Formerly known as Johnstown House Hotel, The Johnstown Estate is just 35 minutes drive from Dublin on the M4.
Following recent refurbishment it has a classy ambience and - thanks mainly to the friendly and helpful staff - a warm and relaxing atmosphere, making it a popular short break destination
Although conveniently close to the motorway, the mainly modern hotel is set on a120-acre estate and has a carefully restored mid-18th century country house at its heart - and something of its country house atmosphere lives on. The original house is only a small part of the hotel, but it is the focal point and an unusually fine feature is a drawing room with a ceiling by the Francini brothers, renowned for the beauty and skill of their decorative plasterwork.
In addition to rooms in the hotel, 40 self-catering lodges offer excellent accommodation for families and groups of friends - many are attracted by the on-site shopping and the state of the art Leisure Centre and Spa, with a 20-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi and Canadian hot tub (Spa Packages are offered.)
Good food is another attraction of this pleasing hotel and Head chef Thomas Butler and his team take pride in the local ingredients - especially beef - served in the unusual Fire & Salt restaurant. The main lobby area, The Atrium, which is a bright and welcoming space with interesting artworkthat is used for Afternoon Tea service - and an intriguing feature is that its colourful translucent walls are made of Himalayan Rock Salt, which also makes an appearance on the menu as a decorative condiment.
Except for Sunday Lunch, Fire & Salt is an evening destination and has its own bar (cocktails are a speciality) and The Coach House Brasserie - which is accessed directly from the lobby or through the main door from the car park - offers good informal dining at other times. With a slightly pubby atmosphere and comfortable seating, including booths, it makes an atmospheric setting for casual dining and, as well as serving consistently good and reasonably priced food, the lovely staff always add something special to a visit here.
While it is especially popular for weddings, and makes a lovely venue, Johnstown House is also very attractive for corporate events and business meetings, and has a dedicated outdoor events and corporate activity centre on site (Quest Corporate Events).
The spa and leisure club, shopping outlets and convenient location just west of Dublin all make this handsome hotel an appealing destination and it's a lovely place to break a journey - although it can be tricky working out how to avoid paying the motorway toll twice, as the exit and re-entry points near the hotel entrance are also are right beside the toll booths.
