When Colonel Francis Forde set about building Johnstown House in 1761, I’m sure he couldn’t imagine how his country residence would be enjoyed by so many for such luxurious purposes. Weddings are popular here but so too are spa breaks and delicious dining nights away. The property has been owned by an MP, a knight and a Governer of the Bank of Ireland in the past.
It was in 1927 that the Prendergast family took over for 50 years and they too would be in awe at the transition of this grand property. The listed 18th Century Georgian House is set on 120 acres of private grounds with wooded parkland and restored walled gardens and also includes self-catering accommodation and extensive sports facilities. At the front door a line of Dubarry boots and umbrellas await for guests who want to explore the grounds in any weather.
Only a stone’s throw from the M50 and 35 minutes from Dublin City, travelling such a short distance for a night of pampering proved uplifting. Johnstown Estate has a fine spa and thermal suite that is a highlight of the amenities on offer. With my daughter in tow we booked for an afternoon session to explore and started with the whirlpool on the roof top. The beauty of a good thermal suite means we didn’t have to move from the property to find entertainment and enjoy the facilities.
A toasty outdoor Jacuzzi meant we spent far longer than anticipated before going into the thermal suite with the salt room and sanarium. As the spa has such an array of delights we skipped a treatment and at only €35pp it works out more economical. The Leisure Club offers a fully equipped gym, a 20-metre swimming pool, steam, sauna and jacuzzi facilities, and an outdoor Canadian Hot Tub. The Johnstown Estate also features two all-weather pitches complemented by bespoke nutrition-driven menus so it’s no surprise that the Estate is home to international rugby, soccer and cricket teams on their visits to Ireland.
Fire and Salt is the restaurant of choice for dinner and we enjoyed four star service with our fillet steak and fish. The award-winning 2 AA Rosette restaurant, offers fine dining with a focus on local, organic produce in a relaxed setting. The restaurant derives its name from one of its signature dishes, hand-picked beef, dry-aged for up to 36 days in Himalayan sea salt. The fire that seals and caramelises the steak works in harmony with the salt that seasons the meat.
Parterre, The Johnstown Estate’s garden terrace cocktail bar opened in December 2024. Featuring a retractable roof, Parterre will open year round. It seats 56 and features a DJ box, an abundance of foliage and a living garden, combining the look and feel of an outdoor space with the comfort of the indoors. Currently serving high end cocktails, wines and a comprehensive drinks menu, that suited this mother and daughter very well indeed.
Our rooms have been refurbished and much of the hotel is decorated in a modern tasteful twist that works in sympathy with the Georgian origins of the Grand House. We snuggle down in our comfy beds with the usual high grade TV options and Netflix etc. after our relaxing day.
We are totally spoiled in Ireland with a collection of hotels that want to pamper their guests. Johnstown Estate is a perfect fit for the spa lover and a refreshing retreat from reality for girlies who enjoy life’s little luxuries.
Escape Spa Two-Night Stay
From €742 for two adults for two nights
(For additional information/ booking details please see here)
The Two Night Escape Spa Experience includes two nights’ luxury accommodation in a deluxe room with a full Irish breakfast every morning. On an evening of your choice, you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner, created by The Johnstown Estate’s Executive Chef Arder Christie using the finest seasonal ingredients.
It also features a 60-minute spa treatment – choose from an indulgent Full Body Traditional Swedish Massage; an Elemis Classic Facial to leave skin hydrated, radiant and rejuvenated; or a tension-relieving Oriental Head Massage. Along with this, the package includes 90 minutes of blissful R&R in The Spa’s rooftop and indoor thermal suites as well as access to the Leisure Club, which features a fully equipped gym, a 20-metre swimming pool, steam, sauna and jacuzzi facilities, and an outdoor Canadian Hot Tub.
For bookings, contact The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath, tel 046 954 0000, email [email protected], www.thejohnstownestate.com
