Hotel Review: The Club Hotel at Goffs, Co Kildare 

Kildare’s newest boutique hotel is a smart spot offering detour-worthy dining thanks to two restaurant legends.

Former Michelin-starred proprietors Derry and Sallyanne Clarke - running the show at The Club Hotel

Location 

You need a car to access the Club at Goffs, in the heart of thoroughbred country and to reach many of the attractions that are scattered around it. 

Just off the N7, at Goffs, it’s a good base for a shopping trip to Kildare Village (a 15-minute drive) or exploring the National Stud, Japanese Gardens and Newbridge Silverware. 

7/10 

Design spec

The new build is blocky and unappealing from the outside, with a bald exterior that will undoubtedly improve when the plants mature and the creeper grows in on the pergola. 

Inside is a different story, with a smart, contemporary and clubby vibe. The guestrooms are especially well done.

8/10 

Service and facilities

At check-in, a complimentary glass of prosecco is a nice touch. Reception offers a relaxed and friendly interaction. 

There’s no spa here, but bikes are available to borrow our front and there’s cycling and walking trails around. 

Outdoor tables for dining or summer drinks look onto the hotel’s private paddock which will soon have horses in residence. 

The cocktail bar is especially elegant, and serves a good Guinness, although they were having coffee machine issues on our visit.

7/10 

A bedroom at The Club at Goffs

Rooms

Bedrooms are bright, stylish and comfy with clever storage including a practical coat, shoes and luggage area by the door. 

High-quality furniture like the little coffee and cabinet feature marble style tops and gilt details which feel luxurious. 

Generous balconies with two chairs overlook the peaceful paddock, which will be lovely with horses grazing. 

The lighting is good and the bathroom features an excellent shower and large Voya toiletries. 

We’d have liked a towel rail by the sink, rather than having to reach behind us with wet hands.

8/10

In-room perks

An impressive stash of complimentary premium Irish products includes Keogh’s crisps, Seymour’s shortbread, locally roasted Creed coffee for the French press and organic traditional Irish tea from Nik’s Tea.

10/10

On the menu

The Club Hotel at Goffs real trump card was landing hospitality greats, Derry and Sallyanne Clarke whose L’Ecrivain was a Michelin-starred stalwart for years. 

Not only is Derry cooking up detour-worthy food as Chef de Cuisine at The Club Brasserie, he has James Sheridan (from award-winning Canteen) as head chef. 

The vibe is smart casual with Sallyanne running front-of-house with panache; it’s easy to see the floor staff have been trained by one of the best in the business. 

The food is exceptional, right through to peerless Eggs Benedict the next morning.

10/10

Value for money

Double rooms with breakfast from €155, making this a great value night away.

10/10

The Club, Goffs, Co. Kildare.

Room to improve?

The restaurant lighting needs to be dimmed by night to suit the sophisticated food. 

Unless you’re in a banquette by the wall, it’s too a little too bright overhead. 

Florida-based Melissa Mason’s colourful horse pics are lovely and set a strong theme but after so much care gone into gone into all the Irish sourcing, it’s a shame an Irish equestrian artist didn’t land this high-profile commission.

Access for guests with disabilities? The ground floor has no steps making all the public areas, bar, restaurant and bathrooms easily accessible, including the outdoor seating. Reception has an accessible counter, which is great to see.

Family-friendly? Popular with local families for weekend dining, young horsey fans may find horses roaming the paddock.

Dogs welcome? No.

The Verdict: 8.5/10

• Jillian was a guest of The Club Hotel at Goffs, Kill, Co.Kildare 
• clubhotel.ie