Whether you’re looking for a boutique castle stay, rustic accommodation on a Georgian estate or a good, old-fashioned B&B, Athy ticks all the boxes.
Burtown
House
Set
within leafy green grounds not far from the town of Athy, Burtown House is a Georgian
gem. As well as having a buzzing restaurant, the Green Barn, which makes great
use of the fresh produce grown in the historic walled garden, Burtown also offers
accommodation for guests. The Stable Yard House is beautifully decorated in a
classic style with lots of comfort and cosiness in the form of wood-burning
stoves and open fires. The Stable Yard House sleeps six in three bedrooms, but there’s
a gorgeous little Stable Yard apartment available, which is perfect for two.
burtownhouse.ie
Kilkea
Castle
There’s
a real wow-factor to Kilkea Castle, which is no surprise considering that it’s
one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland. Drive through the imposing
entrance to the car park and you’ll be confronted with the dramatic 12th
century tower house. Inside, it’s just as grand with luxury furnishings,
historic details and a boutique, rather than a resort, feel. You’ll find all
the typical castle experiences here, too, with golf, horse riding, tennis,
archery and falconry available, as well as a spa. Kilkea offers three types of
accommodation: there are 11 bedrooms in the 12th century castle, as
well as carriage and lodge bedrooms set on the castle’s 180 acre grounds.
kilkeacastle.ie
Ballindrum
Farm
This
award-winning B&B farmhouse set within the rural green County Kildare
countryside close to Athy is a working dairy, and a stay here gives a glimpse
into life on a busy farm. Rooms are simple and comfortable with beautiful views
of the countryside outside, but it’s really the warm welcome and the
super-fresh breakfast spreads that make Ballindrum a winning spot.
Ballindrumfarm.com
Moate
Lodge
Two
hundred and fifty years of history are encapsulated within the beautiful
Georgian Moate Lodge, located around 7km from the centre of Athy. Filled with
antiques, paintings, books and log fires, the lodge is set on gardens,
extensive grounds and a working farm and offers a very relaxing atmosphere.
Breakfasts are created with locally farmed, organic or free-trade produce, and
homemade scones and jam can be enjoyed in the drawing room. And if you like
travelling with your four-legged friend, this is a good option, too, as Moate
Lodge is pet-friendly.
moatelodge.com
Clanard
Court Hotel
This
modern, contemporary spot just a kilometre from Athy town is more than just
your average hotel. For a start, there are alpaca on the grounds. Yes, actual
alpaca. Secondly, the hotel offers a 10% VIP card for the nearby Kildare
Village, so you can actually save money on your shopping if you stay here. And
thirdly, the hotel manages to mix great facilities and services with a relaxed,
friendly atmosphere that reflects its family-owned status. Rooms are
delightfully decorated, with great space and lovely views over the rolling
County Kildare countryside; the Bailey’s Bar and Restaurant is a local hotspot
for excellent food; and the small but luxurious Revive Garden Spa and Beauty
Rooms has a great range of treatments, a spa garden with sauna and hot tub and
good-value pampering packages.
clanardcourt.ie
Belan Lodge
Offering self-catering lodge-style holiday homes, Belan Lodge is a well located
option set on a renovated courtyard close to a 17th century
farmhouse. There’s a very cottage feel to the lodges here with wooden beams,
wood-fired stoves and cosy furniture. The former estate that the lodge is set
on boasts a fascinating history that takes in visits from English kings, Oliver
Cromwell and the Shackleton family. The traditional and historic High Cross Inn
pub is just a five-minute walk from the lodge and Kilkea Castle is just 5km
away.
belanlodge.com