Mount Juliet Estate is a historic country property in Ireland’s County Kilkenny which is also part of the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection of hotels. This 5-star accommodation is the absolute epitome of luxury and elegance.
I was lucky enough to stay in the Manor House at Mount Juliet Estate in early spring. And, from the moment I arrived as part of my Ireland road trip, I had one of those pinch-me-now types of moments!
The natural beauty of the estate’s grounds combined with the refined, symmetrical, ivy-covered stone facade of the Manor House nestled into the Irish countryside couldn’t have been staged more perfectly for a movie shoot.
In this guide, I share my personal experience at Marriott’s Mount Juliet Estate while, hopefully, also showing you why you won’t want to miss staying at this gorgeous historic estate during your trip to Ireland.
Disclosure: This guide is sponsored by Marriott International. However, I independently booked and paid for my stay at Mount Juliet Estate as part of my trip to Ireland. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.
Where is Mount Juliet Estate?
The setting of Mount Juliet Estate could not be more idyllic. Gently sloping hills awash in greenery guide you to the grounds of the estate. Once there, the footpaths lead you from the Manor House and Hunter’s Yard through multi-colored gardens, along the River Nore, and to the estate’s outdoor amenities.
Mount Juliet Estate is just 20 minutes from the city of Kilkenny in the southeastern corner of Ireland. Kilkenny has roots that date back to the 6th century. The city’s medieval past is well-preserved in places like Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and Kilkenny’s Medieval Museum.
If driving directly from Dublin, the estate is a 90-minute drive via M7/M9, two of Ireland’s main highways. Once settled within the estate’s tranquil grounds, you won’t believe the M9 is just 10 minutes away!
You can also easily use Marriott’s Mount Juliet Estate as a base to explore the area. Within a 30-90 minute drive, you’ll find yourself at historic sites like the Rock of Cashel and Glendalough, as well as the Wicklow Mountains and towns like Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow.
If you’re road-tripping through Ireland as I was, Mount Juliet Estate is the perfect place to stop on your way to Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and the spectacular Dingle Peninsula.
Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection
Mount Juliet Estate is affiliated with the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program. Specifically, the property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a line of independent boutique hotels that offer upscale stays and one-of-a-kind spaces and experiences.
Some of my own most memorable Marriott stays have been at Autograph Collection hotels, including Mount Juliet Estate and Sina Villa Medici in Florence, Italy. In fact, when looking at Marriott properties for my travels, I always keep an eye out for those that are part of the Autograph Collection.
If you’re a rewards traveler like me who joins and takes advantage of hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, you’ll also appreciate how lovely it is to find accommodations outside of bigger cities.
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points for stays at Mount Juliet Estate, as well as have their Marriott status recognized during their stay. Marriott Free Night Awards can also be used to stay at Mount Juliet Estate assuming the dynamic rewards price matches the value of the Free Night Award.
Marriott Bonvoy points earned from paid cash rate stays can be redeemed for future award nights, as well as transferred to 40+ Marriott Bonvoy airline partners so you can book award flights to destinations around the world.
Rooms at Mount Juliet Estate
Mount Juliet offers guests two distinct places to stay within the estate, the Manor House or the Hunter’s Yard.
The Manor House is the original property on the estate, dating back to the 1750s when the Earl of Carrick and his wife Lady Juliet built the estate and made it their home.
The first glimpse of the great staircase with its royal purple carpeting and chandelier overhead transports you to a period of nobility and grandeur. The 32 bedrooms within the Manor House carry through this romantic atmosphere with decor that’s both timeless and welcoming. Among these bedrooms, you can choose from standard rooms, king rooms with garden and river views, and suites.
The rooms at Hunter’s Yard are newer but still classically designed with warm, modern touches. There are twin, double, and king rooms, as well as executive-level rooms and a suite. Many of these rooms overlook the estate gardens.
All rooms in both places also come with a Nespresso and tea maker, bottles of water, a hairdryer, good complimentary Wifi, satellite/cable TV, and Bulgari bathroom soaps and lotions. A full breakfast is also included each morning.
My Mount Juliet Estate Experience
From the moment I drove into the estate, I was taken aback. In all honesty, I hadn’t realized how vast the property would be! At that moment, I understood that this would be a stay like no other I had planned during my Ireland trip.
I followed the signs pointing towards the Manor House and parked just alongside it in the free guest parking area, not realizing there was a complimentary valet service as well.
Whether you’re a lover of history, architecture, or romantic houses positioned perfectly in a natural setting, you’ll swoon at your first glimpse of Mount Juliet’s Manor House! It’s the quintessential stately countryside home you’d expect to see on an episode of Downton Abbey or Bridgerton.
Entering, I was swept away by the ambiance of the main foyer while being greeted with a smile and ushered into the office room to check in. After a warm reception where my Marriott Bonvoy status was acknowledged and I was given information about the Manor House and the estate, a staff member showed me to my room one level up.
I stayed in a beautiful standard room in the Manor House adorned in classic floral wallpaper and with a view overlooking the greenery and pathways at the front of the house. No detail was overlooked from the soothing bathrobe and slippers to the jar of lemon drops with a note explaining their historical connection to the estate.
What I loved about the Manor House and my room was how inviting and rejuvenating the spaces were. Instead of feeling stuffy, the lavish decor only added to this coziness for both a truly luxurious and homey feel. After a day of sightseeing and driving, it was so relaxing to sink into the plush bedding and let the serenity of the estate and the Manor House set in.
Restaurants and Bars at Mount Juliet Estate
Mount Juliet Estate has several fantastic food and drink options depending on whether you want a fine dining experience, a casual meal, or simply drinks and snacks. You’ll find places to eat and drink at both the Manor House and Hunter’s Yard.
