Castleknock Hotel, Dublin sits on the western edge of Phoenix Park, less than 30 minutes drive into the City centre, and 10 minutes to Blanchardstown shopping centre. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, mainly due to its stellar reputation for hospitality and food. We were invited to stay for a night and enjoy a complimentary evening meal in Earth & Vine.
The contemporary Earth & Vine restaurant follows a farm to fork concept based on great relationships forged with some of Ireland’s best artisan producers. The menu is compact but varied with 4 starters, 6 mains and 5 desserts to choose from, and a separate vegan/vegetarian menu. Portions are generous and it was delicious. The restaurant manager was looking after everyone and she was a joy; funny, attentive and a pleasure. It was a relaxing night enjoying superb food and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular for locals to enjoy a celebration meal in. In the restaurant on the night there were 2 birthday parties and one hen party but tables are so well spaced out with various rooms set within the restaurant that you don’t feel like there are any other celebrations happening but your own.
Personally my biggest surprise was breakfast, and its separate vegan/vegetarian menu. It wasn’t just beans and toast here for me, it was vegan omelette, sausages and more. I didn’t even need to ask for non dairy milk, there was a selection of non dairy cartons beside the cereals at the buffet breakfast.
We didn’t get to try out the spa area, but it looked fantastic, a large pool area with hot tubs and views out over the neighbouring golf course. And if you want, the gym area was the biggest I’ve seen in a hotel.
Castleknock was our second stay in an FBD resorts hotel. The last one was the stunning Killashee Hotel, and clearly this hotel group has set standards high. The food, the accommodation, the staff and facilities are superb and a pleasure to visit.
Check them both out if you fancy a luxury hotel break set in Irish countryside.
Have a look at @morebelfast on instagram for more photos and footage of our trips and experiences.
