A cultural experience that will taste like no other, make your way to Kilkenny for a weekend of food, history and utter luxury at the Mount Juliet Estate.

Escape to the Kilkenny countryside for a 5 Star weekend in the luxurious Mount Juliet Estate. Take in the wealth of Kilkenny’s food heritage and add a dash, or five, of opulence, this is country living with elegance. Steep yourself in the estates heritage, history, and food traditions, visit the bustle of Kilkenny’s medieval town and experience Irish food with an Italian twist.

Arrive to fresh Kilkenny country air on Friday afternoon. Drop off your bags, after a warm welcome and being shown to your manor house superior room at Mount Juliet Estate. Step through the front doors, to a sweeping staircase, and make your way to a room where no luxury will be omitted. Eye the gorgeous bath tub, and plan a well-deserved soak before bed. But before you settle in for the evening, it’s off to Kilkenny for a little food and heritage first.

Wander narrow streets, with ancient medieval buildings, quaint little shops and pubs, and the sound of Irish traditional music seeping out the doors, make your way to the Castle, and then across the parade a dining experience awaits. This is Ristorant Rinnucini, where food is served the way Chef Antonio remembers it from childhood. He cooks with the ingredients of his region.  Olive oils, Italian charcuterie and cheese, and wines are sourced from selected suppliers and artisan producers in Italy. All fresh fish, meat and seasonal vegetables come from Ireland. Rinuccini provides the perfect marriage between Italian cuisine and fresh Irish produce.

Retire to Mount Juliet for a peaceful night's sleep, wake to an impressive breakfast brimming with Ireland’s finest yoghurts, cheeses, oats and meats. Then head to Highbank Orchards, where you will tour their orchards, stroll beneath sun dappled trees and taste the fruits of their labour in craft gins, vodkas, and ciders. Return from Highbank to a tour of Mount Juliet Estate, taking in a church ruin, rolling golf courses, fishing lakes and the stud. Enjoy the many little walk ways and picturesque surroundings as your host Des explains the history of the grand estate.

Indulge in a little more luxury at the Mount Juliet Spa. Smell the essential oils burning, the softness of a fluffy robe, and the gentle ease of total relaxation as you unwind with a series of massages, that will leave you putty in their hands. Perhaps enjoy a cup of elegant tea in the lounge, a stay by the fire, or head upstairs to get glammed up for your extravagant last supper. This will be a 9 Course Tasting menu, paired with wines that will mingle and enhance the flavours. You will come downstairs to meet the Chef Ken Harker, who will explain the wonder that’s in store. Then sit back and sip, as plate after plate of culinary brilliance is placed before you. Discuss each dish at length, you won’t be able to help yourself, and drink in the elegant dining experience that is The Lady Helen Restaurant.

Retire to a long soak in the tub, and one last night curled up in the lap of luxury. Awake to breakfast with all the trimmings and one last stroll, or perhaps a bit of golf on the estate. Make the most of it, return to check out and find a Gourmet Gift Souvenir from Good Food Ireland, to unpack when you get home, each little artisan bite will be a memory of your luxury Kilkenny weekend.

–          3 Nights’ Accommodation in a Manor House Superior Room at Kilkenny’s Luxurious 5 Star Mount Juliet Estate 

–          3 Course Dinner with Tea & Coffee at Rinnucinis 

–          1.5 Hour Private Tasting & Tour of Highbank Orchids and Craft Distillery 

–          Private Tour of Mount Juliet Estate with your Host 

–          Relaxing Spa Treatment: 20 Minute Indian Head Massage & 30 Minute Foot & Hand Massage 

–          9 Course Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings in a Michelin Star Lady Helen Restaurant 

–          Personal Meet & Greet with Executive Chef Ken Harker of Lady Helen 

–          Good Food Ireland Gift / Gourmet Souvenir 

–          Ireland Food Travel Map