experience, exactly as you wish.
Explore the grounds on foot or by bike with a picnic hamper, follow the cycle and walking trails, or enjoy the outdoors by choosing from a wealth of resort activities, from tennis and fishing to archery and clay pigeon shooting and, of course, golf. Carton House has two championship eighteen-hole golf courses, the challenging links-style course designed by Colin Montgomerie, host to the Irish Open three times, and a classic parkland course designed by Mark O’Meara. Carton House is renowned for sport, with world-class professional training pitches and facilities, often host to prestigious international sporting teams, including as a regular home for the Irish international rugby team.
Carton House Spa & Wellness has been completely reimagined too with a new treatment menu and thermal relaxation experience. A sensory indulgence like no other, the spa at Carton House is the perfect way to get lost in time.
John Mullen, owner of Carton House with his family, is very much looking forward to the reopening this summer. “This has been a labour of love for myself and my family, and the extended teams of specialists and experts who have worked on every detail of this large and complex project. We could not be more proud and delighted to share the magnificent refurbishment of Carton House with our first guests this summer. It has been a challenging time for hospitality businesses everywhere, so we are happy to be able to offer a positive, good news story, writing a new chapter in the story of this splendid and historic estate.”
Indulge in the treat of spending your summer holidays in a luxurious Fairmont Managed Hotel and one of the finest resorts in Ireland. Choose from a number of bespoke curated packages, precisely suited to your requirements. Rooms for the summer season in one of the 151 contemporary bedrooms in the Garden Wing of Carton House start from ¬250 per stay. The House is home to 18 utterly luxurious and unique staterooms and suites, starting from ¬495 per stay.
Carton House is ready to welcome guests to a polished and elegant country house experience this summer and to pleasure and escapism at its best.
cartonhouse.com or fairmont.com
