By John Ellis
My daughter as a journalist has written many holiday and hotel reviews and I asked her how I should go about compiling a piece of my recent stay in Mount Juliet. She said try and get an initial impression and put it in a few words or one sentence. So, my first impression was overwhelmingly lovely.
From the moment I left my car till I walked back the next day, it was a feast for the senses. I was met on the way to the house, brought to reception and while I waited for my key I met with Sean a local historian and expert on the house, resplendent in his uniform. He moved about talking to guests and giving them a potted history of the house.
The Manor House had recently reopened following an €8 million refurbishment that increased the suites from 8 to 24, led by Irish interior designer Aisling Healy of O’Donnell O’Neill with a strong emphasis on Irish craftsmanship and suppliers.
I was shown to one of those suites, the York Suite. So big it required two televisions. It was lovely in every way. The bed was huge. The décor, unique to the room, was beautiful. The sitting area opened out to a walled patio which was a suntrap, overlooking the front of the hotel.
I and the other invited guests gathered in the Major’s Bar, named after Major-General Sir Hugh McCalmont who once lived at Mount Juliet Estate, where the champagne flowed. Again, the decor and furniture were magnificent. There was an old world feel with every modern convivence, and a portrait of the major himself watched down over the proceeding throughout.
The assembled guests were given a history of the restoration by Aisling Healy of O’ Donnell O’Neill Design. The discussion ranged from wallpaper and furniture design to interesting titbits about everyday items found during the work; 10 packs of Woodbine cigarettes, notes, bills, invoices and signatures on the walls behind the old wallpaper.
General Manager Mark Dunne informed us that the investment reflects long-term confidence in Ireland’s luxury tourism segment: “This investment is fundamentally about aligning our offering with the level of demand we are seeing from international luxury travellers. Increasing the suite capacity within The Manor allows us to compete more effectively at the top end of the market, while ensuring the heritage and character of the estate remain central to the guest experience.”
One thing was evident, yes, this was a business to make money but from listening to Mark and speaking with Barrry English, the owner, his wife and senior staff, this was a labour of love with a desire to pass on the house to the next generations intact.
We were then invited to make our way to the Michelin-starred restaurant Lady Helen. On the way we were met by the staff who oversaw this memorable time. The dinner was seven courses over the evening, and my favourite course was the Mullaghmore lobster with violet artichoke, green olive and Rossini golden caviar. Throughout the meal we were invited to try several wines that were paired specially with the food.
The service was exceptional. The staff so professional and even a little theatre when the finished plates were taken away. The final course was the ‘Lady Helen Sweet Trolley’. It was wheeled out and when the lids were opened the desserts rose up from within and with the waiter were bathed in a warm light – nice touch. After the meal whoever wished moved downstairs to the bar with the ever-attentive staff. Its low lighting and vaulted ceilings made for a relaxing time. Music was on hand and was exceptional.
Eventually it was time to return to my room where my bed was turned down, and a ‘goodnight’ note with a lovely gift of boxed whiskey glasses bearing the Mount Juliet logo and a three pack of Redbreast whiskeys to sample in my own time.
I awoke refreshed next morning and at the flick of a switch the curtains drew back to a lovely sunny morning. Down for an early breakfast in the Lady Helen. And at checkout received another parting gift of local foodstuffs from the chef John Kelly and his staff,
I left the estate bathed in sunshine to meet the day with fond memories that will last for a long time. Definitely, overwhelmingly lovely.
