After a busy week at the office and too much fun at the #HerParty, I could feel my shoulders dropping as I arrived outside the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa in Co Meath.
The four-star hotel is located in the small village of Dunboyne, offering a beautifully tranquil setting that is easily accessible either by car or public transport from Dublin. Initial impressions of the hotel are overwhelmingly positive, with the well-tended greens and sweeping drive reflecting the overall care and attention that has gone into the venue's refurbishment in recent years.
The original castle on the Dunboyne estate, owned by the Butler family, was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell, with the current building completed in 1764. Having gone through many incarnations, it was bought by its present owners in 1999 and reopened as the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa in 2006. The lovingly restored period features of the hotel are stunningly presented, with each room managing to seamingly blend modern luxury with classic touches that make you feel as if you've stepped onto the set of Downton Abbey.
After being shown to our spacious room by the very friendly staff, we made our way downstairs to meet Head Chef John Nagle, who gave us an interesting demonstration of the hotel's signature dessert, Smashed Chocolate. After eating far too much of this tasty treat, we readied ourselves for dinner and popped into The Library in the old wing of the castle for a pre-meal drink and to admire the uniquely detailed chandeliers and decorative touches.
Next, it was on to the Drawing Room, which had been prepared for a private dining experience with tapered candles, crisp linens and an elegant corniced ceiling. The menu again reflected a marriage of classic and modern and I began with an Angus Beef Carpaccio with pickled carrot, aged Parmesan, wholegrain mustard dressing and baby rocket, followed by Pan Fried Duck Breast and Confit of Leg Spring Roll with butternut squash purée, baby turnip, sweet potato fondant and a Madeira Jus. After ending my gastronomic excursion with Milk Chocolate and Pistachio Mousse, served with white chocolate ice-cream and a vanilla tuile, it's fair to say I was stunned, satisfied and only set for a quick nightcap in the cosy Sadlier Bar before retreating to my room for the night.
Next morning, I enjoyed a fresh and tasty breakfast before making my way to the Seoid Spa for some much-needed pampering. The expansive spa uses organic Voya products for its wide range of treatments and is also home to a thermal and hydrotherapy programme. We took a dip in the Hydrotherapy Pool to loosen up before heading to the thermal area, where we tried the crystal steam room, herb sauna and laconium.
One of my favourite moments of the whole trip came when we discovered the outdoor hot tub and sat back enjoying the warm bubbles and the view of the beautiful grounds surrounding the castle. While I was in no rush to climb out again, it would be a sin not to experience all that Dunboyne Castle has to offer so I headed into the spa for a back, neck and shoulder massage.
My therapist showed me to a calming treatment room and checked what type of pressure I would like before beginning with a blissful foot cleansing ritual. The scent of the Voya products was amazing throughout the experience as my skilled masseuse expertly worked out all of the stresses that had manifested themselves in my body. By the time I strolled into the Relaxation Room for some fresh juice and chill time, I was practically floating on air.
After a tasty lunch and a read of the papers in the Terrace Lounge, it was time to head back to reality but I was very sorry to leave the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa. The venue is extremely popular for weddings and it's easy to see why, with the breathtaking surroundings equally matched by some of the most friendly staff that I've encountered.
The hotel also offers some very attractive packages for overnight stays and spa treatments so if you're in need of a little TLC, check out
www.dunboynecastlehotel.com.
