The Johnstown Estate

Situated on 120 acres of beautiful parkland and developed around a 1750s Georgian residence, the Johnstown House Hotel and Spa mixes tradition and history with modern elements. Certain parts of the hotel, such as the reception and lobby, are housed in the original house, with its beautiful decorative crown moldings and decor that evokes another era -- chandeliers, patterned wallpaper, plush brocaded curtains, wooden antique pieces, fireplaces, and oil paintings in gilded frames. Other areas are more modern, such as the light and airy lounge in the sunlit atrium, and the modern spa and leisure center facilities. Common areas are bright and inviting, though a bit dated in parts, with carpet flooring and plaid-patterned couches. Though the Pavilion Restaurant is a bit lackluster in its decor -- patterned burgundy carpets that match the upholstered chairs, yellow walls lined with a smattering of framed photographs -- the Coach House Bar is a lovely, homey space with a stone fireplace, wooden floors, comfortable leather seating, and a traditional wooden bar with atmospheric red lighting.

The hotel attracts a mix of guests with its varied facilities that include an extensive spa and leisure center, as well as conference and wedding facilities. Self-catering apartments draw families, large groups, and encourage extended stays, and the property's various training facilities, pool, and large, modern fitness center make it particularly popular with sports teams.

The hotel is set on 120 acres of tranquil parkland, close to the M4 motorway, and a good base for exploring the Midlands, eastern coast, and Dublin. It is located by the small town of Enfield, about a five-minute drive from the hotel, where guests will find a couple of pubs, cafes, and shops, as well as a train station and buses. There are several golf courses in the area, including Knockanally Golf Club (13-minute drive), Moyvalley Golf Club and Resort (18-minute drive), and Rathcore Golf and Country Club (12-minute drive). Dublin is about an hour away.

There are three types of rooms available at the hotel: Deluxe Rooms, Executive King Rooms, and Suites. Decor is traditional, with warm colors, light wooden furniture that includes a work desk and small table flanked by armchairs, and decorative embellishments like crimson and cream patterned bedspreads and heavy curtains. Rooms are pleasant, if a bit dated, with tube-style TVs. All rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities, free bottled water, minibars on request, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are fairly spacious, with both walk-in showers and tubs. Executive Rooms offer more space, with a comfortable living area in the bedroom; Suites have a separate living room.

Self-catering duplex apartments are also available, and should suit families, groups, and those planning on extended stays. These are located next to the main building, and have two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and dining room.

The hotel’s Elemis Spa includes 18 treatment rooms, a relaxation room, hammam, and various thermal suites, including a steam room, sauna, and caldarium. Extensive treatments are available, including acupuncture and reiki. Refreshments are available at the Spa-Dee-Dah Cafe. The expansive leisure center also consists of an 82-foot pool, hot tub, and large fitness center full of modern machines. The hotel is popular with sports teams, and there are also various training facilities that include a soccer and rugby field.

The fine-dining Pavilion Restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, and has an extensive wine list. The relaxed Coach House Bar offers a variety of bar food, and live music on weekends. Breakfast and lunch are served in the light and airy Atrium Brassiere. 

The hotel has various meeting rooms, and conference and wedding facilities, which can accommodate up to 1,000 conference attendees or cater to 450 guests.