Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Dunboyne, Co. Meath

Dunboyne Castle Hotel – Luxury Hotel & Spa

Last week after Patrick and I checked in to Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, we spent an early sunny afternoon sipping on cool cocktails al fresco at the Terrace Lounge, a late fun afternoon at Tayto Park – it’s minutes away and you can read about my experience here, … an evening of fine dining at The Ivy Restaurant, a night in a luxurious four star room and a morning relaxing at Seoid Spa complete with rooftop jacuzzi … all in that order, an invitation that was thoroughly enjoyed and one we hope to enjoy again in the future.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel is only 30 minutes from Dublin, but once there you feel like you are in the middle of the countryside (all 21 acres of it).

The size and design of the open plan entrance and lobby gives the feeling of space and luxury as soon as you walk through the doors to check in. The natural light that floods into the hotel reception along with the presence of a baby grand piano, tasteful furnishings and artwork add to the luxurious feeling of the place. It’s no wonder the hotel is popular for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life but equally understandable that it’s renowned for its events that range from weddings to conferences.

Our room was large, bright and comfortable, and even though I couldn’t fault the fresh and bright white linen bedding and mostly neutral decor of the room, I’ve been advised that the rooms are due an upgrade in the very near future … which will make it even more of a reason to return to see the new decor and design!

Designer toiletries graced the bathroom, but kept in line with an Irish connection as they were inspired by Paul Costello.

Handmade chocolates greeted us and reminded me of how much I was looking forward to dining at the hotel’s two AA Rosette ‘The Ivy Restaurant’ later. This, along with a note from the Front Desk Team, prove that it’s personal touches like these that heighten the standard of a quality hotel.

The Ivy Restaurant on the ground floor seemed quite busy the night we dined there, and from our experience we know why. The dishes we were served were not only pleasing to the eye but more than pleasing on the palate, my compliments to Executive Chef John Nagle.

My choice of West Coast Scallops with salt baked heritage carrots, liquorice purée, buttermilk gel and milk crumbs for starters, were mouth-watering. Perfectly cooked quality scallops, with the flavours of the purée and creaminess of the buttermilk gel … complimenting each bite.

For my main course I chose the Monkfish – roast fillet of monkfish, smoked paprika, chorizo and petit pois risotto, grilled asparagus and saffron foam. The monkfish was so meaty and succulent. The risotto with its hint of smokiness and spice made it a truly satisfying and hearty meal. Although normally a fan, the asparagus wasn’t to my liking as it was just a little too al dente for me.

For my dessert I chose the Camomile Panna Cotta – sweet milk crumb, honeycomb shards, crème Anglaise, bourbon vanilla ice-cream and shortbread biscuit. Beautifully presented with a touch of elegance and a hint of fragileness, this dessert was the perfect dish to follow my hearty monkfish main course. The panna cotta was light and the sweetness of the dish came from its accompaniments, however they didn’t over power.

The Terrace Lounge was open for drinks until closing time, after that the Residence Bar was available for residents of the hotel. For those who fancied a change of scenery Industry Nightclub was open with free admission to residents of the hotel.

We enjoyed a comfortable and sound sleep that night and greeted the morning with a full Irish, with fresh orange juice and coffee.

A short return to our room was followed by a relaxing time in the Seoid Spa and Thermal Suite with its hydrotherapy pool, which by the way is for over 16 year olds only, and rooftop jacuzzi before it was time to return to our room to change and checkout.

Our stay was thoroughly enjoyable. Our wining and dining experience memorable. We look forward to returning, whether our next stay is for a relaxing break away, a return to Tayto Park, or a base to explore all that historical Meath has to offer.

For more information on Dunboyne Castle Hotel, and the packages they offer including their newest Tayto Park Family / Couples Package visit their website here.

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