LYRATH ESTATE CELEBRATES AS BLACKMORE CONTINUES TO MAKE SPORTING HISTORY

LYRATH ESTATE CELEBRATES AS BLACKMORE CONTINUES TO MAKE SPORTING HISTORY

Xavier and Lorraine McAuliffe, owners of Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny chat to Rachael Blackmore, Lyrath Estate Ambassador, as the champion jockey reflects on a phenomenal year in the saddle.  The 32-year-old Tipperary native was just crowned BBC's World Sport Star of the Year just twenty-four hours after winning the 2021 RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year Award. She also won the HRI Irish Racing Hero Award and The Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year.

The team at the five-star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny were delighted to invite their ambassador, jockey Rachael Blackmore to the hotel to celebrate her incredible success after she won, not one but four incredible sporting awards in December alone. The 32-year-old Tipperary native was crowned BBC's World Sport Star of the Year just twenty-four hours after winning the 2021 RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year Award. She also won the HRI Irish Racing Hero Award and The Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year.

Blackmore became the first woman to be crowned leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival where she saddled six winners, which included the Champion Hurdle on her mount, Honeysuckle. In April she steered Minella Times to victory in the Grand National, making her the first woman ever to win the world's greatest steeplechase.

Rachael Blackmore has been an ambassador for Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny since 2021 and is a regular visitor to the property. The estate owner, Xavier McAuliffe said, “Huge congratulations to Rachael, she is a phenomenal talent and one of the hardest working people I know.  No one deserves these accolades as much as she does. She is an inspiration for everyone and particularly young women and girls.  We are incredibly lucky and proud to be working with her and wish her continued success in her career”.

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AUTUMN DAZE AT THE FIVE STAR LYRATH ESTATE

AUTUMN DAZE AT THE FIVE STAR LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY (IRELAND)

 

 

The Five-Star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny has created the Autumn Daze package (for those seeking a bit of luxury and pampering this autumn (Midweek from €185pps sharing). This seasonal offer includes two nights bed and breakfast and a three course Table d'hote dinner on one evening in either the 2 AA Rosette accredited Yew Restaurant or in The Grill & Bar Restaurant. The Autumn Daze package also includes cream tea on one afternoon of your choosing.

 

Lyrath Estate is set on 170 acres of mature parkland yet is just five minutes from Kilkenny city centre.  This stunning hotel is surrounded by wonderful private walkways which are lined by mature trees.  Autumn brings a riot of colour to this beautiful estate as great oaks, beech and silver birch trees cover the grounds, arms outstretched creating walkways of gold, silver and flaming red under their boughs.  Guests can lose themselves in nature here and can explore the vast estate on foot or can avail of complimentary use of bicycles to tour around.

 

Kilkenny city will satisfy even the most ‘culturally curious’ with lots of interesting places to visit including Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral which was built between 1202 and 1285.   Tours of Kilkenny Castle are available all year round and offer visitors a remarkable insight into what life might have been like for those first residents who built the castle some 800 years ago.

 

If you do not feel like moving outside the door of the hotel, then fear not there are lots of lovely experiences to enjoy at Lyrath Estate!  You could opt for a pampering treat at the multi award-winning Oasis Spa. The thermal suite in the spa includes several heating and cooling experiences including a stunning outdoor hydrotherapy pool which looks over the mature, private gardens. Or perhaps you might prefer to work out in the gym or enjoy a leisurely swim in the health club?  There is also a 22-seater private cinema, playground, outdoor covered and heated BBQ area, expansive conference centre, several meeting rooms, and a walled garden.

Extensive dining options for guests to choose from include Tupper’s Bar, The Conservatory, The Grill & Bar and the 2 AA Rosette, Yew Restaurant. For more information see www.lyrath.com or call 00353 (0) 56 7760088.

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Three of the best Irish Summer Staycations

press release

ROUND UP OF THE TOP THREE IRISH SUMMER STAYCATIONS

 

Cahernane House

CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, KILLARNEY, KERRY

The Killarney Secret Trails package (€379.50 per person sharing) will allow guests the chance to explore some of Killarney’s (Co. Kerry) most beautiful nature trails.  Neighbours include the magnificent Muckross Abbey, a 15^th century monastery and Muckross House which is the sister property of Cahernane House and was once the residence of Henry Herbert’s brother, the original owner of the house.

Emer Corridan, General Manager of Cahernane House Hotel said, “Traditionally, Killarney is extremely busy all summer with visitors who follow well known tourist trails and who tend to flock to the same places.  In these strange times we live in now, we want to offer our guests the chance to explore some lesser known, quieter beauty spots and will provide maps to some secret trails, such as The Blue Pool, Governor’s Rock, Reenadrina and Killegy Woods. We also hope to show people a different part of Killarney and offer our visitors a chance to rediscover this beautiful part of the world.”  The Killarney Secret Trails package includes three-nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning, welcome tea and scones on arrival, a 3-course dinner on two evenings with a pre -dinner glass of Prosecco. A picnic lunch is also included on two days for guests to enjoy while they explore some of Killarney’s lesser known, ‘secret trails’.

