So having recently got a new job and frantically rushing to get everything complete in my old job I decided that I needed a wee break - Laurie being a professional shopper subtly suggested Kildare; apparently there's a shopping village there!
So onto google I went and I searched Hotels/B&B in Kildare and only one really caught my eye, but unfortunately (which turned out to be a blessing) it was full - we were going over the last Bank Holiday so most places were bunged.
I widened my search and found the most beautiful Hotel I have ever seen - located in a wee village called Naas (now the title makes sense) just outside Kildare sits the Kilashee House Hotel. Here's how we got on.
(Laurie at the front of our hotel, both looking well)
So when we arrived I was a little overawed - honestly I felt like Mr Darcy walking up to the front gates - by the way before you even get to the gates there is a lovely driveway to navigate which is plastered with trees and wildlife (I saw a bunny)
So after grabbing a quick photo of the Hotel we headed for reception...via the bar! The bar/restaurant was again very grande - high ceilings, decorative architrave and beautiful but rather modern lights gave this place a nice demeanour - big yet cosy - there were all different sections, formal dining, bar stools, comfy chairs and more intimate dining spaces for 2 to 4 peeps. I went for a local beer called Cute Hoor (I don't know who named this pale ale but I don't think he entirely thought it through) and Laurie went for a wee Sauvignon Blanc
(The absolute state of Lauren's camera skills - I look like 2-Face from a low budget Batman remake - Jesus Christ)
So after a wee drinky poos we headed for reception - I wouldn't normally get excited about a reception but this one was rather stunning!
So at reception we heard the most magical words ever uttered - Mr Hogan your UPGRADED ROOM is ready. I wish someone had of captured me at that moment as I was happy - super happy, below is a true representation of my mood at that time.
So we headed for our room, up the stairs and past the residents bar, along a long corridor filled with old furniture and pictures that you see on Antique's Roadshow, then finally down a thinner corridor of rooms - but we couldn't find our room??? - all we could find was the room before ours and a set of big massive double doors that must have lead to another part of the hotel...WRONG, these beauties were the gateway to heaven - upgraded to the bridal suite I was delighted and excited all rolled into one, think Christmas Morning when your 6 years old, you've been awake from 4am but your mum keeps telling you that you can't go down until 6:30 - and then when 6:30 comes you run faster than Usain Bolt, down a flight of stairs, through the living room door and see that bike that you've wanted - well I was kinda like that! Here's a wee vlog to set the scene!
So having got over the excitement of our room we headed downstairs for our dinner - we had two choices, we could eat in the more relaxed bar restaurant named - The Bistro, or we could go fancy and dine in Tuners Restaurant. As we were getting breakfast in Tuners we decided to go Bistro for dinner. When we arrived we were ushered to our table - a wee intimate one in the far right hand corner - away from the main dining area, it was really nice but the lighting wasn't great for photos (I attempted to use my flash but the guy beside me kept staring so I retreated to no flash.) Anyway after scouring the menu I decided on the Bistro Burger - a 6oz juicy steakburger in a brioche bap and served with homemade chips, it was a sunday and being a creature of habit Laurie got the Sunday Special which was a Roast Beef Dinner - succulent silverside with all the trimmings, she got a little too excited about the parsnip puree! BTW the carrots that came with Lauren's were out of this world - posh carrots too, yum!
Now these aren't my finest photos but the ambiance was mellow and with Starey McStarey scaring me these are the best I could do! There's those carrots - amazing!
So the waitress asked if we wanted to see a dessert menu - Laurie said she was full - I quickly ordered two dessert menus and told Lauren she was on her holidays. I got the Apple & Rhubarb crumble with rhubarb and custard ice cream and Laurie picked Paul's Strawberry Eton Mess - (I don't know who Paul is but he needs a promotion) which was like a panna-cotta with mini strawberry meringues and chantilly cream! These desserts were awesome - these alone would warrant a visit back, some might say i'd Kill-ashee for another bite! See for yourself...
After dinner we went for a walk - I think this is customary behaviour when you go on a short break- "Jean, let us wander these grounds and see some trees" but I actually enjoy it. Let's just say that the gardens were stunning. There are too many photos to share but I've selected my favourites.
Lauren just asked "why are they all of me?" looking at her photography skills in the bar I think we all know why I was behind the camera - Blurry fool.
Off to bed we went, 4 poster bed, media centre, complimentary chocolates and some Bewleys Tea set us up for a day of shopping tomorrow. What a sleep by the way - the bed was so big I actually lost Lauren - was best part of trip....heehee
BREAKFAST - This blog only has one more paragraph - I promise - it's nearly as long as Liverpool's title wait. So we woke up - had a wee bath (separately..cheeky) and headed for breakfast, you could order from the kitchen or help yourself - we helped ourselves...twice
Overall an amazing trip - we're already planning our next trip, deffo for a few extra nights and we will remember to bring our swimwear for the Spa - as you can see Lauren was in her element when we got to Kildare Shopping Village - my bag is the wee Jack Wills one, inside the other bag, the rest is all hers.
Kilashee House Hotel - I can't wait to go back