Sometimes you just need to get away from it all - but not too far! Recently, we took a jaunt out the M50 to Kildare's stunning Killashee House Hotel. From the menus to the massages, here are seven reasons we thing you might enjoy a visit too... _________________________________ On the road again We were a little spoiled on venturing out to Killashee from the capital. Even in Friday evening traffic, we managed to reach our destination in only 30 minutes. Hitting a spot where you have 280 acres of gardens, walkways and parkland to explore at your leisure normally means a much longer road-trip, as any Dublin-dweller will tell you. The fact that it looks as though you’re driving up to Hogwarts can only be considered a bonus. Killashee House is located 30kms from Dublin City Centre, 2kms outside Naas Town and 40km from Dublin Airport. A-Maze-ing We were given a friendly warning upon check-in about the maze-like nature of the hotel, and they weren’t kidding. The walkways and add-ons just add to the truly unique appeal of this stunning building, and the time spent exploring was rewarded with the discovery of The Snug. More of that anon… Whole Lotta History The church at Killashee, located on land adjoining the hotel, was founded by St. Patrick in the fifth century. The Moore family, descendants of the earls of Drogheda, commissioned Thomas Turner to design a country house for them in 1861, and this is the building in which the hotel is situated. In the time since, many characters have passed through its halls. One piece of trivia in its colourful back story – in 1961 it was offered for sale, and the government offered to buy it for use as a women’s prison. The Country Club If you can tear yourself away from your room or the restaurants, a trip to the spa is a little bit of relaxation heaven. Take a dip in the 25m swimming pool, enjoy a sauna, steam room, or Jacuzzi, or get a workout in with a fully equipped gymnasium. It’s the Villa Spa we fell for though. After a pampering Elemis massage, we retired to the Hydrotherapy Suite and let the water wash away the headaches of the week… Eat Me On reflection, it’s probably fair to say most of our weekend was spent eating. No judgment – please. After our arrival on Friday night we sampled Turners Restaurant, a fine dining experience overlooking the fountain gardens. The meal was delicious and the service exceptionally friendly. After eating our fill, we retired to the deliciously cosy Snug bar for a nightcap. Breakfast on both mornings was served in the Turners, as was an afternoon tea fit for a queen. On our second night, we visited the more informal Jacks Bar & Bistro and soaked up the atmosphere with a mix of happy diners and cocktail drinkers prepping for a party night ahead. The Little Things One of the sweetest things you’ll spot during a stay at Killashee is Emma’s Butterfly Garden. Opened in September 2012, Emma’s Butterfly Garden garden was the brainchild of Emma Fogarty, Patient Ambassador with Debra Ireland. It was her dream to have a butterfly garden in a location where those affected by EB could go to enjoy peace and tranquillity. There is a fountain in ‘Emma’s Butterfly Garden’ where visitors are welcome to throw coins into the Fountain in order to ‘Make a Wish’ and all donations are given to Debra Ireland. Location, Location, Location When you’re enjoying yourself luxury hotel style, it can prove difficult to convince your inner slob to move at all, much less leave the grounds. A jaunt to the outside world is highly recommended though, as you have some pretty fabulous amenities on your doorstep. Fittingly, given that you’re in the thoroughbred county, you’ll find Punchestown, Naas and the Curragh on your doorstep. The shoppers amongst us will also find the proximity to designer mecca Kildare Village highly appealing, while a visit to the Japanese Gardens should be compulsory for every visitor – such is its beauty. We returned home relaxed, refreshed and ready for another week.   For more on Killashee House Hotel, visit their website here or call o45 879277. For a range of special packages, click here.