For more details or to book the Killarney Secret Trails package see www.cahernane.com or call Cahernane House Hotel on +353 (064) 6631895.

LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY

The Lyrath Estate Staycation Package at the Five-Star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny is available as a 2,3- or 5-night package and includes bed and breakfast, lunch, tea and cake and dinner each evening (from €400 per adult sharing). The170 acre estate offers guests a myriad of outdoor activities to enjoy in its new ‘staycation’ packages including archery, fishing, and learning how to fly your own bird of prey.  There are also skincare talks, yoga classes, whiskey tastings, cocktail making classes and cooking with the chef in the outdoor, covered BBQ pavilion.  Other facilities at the luxury resort include a swimming pool and gym, the award-winning Oasis Spa, several restaurants, and bars and even a private cinema. 

If you have been home schooling and stuck at home with bored children, then look no further than the Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break.  This summer make some five-star memories with your children without having to lift a finger yourself! Children will love the swimming pool, games room, fairy trail, complimentary bicycles, playground, zip wire and the mini football pitch.  If it is a wet day the hotel’s 22-seater private cinema can be booked out for a private family cinema viewing. The Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break costs €210 per adult sharing and includes two nights bed and breakfast and dinner on one evening for the adults.  Interconnecting rooms are available, while the cost for children, sharing with their parents aged between 4-12 is charged at just €25 per night.

If you are looking for a romantic break away and an opportunity to reconnect with your loved one, you could choose the ‘Your Summer Story Package’ (€210 per adult sharing). It includes two nights bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening and cream tea on an afternoon of your choice. 

To book your great five-star Kilkenny Escape now log on to www.lyrath.com or call + 353 (0) 56 7760088.

TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT, BLESSINGTON, CO. WICKLOW

-ENJOY THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT THE EXCLUSIVE MANOR HOUSE AT TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT-

The Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington, Co. Wicklow (Ireland) dates back over 200 years but the origins of the estate on which it stands can be traced back to the 12^th century. Situated on the shores of the stunning Blessington Lakes the house has been a private home to noble families, military leaders and to sports stars. You can now be part of the history and story of Tulfarris and experience all of the splendour that this beautiful ‘Grand Dame’ has to offer as the 18^th Century, Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort is now available for exclusive hire.

In these strange pandemic times exclusive hire can often be an attractive option for families who want to come together but still remain within their own small group.  The Manor House at Tulfarris provides people with a unique opportunity to holiday together but apart from others. It is also extremely rare to find a property that offers complete privacy, yet offers a full service complete with extensive dining offerings.

With its classic Georgian design and elegant proportions, the house has been completely restored to bring it back to its former glory.  It now includes 7 luxurious bedrooms which have been decorated in heritage colours and fabrics, evocative of the style in which the house was built. Modern and contemporary facilities and comforts have been sympathetically added to the old building while not impinging on its historical design.

On the ground floor there are two elegant reception rooms, a library and a dining room, which offer relaxed spaces for families and friends to gather. The spectacular dining room can seat 14 people for dinner and provides an elegant space for friends to gather and enjoy a private dinner.  The various drawing rooms with their Italian marble fireplaces are comfortable spots to sit and enjoy an after-dinner drink or a chat or simply to lounge around, reading, watching movies, or playing family board games.

The exclusive hire of the Manor House at Tulfarris includes bed and breakfast, private dining in the drawing room a half a bottle of wine per person and a prosecco reception on arrival.  Breakfast is also served in the drawing room so that guests staying at the Manor House do not need to go to the main hotel during their stay if they so wish. 

Children will love to explore the vast estate which surrounds the Manor House which is home to foxes, rabbits, otters, squirrels and deer which walk freely around the estate.  Little touches such as milk and cookies at turndown service, board games and arts and craft materials for children are popular with the little ones and help make special memories. The cost for the exclusive hire of the 7-bedroom Manor House to include bed, breakfast and dinner is €3,010 per night.

5 STAR MEMORIES START HERE – LYRATH ESTATE KILKENNY

Press release

5 STAR MEMORIES START HERE – LYRATH ESTATE KILKENNY

-ESCAPE TO KILKENNY FOR YOUR SUMMER STAYCATION-

The five-star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny has been busy gearing up for the return of its guests and customers and has created lots of great ‘staycation’ offers for families, couples and friends who want to reconnect.  Located just five minutes from the heart of Kilkenny city, and set on over 170 acres of mature parkland, the estate enjoys a peaceful, rural setting yet is in easy reach of the famous medieval city with its many shops, historic castle and cultural attractions. 

