Luttrellstown Castle Resort
The enduring legacy of Luttrellstown Castle Resort lies in its successful navigation of eight centuries of Irish history. From its origins as a military stronghold within the Pale to its current status as an award-winning luxury resort, the estate has maintained a consistent standard of grandeur. The stewardship of only seven owners over 600 years has allowed for a remarkably coherent preservation of both the architectural fabric and the natural landscape. Whether defined by the Dutch masterpieces in the Van Stry Ballroom, the "inland links" of the MacKenzie/Steel golf course, or the memory of iconic royal and celebrity guests, Luttrellstown remains one of the most significant and well-preserved examples of an Irish castle estate. It is a place where "gracious living is combined with a timeless sense of calm and tranquility," bridging the gap between Ireland's historic past and its sophisticated future.
The current aesthetic profile of Luttrellstown Castle is a masterful synthesis of medieval foundations, Gothic revivalism, and refined Georgian interiors. Much of the present appearance is attributed to the 2nd Earl of Carhampton, Henry Lawes Luttrell, who oversaw extensive remodeling in the late 18th century. However, it is the interior of the castle that contains its most remarkable artistic treasures, many of which were integrated during the ownership of the Guinness family in the early to mid-20th century.
The castle contains several world-class state rooms, each characterized by specific artistic and functional identities:
The Van Stry Ballroom: This grand banquet hall is named after the Dutch artist Abraham Van Stry (1753–1826), whose exquisite wall panels adorn the space. The ceiling is the work of Jacob de Wit (1696–1754), the most prominent Dutch ceiling painter of his day. The room is defined by floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light and views of the parkland, illuminated at night by magnificent crystal chandeliers.
The Kentian Room: Modeled after the architectural idioms of William Kent, this room was remodeled between the 1910s and 1950s to harmonize Baroque and Georgian styles. It serves as a more intimate space compared to the Van Stry Ballroom, often used for smaller receptions or as an extension for large-scale events.
The Grisaille Room: Formerly a games room used for high-stakes gambling, this space contains a series of grey and white oil panels by Peter de Gree.The paintings depict "Mercury Introducing the Arts and History to Hibernia" and utilize the trompe-l'oeiltechnique to create the optical illusion of three-dimensional depth on flat surfaces.
The Library: A testament to Dublin’s historical status as a global leader in bookbinding, the library houses over 900 volumes, some of which are more than 300 years old. The collection includes a rare Holy Bible dating back to the 1600s.
Luxury Accommodations: "A Room with a Story"
Accommodation at Luttrellstown Castle Resort is defined by its exclusivity and thematic historical focus. The castle contains 20 individually designed bedrooms, each named after a prominent historical figure or guest associated with the estate. These rooms are not standard hotel rooms but are part of a private-hire package that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the "magic of an authentic Irish castle".
The guest rooms skillfully blend 15th-century stylistic elements with modern luxuries, featuring four-poster beds, vintage chaise longues, freestanding marble bathtubs, and opulent furnishings.
The Sir Geoffrey Suite: Named after the estate’s founder, this large first-floor suite consists of three separate rooms, including a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a comfortable sitting room with a grand bookcase and fireplace, and a lavish en-suite with dual sinks and a walk-in shower.
The Luttrell Room: Situated above the castle’s arched entranceway, this master suite features an exceptionally high ceiling and a large bay window that offers north-east facing views over the 567-acre estate.
Signature Amenities: All castle bedrooms are equipped with Molton Brown bathroom beauty accessories, luxurious 100% cotton bed linen, and a turndown service that includes Luttrellstown chocolates.
The Gardener's Cottage: For larger groups, this nearby facility provides an additional five bedrooms, allowing the resort to accommodate approximately 50 overnight guests in total when combined with the castle.
The Championship Golf Course: An Inland Links Paradise
The 18-hole championship golf course at Luttrellstown is recognized as a global destination for the sport. Designed by the celebrated architects Tom MacKenzie and Donald Steel—whose portfolio includes prestigious venues like St. Andrews and Turnberry—the course is a masterwork of parkland design. In 2007, a €20 million redevelopment project transformed the course into a facility of true championship standard, with all greens re-contoured to meet USGA specifications.
Measuring 7,347 yards from the championship tees, the course is a par-72 challenge that integrates the natural beauty of the estate. It features "links-style" false bunkering, revetted bunkers, and gorse, which has led many to describe it as an "inland links". The course is noted for its length and technical difficulty: three of the four par-3 holes exceed 200 yards, and six of the ten par-4s measure over 400 yards.
The course design intentionally incorporates the estate's historical features, with holes winding past the River Liffey, the vintage boathouse, and the time-worn Doric Temple. In 2020, Golf Digest Ireland ranked Luttrellstown at #54 in its top 100 courses, highlighting its continued relevance in a highly competitive market.
Culinary Excellence and Clubhouse Hospitality
The dining experience at Luttrellstown Castle Resort is split between the exclusive environment of the castle and the more accessible, modern Clubhouse. The Clubhouse serves as the social heart of the golf operations, offering several dining outlets:
Rugged Lane Restaurant: A fine-dining establishment open on Friday and Saturday evenings and for Sunday lunch. It offers a modern take on high-quality locally sourced produce in an intimate, relaxed setting.
The Club Bar: Located in the Clubhouse, this bar and its outdoor terrace serve hot meals and cold drinks daily (Fri–Sun for full service), catering to both members and the general public.
The Spike Bar: Open seven days a week, this is the primary outlet for golfers, providing morning coffee, breakfast, and lunch.
Afternoon Tea at the Castle: While the castle is generally an exclusive-hire venue, Afternoon Tea is offered to the public on selected dates throughout the year, such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. This allows non-hire guests a rare opportunity to experience the historic state rooms.
Country Pursuits and Estate Management
The 567-acre walled estate is a sanctuary for traditional country activities and biodiversity. It houses over 300 species of trees and plants, and the parkland is meticulously maintained to preserve its 600-year-old character. Beyond golf, the resort offers a suite of high-end outdoor experiences:
Falconry: This is one of the resort's most popular activities. Guests can participate in "Hawk Walks," flying Harris Hawks tree-to-fist, or experience displays with various owls, including Eagle Owls like "Teddy" and Bengal Owls like "Lincoln".
Fishing: The 20-acre Liffey-fed lake provides a spectacular setting for angling, featuring an enchanting waterfall and a vintage boathouse.
Other Activities: The estate facilitates archery, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting, 4x4 driving, horse riding, and historical tours.