Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Reopened in 2021 after an acquisition by Fairmont, Carton House oozes countryside elegance in a striking historic mansion with easy access to Dublin.

• The exquisite Baroque details of the Gold Salon, including the gilded ceiling and intricate coving
• The richly designed suites in the Manor House
• The accessibility to outdoor activities such as golf and equestrian racing

Carton House fits in nicely with Ireland's collection of historic mansion hotels. Built in 1739 for the Fitzgerland family, this Maynooth property was almost burned down in 1923 by the IRA. (The story goes: when a local unit marched to Carton with the intention to destroy it, a member of the Fitzgerald family brought a large painting of Lord Edward Fitzgerald—a lauded Irish patriot—to the front door, effectively stopping the unit in their tracks.) Beyond Lords and Earls, Queen Victoria is also said to have stayed twice, and guests who join the morning history tour will be able to see the carefully kept room she stayed in—still outfitted with the tiny, secret door used by her attendants (who were not permitted to use the main door). In more recent years, Carton House has hosted a variety of other notable guests from Princess Grace of Monaco to popular Irish rugby teams.

There are two distinct sections: the restored Manor House and the Garden Wing. The Manor House transports guests back in time with its focus on ultra luxury and historical restoration, while the Garden Wing is the low-rise 21st century extension and better suited for shorter, perhaps more corporate, stays. Between the two buildings, there are 169 guest bedrooms (18 in The Manor House and 151 in The Garden Wing). The Manor House has a more exclusive feel within the larger hotel and guest rooms have dark floorboards, original fireplaces and textured wallpaper that balance ample character and sleekness.

As a relatively new hotel continuing to build its footing in the luxury space, Carton House is likely to continue growing in top quality amenities and service. While still working out some minor hurdles in their current service delivery, Carton House has already collected an impressive array of staff—and some particularly standout service from team members such as Lochlan, the concierge.

On property, guests can find a variety of restaurants ranging in formality. Start the day with breakfast in Kathlen’s Kitchen (one of the original kitchens of the house) while surrounded by old cast-iron stoves, white tiles and copper pots. Pop in for lunch at The Carriage House for a hearty menu of casual comfort food. For fine dining, visit the The Morrison Room—one of the most beautiful rooms on the estate—and possibly one of Ireland’s grandest dining rooms. For lighter fare, make a reservation for afternoon tea in the Gold Room and Drawing Room or visit the Courtyard Bar. For drinks, sample whiskey in The Whiskey Library or head to The Dukes Rest for some wine.

Visitors interested in Ireland’s equestrian culture or Gaelic sports like rugby and golfing will enjoy their time in County Kildare. There are two 18-hole championship golf courses on property—the first is a links-style course designed by Colin Montgomerie and the second is a parkland course by Mark O’Meara. Only 30 minutes away from the capital, guests can visit Dublin without sacrificing the activities of a sprawling 1,100 acre estate, including boat trips, cycling, fishing, picnics, trails and more.

Golf-lovers, equestrian enthusiasts and guests who want to explore Dublin from a smaller town with acres of grounds to stretch out