Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

This property is absolutely incredible! It looks beautiful on the website, but experiencing it in person is truly next level. Do not make the mistake we did of staying just for one night! (We were on a jam packed trip around Ireland and stayed here on the way to Dublin airport the next morning after driving the Ring of Kerry... and I am glad we got to experience this slice of heaven for one night at least... but oh how lovely it would have been to stay another night or several!) Driving up to the building is a jaw dropping moment. After a long drive past the golf course, the manor house comes into view, and you're struck by this panorama of essential Ireland with the stone contrasting against the blue and grey of the sky. Every detail inside the building is beautiful and perfect (I am still not sure how they have a round atrium and curved hallways inside of this rectangular building?!) The bathrooms are enormous, with strong hot water and the most powerful air conditioning. This is not a budget hotel, but the level of luxury on the inside is well above the actual dollar amount that you're paying. We had dinner in Kathleen's Kitchen - a phenomenal and innovative menu in a memorable space with so many fun historical details to look at. The customer service was impeccable - anticipating our needs almost before we began to speak with any request. We regretted not having time to make use of our complimentary spa access; we also would have enjoyed exploring the walking trails and gardens and taking the history tour offered each morning. If there is any possible way in this lifetime, I will be back!

Arrived Carton House last Friday. Stayed 3 days. The double deluxe rooms were ok, but a long way from the hotel. The food was generally good, but the service, despite good staffing levels, was erratic. Breakfast time was a fiasco. Each morning they couldn't manage to serve a coffee ( due to 2 machines only in operation and strong demand)..the food stations resembled a rush hour in a busy railway station..people queueing for food, juice etc. In such opulent surroundings, this was disappointing. Being asked to wait in some small ante chamber, whilst tables were cleared for new guests arriving for breakfast, was a portent for things to come. Why on earth the hotel doesn't just seat everyone, take orders for their breakfast when seated, and deliver to each table, I simply don't understand. This would reduce food waste, require less staff, stop the flow of people to and from both ends of the dining room, and provide a much more relaxed and harmonious atmosphere in the room. A win win for everyone. The estate is magnificent, the hotel well appointed and an excellent venue for weddings. Lots of activities too. We played both golf courses. O'Meara was a slog, long distances from greens to tee areas, but some spectacular holes at 14 and 16. The Montgomerie course was disapppinting. Suitably uninspiring. We took buggies but 4.5 hours to play a round behind 4 hackers, who simply should not have been allowed on the course, was frustrating..handicap certificates should be requested before guests can access the course. Not a course to be recommended. Overall my family enjoyed the experience but at £5000 for 3 nights, it should have delivered more.

Overall the hotel is in a beautiful location, with well maintained grounds and great, clean family room. Food is excellent however the service at both dinner and breakfast was very disappointing and does not meet the price tag nor the star rating of the hotel. Few examples - we waited for over an hour with two young children to be seated for dinner at Kathleen’s Kitchen. As soon as we sat down multiple tables around us were complaining of delays and missing orders, which continued with us as we waited 30 minutes for a bread basket. Breakfast was again disappointing…plates / glasses / juices not replenished and milk for tea was served in a paper cup. All issues raised to the hotel upon departure and no email communications received. Very disappointing and wouldn’t recommend for young families.

Great staff in helping to set up, very accomadating

Expect to pay a 30% premium in The Carriage House cafe. Tea is a teabag in a mug for €4.40. Not even a teapot. Scones are €5.50. The surroundings are very nice and comfortable. I guess this is what you are paying for.