Cashel Palace Hotel: the epitome of Irish hospitality

Cashel Palace Hotel, the eighteenth-century former archbishop’s palace in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, is set to reopen its elegant doors as a five-star luxury hotel and spa in the spring of next year.

Following a major four-year restoration programme, the hotel will open in March 2022 as a magnificent five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel in the centre of Cashel, County Tipperary, one of the most important heritage towns in Ireland.

The grand manor, once owned by the legendary Irish racehorse trainer Vincent O’Brien, was originally built in 1732 as home to the Bishop of Cashel, before becoming a hotel in 1962. For decades it has welcomed royalty, Hollywood stars and leading figures in the horseracing community.

The new owners, O’Brien’s daughter Susan Magnier and her family, are best known for owning nearby Coolmore Stud, the most successful thoroughbred breeding operation in the world.

Under the family’s careful stewardship, Cashel Palace Hotel is now tastefully transformed and extended to include 42 luxurious bedrooms and suites, a world-class spa, ballroom, and the Guinness Bar, reflecting the hotel’s historical links to the father of Arthur Guinness, founder of the globally renowned brewery.

Enveloped in nature and overlooked by ancient history, the hotel grounds surround the Rock of Cashel, one of the most iconic landmarks in Ireland. A private pathway leads to the medieval wonder and the hotel gardens, spa and many bedrooms also provide impressive views of the historic site.

In an area famous for horse breeding, the owners’ passion for all things equine is expressed throughout the hotel and shared with guests in an exciting programme of equestrian experiences, which include exclusive access to some of the most prestigious racing and breeding facilities in the world.

Curated by a dedicated equine concierge, experiences include the Tipperary Thoroughbred Trail, which takes in trips to Fethard Horse Country Museum and Coolmore Stud.

A Racing Royalty tour, with unprecedented access to the hallowed grounds of Ballydoyle Racing and Coolmore Stud, also lets guests follow in the tracks of Ireland’s legendary breeders, trainers and thoroughbred horses.

The hotel’s equine concierge will be able to accompany guests on the experiences, as well as assist in booking further equestrian activities such as horse riding, tickets for Punchestown races, visits to the Irish Racehorse Experience at the National Stud, and much more.

In addition to the equine adventures, there is an impressive range of culinary, Celtic history and outdoor experiences at Cashel Palace Hotel, all expertly curated to provide guests with an authentic flavour of Irish culture.

Deeply connected to the bountiful pastures of County Tipperary’s Golden Vale, the food and drink at Cashel Palace will be treated as a rich celebration of life, of the land and of the locality.

From light bites to elegant afternoon tea, casual bistro to formal evening dining in the Bishop’s Buttery Restaurant, carefully crafted menus will offer the best of Irish produce, with a focus on Tipperary’s ingredients and sustainability, all brought together with classical roots and contemporary flair.

An idyllic refuge for indulgence, rest and relaxation before delving into the area’s rich Celtic and equestrian history, beautiful landscapes and historic settlements, Cashel Palace Hotel will take you on a magical journey that epitomises the best of Irish hospitality.

www.ireland.com