Lady Helen, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is situated within the Manor House. It’s open for dinner every night except on Sundays and Mondays. The restaurant serves 3, 7, and 9-course tasting menus with options for vegetarians and vegans. The menus feature classic Irish dishes made with the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Wine pairings are also available.
I did not dine at Lady Helen during my Mount Juliet Estate stay. I arrived at the hotel famished but was not prepared for an upscale dining experience with a smart casual to more formal dress code. Luckily though, by staying in the Manor House, I didn’t miss out on enjoying the views that you’ll have while dining at Lady Helen.
At Hunter’s Yard, you’ll find The Hound, a more casual eatery with a perfectly positioned all-season terrace to enjoy the views of the estate’s famed golf course. The menu also serves dishes that are prepared with ingredients to highlight local flavors. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available, too.
I ate at Hunter’s Yard which was just a few minutes walk from the Manor House. I used part of the Wall Garden & Fairy Trail for a scenic walk within the estate’s grounds, which was not only relaxing but also a reprieve from having to get back in the car to find a place for dinner.
My entree included salmon and greens which were delicious. The service was attentive but also allowed me time to savor my meal and enjoy the views.
If there’s one thing I wish I had done during my stay it would be having afternoon tea at the Manor House! The only thing that would make the setting any more classic would be if everyone was wearing period clothing dating back a couple of hundred years.
Every day between lunch and dinner, you can sit for afternoon tea in Major’s Bar or the Manor House lawn. Service includes a pot of tea, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as cakes and sweet treats. You can even add champagne if you want to toast something special or up the level of fancy!
At both the Manor House and Hunter’s Yard, you’ll find bars where you can unwind with an afternoon drink or pre-dinner cocktail. Major’s Bar and the 1757 Bar occupy beautiful spaces in the Manor House and come with outdoor views and a cozy sitting room atmosphere. Saddle Bar is at Hunter’s Yard where its fresh look blends with the estate’s tradition of horseback riding.
If you’re spending time on Mount Juliet’s golf course, head to The Clubhouse afterward to enjoy a drink as you recount all your best shots.
Things to Do at Mount Juliet Estate
Besides melting into the comfort of your room, you’ll absolutely want to get outside to enjoy the grounds of the estate!
The Mount Juliet golf course offers a world-renowned golfing experience on a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. It spans 180 acres across the estate’s kelly-green grounds and has hosted numerous professional golf tournaments over the past 3 decades. In fact, Tiger Woods won the American Express World Golf Championship here in 2002.
Aside from teeing off down a fairway, guests at Mount Juliet Estate can go horseback riding, hike, bike, fish, practice their archery skills, and stroll among the flower gardens. If you prefer to simply relax outdoors, the staff can help you prepare a picnic complete with a basket of gourmet goodies!
At Hunter’s Yard, you’ll find a fitness center, pool, and spa where you can work out, sit by the pool, and perhaps go for a massage or facial.
And new since my visit, the Manor House now has a 12-seater classic movie theater. The movies are shown at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. each day with a rotating schedule of movies.
During my visit, I particularly enjoyed the walking trails and gardens. For me, walking within the estate grounds completed the experience of staying at a stately home in the countryside. Whether it’s somewhere along the banks of the River Nore or with the Manor House clearly in sight, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve landed in your own Irish countryside fairytale.
Mount Juliet’s Customer Service & Staff
Admittedly, I didn’t have a lot of interaction with the Mount Juliet staff. That being said, whenever I needed something, someone was there to help. I also always appreciate when my hotel loyalty program membership and status are recognized, which in this case was Marriott Bonvoy.
In particular, what stands out for me is that the staff at Mount Juliet Estate struck the right balance of being attentive while not overbearing. Perhaps it’s just my preference, but having stayed at other 5-star hotels (especially as a solo traveler), it gets tiresome when you feel as if you need to constantly interact with even the most well-intentioned staff members.
Should You Book a Stay at Mount Juliet Estate?
Without a doubt, Mount Juliet Estate was the best place I stayed in the Irish countryside. The ambiance and history of the Manor House combined with how comfortable my room was and the beauty of the estate itself added up to an unforgettable stay. Not to mention, you can’t plan a trip through the Irish countryside without including a stay at a historic estate or castle!
In addition, the hotel’s partnership with Marriott Bonvoy was a huge plus for me. I like being rewarded for hotel stays, whether that means I’m redeeming points for a stay or earning points for a future stay. And more so, I enjoy the perks that come with membership and Marriott’s commitment to having a diverse portfolio of properties that gives members the opportunity to be rewarded for stays at a truly special place like Mount Juliet Estate.
Whether you’re on your way to the Ring of Kerry, doing a loop from Dublin to Galway and the Connemara, or you’re in search of a few days of serenity in the Irish countryside, I highly recommend planning a stay at Marriott’s Mount Juliet Estate.
Mount Juliet Estate FAQs
Marriott’s Mount Juliet Estate is located just 20 minutes south of Kilkenny, 90 minutes southwest of Dublin, and about 3 hours east of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.
The estate has rooms and suites available in its historic Manor House and more contemporary rooms at Hunter’s Yard, also within the grounds of the estate.
The medieval city of Kilkenny is a can’t-miss stop on a trip to Ireland. Kilkenny Castle has been magnificently restored and St. Canice’s Cathedral dates back to the 13th century.
The Rock of Cashel and the lesser-known Hore Abbey are just an hour by car. While places like Wexford, Waterford, and the Wicklow Mountains are also within reach on a day trip.
Yes. The estate boasts the Lady Helen dining room, a Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as The Hound, a more casual place to eat overlooking the Mount Juliet golf course. The Manor House and Hunter’s Yard also have bars where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
So, what questions do you have about Mount Juliet Estate and planning your Ireland trip?
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