Many of the 139 spacious bedrooms have views across the mature parkland with its ancient oak trees, leafy glades, hidden walking trails and glistening lakes.  If you are looking for a spacious retreat Lyrath Estate has many bedrooms with large outdoor terraces or balconies which provide guests with a connection with the outdoors.  Robust Covid- 19 precautions have been put in place for the safety and comfort of the guests and staff including all of the HSE recommendations regarding hygiene and social distancing with many activities and dining options now being made available for guests to enjoy outdoors if they so wish.

The expansive estate is now offering guests a myriad of outdoor activities to enjoy in its new ‘staycation’ packages including archery, fishing, and learning how to fly your own bird of prey.  There are also skincare talks, yoga classes, whiskey tastings, cocktail making classes and cooking with the chef in the outdoor, covered BBQ pavilion.  Other facilities at the luxury resort include a swimming pool and gym, the award-winning Oasis Spa, several restaurants, and bars and even a private cinema.  The Lyrath Estate Staycation Package is available as a 2,3- or 5-night package and includes bed and breakfast, lunch, tea and cake and dinner each evening (from €400 per adult sharing).

If you have been home schooling and stuck at home with bored children, then look no further than the Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break.  This summer make some five-star memories with your children without having to lift a finger yourself! Children will love the swimming pool, games room, fairy trail, complimentary bicycles, playground, zip wire and the mini football pitch.  If it is a wet day the hotel’s 22-seater private cinema can be booked out for a private family cinema viewing. The Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break costs €210 per adult sharing and includes two nights bed and breakfast and dinner on one evening for the adults.  Interconnecting rooms are available, while the cost for children, sharing with their parents aged between 4-12 is charged at just €25 per night.

Lyrath Estate is home to lots of wildlife including foxes, bats, badgers, rabbits, hares, and many native birds of prey. The latest additions to the estate are two baby twin owls, ‘Diesel’ and ‘Turbo’ who are very much at home in the quiet countryside setting and who make regular appearances with the Lyrath resident falconry expert.  The lake and its waterfalls are picture perfect and are a favourite picnic spot for families, just ask chef to prepare your favourite sandwiches and head out and explore the estate on foot or grab a bike and spin around.

If you are looking for a romantic break away and an opportunity to reconnect with your loved one, you could choose the ‘Your Summer Story Package’ (€210 per adult sharing). It includes two nights bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening and cream tea on an afternoon of your choice. 

There are several dining outlets on the estate including The Yew Restaurant which serves Mediterranean and classical cuisine with a modern twist, The Grill and Bar and Tupper’s Bar, a traditional pub.  The Atrium serves delicious afternoon tea each day while The Conservatory is a beautiful light filled space which serves lunch and food throughout the day. Al fresco dining is offered on the terrace, overlooking Lady Charlotte’s Garden, the formal garden once beloved of a previous resident of Lyrath, Lady Charlotte Isabel Wheeler-Cuffe.  Lady Charlotte was an amateur botanical artist, plant collector and avid gardener and spent many years collecting plants and flowers from all over the world. Her botanical collection still blooms at Lyrath today.  Guests may also enjoy private dining on their own balconies and terraces with other outdoor dining options including the BBQ Pavilion beside the Walled Garden and the pretty picnic spots by the lakes.

The original Manor House at Lyrath Estate is considered to be the most important surviving country house designed by John McCurdy.   It was reconstructed by Sir Charles Wheeler- Cuffe in the 17^th century to appease his prospective father in law, Lord Stuart de Decies who felt that it was not grand enough for his daughter, Pauline and would not permit her to marry Wheeler Cuffe until the house was deemed impressive enough.  The original house has since been sympathetically restored to its former glory and all the rooms preserve their original wallpaper. The house is also home to a most impressive collection of contemporary Irish art.  Old world charm sits in perfect harmony with the contemporary new wing and the link with the old and new is both stylish and tasteful. 

Attention to detail is also key throughout the estate, from five-star service, indulgent pampering treats, exciting on-site outdoor pursuits and activities to sumptuous food and wine. Outside, ancient trees stretch their arms overhead, bathing the private, secret nature trails in shades of leafy green.  Guests are encouraged to explore and to scan the verdant pathways for signs of wildlife, a feather, a little paw print or a tell-tale trail in the grass that says, ‘the fox was here’…

Hard to believe it then that despite all the nature that surrounds this stunning five-star hotel it is just 1.2 kms from the centre of Kilkenny city. The Marble City itself is rich in cultural spots and if you have not been there for a while it is time to explore again.  From medieval buildings, a romantic castle, to beer tasting at the Smithwick’s Experience (home of Ireland’s oldest beer) Kilkenny has plenty to offer for a curious family or couple.  To book your great five-star Kilkenny Escape now log on to www.lyrath.com or call   (056) 7760088.

