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Hotel review: After an €8m refurb, here's why this historic five-star should be your next special occasion stay

A glorious restoration has brought the magic back to Mount Juliet’s luxurious manor house

Thu, 07 May, 2026 - 09:26

Jillian Bolger

The Manor at Mount Juliet Estate

Thomastown, Co Kilkenny

Our rating: 9/10

Location

A family home and notable party house, Mount Juliet’s illustrious heritage is palpable in the 18th century Georgian manor.

Perched above the River Nore, the handsome house’s original main entrance faced the river, with panoramic vistas to the pastures beyond, and while the front door was switched in 1914, the main reception rooms and dining spaces still offer guests magnificent views across the tranquil countryside, with horses from the neighboring stud galloping and grazing opposite.

Wrapped in leafy woodlands carpeted in bluebells, the impressive manor offers a genteel and intimate retreat mere minutes from Thomastown train station and a 20-minute drive from Kilkenny city.

9/10

Style & design

Original features and fixtures at Mount Juliet Manor House are complimented by bespoke furniture, creating a relaxing environment

Hiring O’Donnell O’Neill to drive the restoration of Mount Juliet was an inspired move by the estate’s canny new owners. Overseen by Aisling Healy, she and her team have done a superb job respecting the house’s heritage while breathing new life into this storied manor.

Staying true to its Georgian roots, original features and fixtures have been restored by master artisans, while a joyful palette of pastels — blush, honey and sage overlaid with period-sensitive patterns in coral, blueberry and gold — exude luxury, calm and elegance. From flamboyant wallpapers to bespoke furniture, gorgeous lighting and artworks, it’s an exquisite and relaxing space to explore.

10/10

Service

You know you’ve arrived somewhere special, from the smartly dressed porters to the sit-down check-in in a dedicated office. The buzz is welcoming, friendly and nicely informal. The walk-though of our bedroom is really helpful and thorough, explaining everything from the air-con, handily labelled light switches (hurray!) automated curtain and wooden cube engraved with QR codes for all possible guest queries. It’s one of the most comprehensive welcomes we’ve had in a while. Bar and dinner service is attentive throughout, with staff having time to stop and chat with guests, lending a homeliness to this special place.

9/10

Guest rooms

With pretty wallpaper, luxe fabrics, deep pile carpets, joyful patterns and a stream of natural light flooding in, my Manor Suite, overlooking a little garden, is quite dreamy.

From a comfy super king bed with a fabulous floral headboard to oversized Chinese-style table lamps, deep sofa with plump cushions, beautiful art and a marble bathroom with generous shower, Bulgari products, and effective lighting, this is a really comfortable, spacious and well-conceived suite. Other rooms and suites offer gorgeous canopy beds, but all are individually designed and equally appealing.

9.5/10

In-room perks

We like to find that elusive trio of a coffee machine, a kettle and fresh milk in our room, and our luxurious suite doesn’t disappoint.

Alongside all three, there’s Solaris Tea from Galway, Barry’s Tea and a selection of coffee pods, sugars and Irish Bakehouse cookies. Cut crystal glasses, and a welcome gin and tonic with the estate’s Moongate Gin and fresh citrus slices is a classy touch.

9/10

On the menu

John Kelly has proudly held a Michelin star at Lady Helen since 2013, having joined the kitchen in 2011 under Ken Harker, becoming head chef in 2016. One of the country’s most beautiful dining rooms (the adjacent Parlour has now been thoughtfully revamped too), John’s precise cooking is as exquisite as the setting. Creating sublime flavours through classic techniques and great produce, highlights include Tipperary organic veal, with morels, estate wild garlic and 24-month-aged Comté, and Mullaghmore lobster with violet artichoke, green olive and rossini golden caviar. Factor in charmingly enthusiastic service, superb wines, imaginative desserts and the novel sweet trolley to finish, and you’re guaranteed a memorable dinner.

Breakfast, an à la carte affair, is served in these beautiful rooms too, with pretty china, linen cloths and excellent eggs and breads all part of the charm.

9/10

Activities & amenities

A woodland walk serenaded by morning birdsong is one of the simple pleasures on offer at this attractive country estate packed with activities and fun. From afternoon tea to whiskey tastings, an intimate in-house cinema, walking trails, a walled garden, state-of-the-art equestrian centre, swimming pool and treatment rooms, championship golf course, gym, archery, fishing and complimentary bikes, it really offers the essence of country living.

9.5/10

The bill

B&B in a Manor Classic room from €380 per night, and in a Manor Suite from €700 per night.

Room to improve? While breakfast service was sharp and efficient, it lacked the warmth of the previous night’s dinner. A little more confidence and fun would ensure the service is consistently memorable across the whole property.

Access for guests with disabilities? All ground floor areas, including an accessible guest room.

Family-friendly? Hunter’s Yard, the estate’s other hotel, is more geared towards families and offers special activities over holiday periods. There’s a playground and fairy garden too on the estate too.

Dogs welcome? Only service dogs.

EV chargers? Yes.