Martinstown House is a charming gothic 'cottage ornée', just south east of the Curragh in County Kildare, the centre of Ireland's bloodstock industry and home to the country's premier race course.  Martinstown House was built in the 1830s as a shooting and hunting lodge by the Borrowes family and, along with the lodges to Dublin's Phoenix Park, is the only known Irish 'oeuvre' of the distinguished English architect, Decimus Burton.

Martinstown House is surrounded by its own miniature park, with many fine old trees enclosed by a high stone wall. The rooms all have lovely views and the whole house is beautifully decorated with an informal elegance which gives it a particularly welcoming atmosphere. Outside, the well-maintained walled garden has a croquet lawn and an icehouse, and there are cattle, sheep, a donkey, two ponies and a flock of free-range hens.

The owner, Meryl Long, is an accomplished hostess who insists on the highest standards for her home. This is amply evident from the decoration and maintenance of both house and garden, and in the way in which the meals are chosen, prepared and served. This year she has been joined at Martinstown by her son, Edward, and his wife.

Many interesting people have stayed here over the years (and indeed they still do so today), enjoying good food and traditional, old fashioned hospitality in modern day comfort.

In addition to The Curragh, the capital of Irish flat racing, nearby race courses include Naas and Punchestown, and there are several challenging golf courses within easy reach, including the K Club, venue for the recent Ryder Cup. Kildare Cathedral and Round Tower, the National Stud and the Japanese Gardens are just 4 miles away; Russborough House and the Wicklow Mountains are within easy reach, and both Dublin and Dublin airport are both within an hour's drive from Martinstown House.


Directions:
From Dublin take the M7 south, then the M9 to the Kilcullen exit. Turn right onto the N78 (towards Athy) for 1 mile until you reach a crossroads with a sign-post for Martinstown to the right. Then follow the signs.