After relaunching post a €7m expansion and renovation, amidst a fanfare of celebrations at the end of 2017, Castleknock Hotel is just 15 minutes from Dublin city centre but is surrounded by acres of greenery that give it a sense of peace and tranquillity. After all its new updates, this is what guests have to look forward to…

The hotel

Having increased its capacity with 52 new bedrooms to 190 in total, the first thing that will strike returning visitors is that Castleknock Hotel is simply a lot bigger than it was before. The new accommodation includes standard, superior and deluxe rooms featuring four-poster beds and Jacuzzi baths, once again fusing contemporary and traditional design in a manner that the hotel does so well.

The restaurant

Earth & Vine is the hotel’s main restaurant - an elegant restaurant with a simple philosophy, honed through strong relationships with local artisan producers and suppliers from North Dublin to the rich arable fields of Wicklow and Wexford. It brings you a truly Irish artisan food experience. Meanwhile, 22 Bar and Restaurant brings a global approach to comfort food combined with excellent wine.

Last, but by no means least, the Lime Tree Bar has also enjoyed renovations under the recent developments - a beautifully styled cocktail bar, it is warm and cosy, with comfortable black and white tartan backed couches and luxurious tan leather booths that can accommodate small groups. They offer a range of cocktails and it has a south facing terrace with views of the golf course. As a whole, the hotel believes wholeheartedly in French chef Auguste Escoffier’s quote: “good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”

The spa

The spa was a central focus of the updates at the hotel. Previously located on the first floor of the hotel, it now resides on the ground floor and is accessible from inside the hotel as well as having its own entrance for day spa guests. The renovations have seen it enjoy an upgraded leisure centre including a 10-metre swimming pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and state-of-the-art gym, as well as five new treatment rooms where therapists use the acclaimed Elemis and VOYA product lines as well as innovative Biotec from Elemis.

The location

The location is one of the great draw cards of the hotel. A mere 15 minutes from Dublin City centre, as well as the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, it is convenient and well located for exploring but still has all the hallmarks of somewhere you can truly relax. Surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, named as one of the top 100 courses in Ireland, the hotel looks out onto peaceful green surroundings whilst enjoying close proximity to the city.

The verdict

The hotel welcomes families, while the location and style makes it idea for visiting couples or small groups of friends looking for quality time together. All round, the style, sophistication and updates make the hotel an all-round charmer for all guests, especially with its new updates.

Top tips

• Dine in Earth & Vine for a luxurious experience.
• Come with friends and make a real weekend of it with a little shopping, a few spa treatments and excellent food.
• Try the VOYA treatments while you’re here - the product line is made from Irish seaweed and is a wholesome, relaxing experience.

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