Hotel review: Wicklow's Tulfarris House is a fairway to golfing heaven
Resort's Golf Hotel & Tulfarris The Fairways Restaurant
An elegant, landscaped drive sweeps you up the 18th century manor on the shores of the Blessington Lakes and belted by the Wicklow mountains.
The Manor House is part of the offering at the four-star Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort on 210-acres and can be privately hired.
Handy from Dublin, and a 20-minute drive from the N7, we make it from Cork in two and half hours.
There are big plans afoot by new owners, The Mayrange Hospitality Group. This is their fifth Irish property and third golfing venue.
The main hotel has undergone a full redesign, with a fresh lobby, and grand staircase, leading to a roomy mezzanine.
In the Manor House, you feel like you’re in an episode of Bridgerton, with opulent suites, high ceilings, ornate reception rooms, original art and plush furnishings.
Little touches like a chess board in the library elevate spaces. It’s a pleasing mix of old school luxury with all the modern conveniences.
We check in at the main hotel and are brought to the Manor House by golf buggy.
It’s friendly and easy with the staff knowledgeable and eager to chat about the changes.
In the Manor House it’s keys instead of swipe cards and when I break out in a sweat in case I lose them, I’m assured it will all be ok.
Most staff have worked here for a number of years and all are so welcoming.
There are seven rooms in the 18th century house, all individually designed and named after Blessington’s flora. I stay in the delightful Sorrell Suite.
My room has a king size bed with oversized headboard in moss green. Everything feels considered, from the deep carpets, chandelier, fireplace and gilded frames, to the reading materials.
Add modern conveniences like rain showers and underfloor heating and expansive lake views and you are set for a great stay. The Manor House has seven bedrooms and must be rented in its entirety.
A QR code to the spa brochure, another neat example of discrete technology.
Complimentary water is presented in paper-based carton with a little spiel telling us that Tulfarris comes from the Gaelic ‘Tulac Fherghus’. Eco-edu hydration, what will they think of next?
There’s Bewley’s coffee machines with pods, tea and all the trimmings, a mini bar, fluffy bathrobes, slippers, Rituals collection of bathroom goodies — great to see the refillable options too.
We dine in The Fairway Restaurant, an airy space with a wall of windows overlooking the golf course. There’s plenty of choice and innovation on the menu — most noticeably in the desserts.
What looks like a rather shiny green apple reveals itself as a cleverly disguised mousse and spice apple compote dipped in glaze, oat crumb and ginger anglaise.
There’s a decent wine list too but we go for a cocktail — The Big Swing. The Brasserie is an option for those looking for a more casual dining experience. Breakfast is a strong offering, with local-sourced produce. Extras like smoothies and fresh juice are appreciated.
Estate activities include falconry, clay pigeon shooting, and archery but there’s no pool. Tulfarris has an 18-hole golf course with lessons from club pro, Tom O’Neil.
I’m more interested in the chic new spa, a serene space, with four treatment rooms, a dual treatment room and salon. The spa uses Elemis products and I book in for an express facial (€65).
Having sensitive skin, it’s been an age since I’ve let anyone near my face. A deeply relaxing half-hour later, I chill in the relaxation room with no flare ups, and dare I say it, a bit of glow?
A collaboration with nutritionist Rosanna Davison means there’s a healthy spa lunch menu with vegan options too.
A little niggle, there's a good hairdryer provided but I can't find a spot to plug it in near a mirror. There's no swimming pool but we are told it is possibly part of the next stage of developments.
There are six accessible bedrooms in the main hotel.
Very. They do a nice collaboration package with Russborough House that the kids would enjoy. The package includes dinner, bed & breakfast, tour of Rossborough House, Birds of Prey Experience & Russborough Maze. Prices start at €269 pp.
Service dogs only.
14 EV chargers are being installed.
- Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort
- Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow
- tulfarrishotel.com
- 9/10 - this refurbished lakeside resort shows character, charm and plenty of ambition
- The 'Tulfarris Gourmet Getaway' package includes dinner and bed & breakfast for 2 in the main hotel, from €219.
- Esther McCarthy was a guest of Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort.