Lonely Planet Review

Unrivalled views of Kilkenny Castle are just the beginning at this palatial, privately-owned place at the river's edge, with a suite of amenities including a respected restaurant, an award-winning health club with a sunlit indoor lap pool, a wraparound bar and a cobblestone terrace overlooking the bridge, and lavish rooms.

Opened in 1999, this four-star place is well worth splurging on - especially if you sling a bit extra for one of the 18 rooms with views of the castle, which is dramatically floodlit at night. Another eight rooms have side views of the castle, so try for one of those if you're keeping your budget somewhat in check. All 90 rooms have elegant rattan and timber furniture, and the marble bathrooms all come with bathtubs as well as decadent H2O body butter, sea salt body wash, sea marine shampoo and marine collagen conditioner as well as Gilchrist & Soames accoutrements like shoe shiners. If you're looking for the tea- and coffee-making facilities, they're in the wardrobe. On-site parking and breakfast are included, and staff are professional and genuine in equal measure.