Boasting panaromic views of its Patrick J. Merrigan designed championship golf course from the bright first-floor restaurant Fia Rua, as well as from many of the guest bedrooms, Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort is a smart four-star retreat located on 200 well-maintained acres. A 45-minute drive from Dublin, it is just minutes from Blessington Lakes and within easy reach of local attractions like Russborough House, Huntingbrook Gardens and the adjacent Wicklow mountains.
It’s a hotel that feels modern in its focus and style – with the help of contemporary Irish artwork from the likes of Kelvin Mann – but is also aware of its own history and heritage. The name Tulfarris comes from the Gaelic ‘Tulach Fherghuis’ meaning Fergus’ Hill, and the estate’s history dates from the 16th-century Fitzgerald dynasty. The 18th-century Manor House was home to the Hornridge family until the 1950s, and makes an atmospheric location for weddings and private events.
The main hotel is a more recent build, and feels expansive and welcoming in a relaxed low-key way. A diverse acommodation offering ranges from luxurious suites and king rooms to family rooms and smaller doubles and twins (which offer good value for the budget-conscious guest) and also 3-bed golf lodges.
The main dining destination is upstairs in the Fia Rua, where leather banquette booths, marble-top tables and elegant 1930s-style lighting fixtures bring a touch of retro glamour to what is a smart, comfortable and high-ceilinged space that attracts a mixed clientèle of young couples, family gatherings and golfing buddies.
Personable service is delivered by a well-trained team, and there is some ambition and originality in the menu. It is clear that thought has been put into the small details (such as the mini-loaf of bread served for tearing and mopping), although some elements may work better than others. Starters might be a ham hock terrine with a retro-style piccalilli and sourdough crisps, or a smoked mackerel paté with cucumber, dill, avocado and lime. For main courses, the signature 12-hour pot-roasted feather blade of Irish beef with seasonal root vegetables is a solid bet; while vegetarians are well served with dishes like salt-baked celeriac with pearl barley and a sage butter sauce. Desserts have been approached with some imagination – think tonka bean semi freddo with fresh strawberries and meringue – and will please the most sweet-toothed diners.
Downstairs the Elk Bar opens onto a sun-trap terrace with views of the 18th green and fairway and an outdoor pizza oven. Food is served daily from noon to late, with family-friendly crowd pleasers like chicken wings, salads and burgers along with the hotel’s signature 12-hour pot-roasted featherblade.
Also onsite is a Silverstream vintage truck serving hot dogs, burgers and banh mi to hungry golfers.
Though the hotel’s greatest appeal is for golfers, or as an atmospheric wedding venue, good midweek deals on the more simply appointed bedrooms also make it a well-positioned spot to explore some of the lesser-known corners of west Wicklow.
