If you’ve been following the site for a while, you’ll know I’m a big fan of The Heritage in Killenard.
One side effect of this job is that I am constantly asked for hotel recommendations, and now that we’re all planning our laethanta-HERE-a, the reccie requests have really ramped up.
People are sometimes surprised that the hotel I always give a shout out to is The Heritage, with one of my friends who lives in Laois recently replying:
‘Really? It’s right on my doorstep and I’ve never considered it.’
Let me tell you, if you’re looking for a break that doesn’t blow the whole year’s budget, with a fabulous spa, delicious food, and plenty to do and see nearby, you can’t go wrong with a trip to The Heritage, for so many reasons.
You won’t miss the seaside
Another response I get; ‘Ah no I’d rather something by the coast’.
I promise – you won’t miss the seaside when you have beautiful riverside walks along the barrow and miles of unspoilt greenery to enjoy. Vicarstown is just a short journey from the hotel and there you’ll find Barrow Bikes where you can rent a rother and cycle along the Grand Canal and through beautiful open farmlands, arriving at the Fisherman’s Inn for a chowder by the open fire.
If you fancy getting some sightseeing in, the Rock of Dunamase is just a twenty minute drive away and makes for a fun and easy-going climb with beautiful views from the top.
Or, if you fancy a real lazy one, don’t leave the hotel at all and instead snuggle up with popcorn for a movie in the hotel’s private cinema for serious cosy Autumn vibes.
It’s a stone’s throw from Kildare village
If you fancy a spot of shopping, a twenty minute drive in the other direction will land you at Kildare Village where you can get your fix of designer clobber, homewares, cosmetics, sports gear and more with hefty discounts. You’ll struggle to leave this place with empty hands.
They do the best massages in the country
Myself and a fellow guest both agreed we had never had better massages than in The Heritage Spa. I was nearly brought to tears on the table during my Voya Hot Stone massage.
The Voya Hot Stone massage involves warmed leaves of seaweed and organic essential oils layered over the body before heated stones are placed on top of the leaves. This was enough to release any tension in my body without any need for aggressive kneading and my skin was glowing for days afterwards.
It’s a foodie’s dream
From the award-winning breakfast in Blakes to delicious afternoon tea in The Galleria by the open fireplace and back to Blake’s for dinner, there’s zero reason to leave the hotel for food – which is the whole point of a cosy stay, right?
Executive Head Chef Ian Clifford has been at the hotel for years and his dinner menu at Blake’s is enhanced by a strong focus on local produce.
My only regret is that I didn’t try more of the menu – but I loved my dinner so much on the first night that I ordered the exact same thing again the second!! (Monkfish Thai red curry if you’re wondering – see the full menu here.)
It’s the definition of affordable luxury
In these uncertain times, it can be a hard ask to part with the price of a foreign holiday for a hotel stay, which is why The Heritage is such a great option if you’re looking for an affordable break that is still all about luxury.
I’ve spoken about my love of the theatrical lobby here previously. Stepping in and being greeted with the grandiose staircase is like instantly flipping a switch from drudgery to lavish relaxation – even more stark when its raining outside.
Their current offer is a doozy and some of the best value I’ve seen in my research. The ‘Fall into Autumn’ package includes a Superior Room upgrade, Full Irish Breakfast cooked to order each morning, dinner in Blake’s Restaurant, Sugar & Spice Themed Afternoon Tea served with a glass of warm harvest apple cider all for just €99 per person sharing.
Absolute steal!
The Heritage will be delighted to welcome visitors again from Monday Aug 24.Â