Lyrath Estate. Friendly Place. Friendly Faces

Lyrath Estate. 

Friendly Place. Friendly Faces  

Young Rudy

Ringo, Reilly, and Rudy will more than likely catch your eye during a  visit to Kilkenny’s spectacular Lyrath Estate Hotel. The hotel’s three Golden Retrievers pose in many hotel publicity shots and indeed you’ll see  them in guest wedding pics as well. But popular and all as the threesome are, it is the humans around here that you’ll rely on and, as we found out during a recent stay, they too are very friendly indeed.

Just one example. As we walked into the magnificent Yew Tree room for breakfast, we got the biggest smile and a lovely warm greeting from the lady on duty. It is not very unusual in Ireland but we were particularly delighted with it, as a week earlier, we got an unsmiling silent greeting (hardly a greeting at all) from a corresponding person in a Wexford hotel.

Front of the "old" house

Our initial greeting on arrival at Lyrath the previous day was warm as well and we got all the info we needed. Soon we were passing their very impressive Christmas decorations, all on a grand scale under the high ceiling, and heading off to our executive room. The 137 rooms are generally off from the central part of the hotel, itself based on the original mansion.

There are a number of room categories and Executive rooms offer more space for guests to enjoy and come with a king size bed. They include an entrance hallway, a walk-in wardrobe/dressing area and large bathroom with double basins, bath and separate walk in shower. Our room overlooked the estate. We certainly had all we needed with a separate toilet in the bathroom, TV of course and the WifI was perfect as well.

Head Chef: Kenneth Murphy

Lyrath has just appointed Kenneth Murphy as Head Chef. The much travelled Carlowman has a wealth of experience, worked extensively with the Virgin Limited Edition Group and, more recently, was also Executive Head Chef at Fota Island Resort.

O'Hara's ale

No doubt he’ll be putting his own stamp on the menus here in due course. There are two main dining rooms, the Yew Tree (open only on Fridays and Saturdays at present) and the very comfortable Grill and Bar, situated on the mezzanine over the entrance foyer.

We were there in midweek and our reservation was at the Grill. First we called to the bar there and again had a lovely chat with a young barman. He filled us in on what was available when we requested Gin and Tonic and we were glad to hear they had Dingle Gin. So we enjoyed those before strolling across the floor to the restaurant.

Twilight at Lyrath

Like the rest of the hotel, comfort and space are the main features. Soon we were seated in a lovely booth with the menus at hand and making our choices. 

Beetroot Tartarin

Also had a good look at the wine list, quite a quality one, and CL settled on a glass of their Sepp Moser Gruner Veltliner (11.50), fruity (citrus, apple) but with excellent acidity and well able to handle the food. I was glad to see they had quite a selection of the local O’Hara’s beers in bottle and even more so when I found out the Yellow Belly Citra Ale (6.00) was available on draught. “A pint, please,” I beamed.

Beef cheek

Soon we were enjoying our starters. Mine was Smoked Salmon with beetroot purée, cucumber, fennel and cress salad. CL’s was Beetroot Tartarin, the classic combination of goats cheese, beetroot (spiced in this version), pine nuts and horseradish. We enjoyed those two.

Grilled Atlantic Salmon was CL’s choice for the mains and that came with grilled asparagus spears and béarnaise and got the thumbs up. Mine was Slow-braised Hereford Beef cheek, quite a large portion, served with shallot purée, carrots and creamy mash. It was top notch, enhanced by a side of Steak chips, heartily recommended by our server!

Santa in the lobby

Dessert choices made us think before I plunged for my first slice of Christmas pudding of the season. It came with Brandy Anglaise and vanilla ice-cream. Pas Mal!

The main bar, Tupper's, is on the ground floor and has a club like atmosphere in its two rooms with an adjoining much brighter conservatory which overlooks Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe’s Victorian garden (now restored). More beer for me, a lovely glass of draught ale, this time by O’Hara’s, sipped in front of the open fire.

The breakfast in the spacious Yew Tree, with its views over the old garden, was excellent. Great buffet choices, juices, cereals, fruits, cheese, ham, and more. 

And the kitchen was in top form too and the stack of Hugh’s Pancakes with fresh blueberries and maple syrup, along with my server's suggestion of bacon, went down a treat. My starter here was a granola-topped pot of yogurt. All good, as Christmas music played gently in the background.

Breakfast

With the weather turning nasty we were’t able to take advantage of the walks around the 170 acre estate, one marked 2.5km, another 5.km. 

At other times of the year, you’ll have, among other things, falconry and archery available. And of course they have a spa and leisure centre (with 17 metre pool). And there is also a Conference Centre here. 

All within a couple of kilometres of the heart of medieval Kilkenny. You could spend well more than a day here and that is what I’d heartily recommend. And say hello to the dogs for me!