The Station House Hotel

Kilmessan,
Meath
The Station House Hotel enquiries
www.thestationhousehotel.com

• Uniquely charming and historic hotel.
• Great dining at the Michelin recommended Signal Restaurant.
• Lovely location and very friendly ambiance.

This is a family-run Boutique Hotel that enjoys huge popularity as a Wedding Venue. It is a very unique setting with exceptional food and friendly attentive service. This little hotel is a real gem, and I love places that have real character and don’t follow the bland style of so many of our forgettable hotels.
I first visited a few years ago and returned again recently, once more enjoying a top-class hotel experience that ticked all the hospitality boxes and left us looking forward to future visits. Isn’t that the proof of a good hotel experience?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE STATION HOUSE HOTEL

While there is still work on the N4 travelling from Dublin, the journey down was swift and easy and we made it in well under an hour. The twelve acres of landscaped gardens, the sun shining on the patio tables and chairs, the unique charm of the converted railway station, first impressions were wonderful. The welcome was warm and friendly and I felt immediately relaxed after the rushing and stress of a busy morning in the city.
We loved the layout of this hotel, with plenty of cosy areas to enjoy some afternoon tea and a quiet read of the papers. It is as picturesque a Wedding Venue as you could possible wish for. No surprise that couples come from near and far to enjoy their special occasion here.

ACCOMMODATION AT THE STATION HOUSE HOTEL

I previously stayed in one of the original bedrooms at the Stationhouse, situated just near to the reception area, the comfortable Platform Bar & Lounge and right next to the Signal restaurant. My room was cosy with two large windows looking out to the patio and gardens and I had a big bathroom with plenty of space, light and mirrors and all the towels and toiletries needed. I had a desk and a table area, several pieces of furniture and a big comfortable bed.

On the second occasion I stayed in a delightfully spacious room up a steep staircase above the reception area that came with a four poster bed, elegant antique furniture, a spacious bathroom with a large shower and a free-standing claw-feet bath! Views over the gardens were lovely, and it was very much the kind of room that you would move into.

There are thirteen bedrooms in the Carriage Suite which is adjacent the main building, and is the location for many weddings. It is a lovingly restored engine and goods building and features the original stone. But for something really special regarding truly unique accommodation, the Signal Suite takes the biscuit! This lovely stand-alone building is now a two roomed suite with a huge four poster bed and a whirlpool bath. It is the only one of its kind in Ireland, and a huge hit for the newly weds.

DINING AT THE SIGNAL RESTAURANT.

Chef David Mulvihill has been with The Signal Restaurant for eight years now. During that time they have received numerous awards, and are now recommended in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Along with focussing on organic and locally produced ingredients, David also keeps a keen eye on menu choices and styles to suit all tastes and budgets. The result is that it is possible to enjoy a real gourmet experience at The Signal Restaurant without breaking the bank.

On our first visit a few years ago we were well impressed. We started with an aperitif in the lounge while studying the menus – there were three to choose from. There was an Early Bird menu, a multi choice value menu and a very comprehensive A La Carte. Choices included all the usual suspects but in particularly smart attire, plus some exotic dishes with Ostrich and Antelope amongst them. There were far too many dishes to list, 13 mains on the A La Carte menu alone! Hard decisions had to be made and we opted for deep friend camembert, and scallops that were the plumpest and juiciest ever. We declined the soup and sorbet course and went on to some great fish dishes – sea-bass and hake. Prior to these dishes we were treated to an Amuse Bouche of beef and tomato Cappuccino whose light and frothy taste set the tone for the delights to follow.

For our more recent dinner we opted for a Salmon and Crab Fishcake and a portion of House Smokies to start, followed by a Champagne Sorbet each, and then went on to enjoy the Duck and the John Dory. Once again there were several menu and dish choices which showed great flair in the kitchen.

Breakfast next morning was more of their renowned home-made bread and the tastiest savoury omelette I have enjoyed for a long time. I overheard other guests remarking how good their dinner had been and how perfect the breakfast was. It is no surprise that this restaurant is such a hit with locals from the area and the many who travel miles for their renowned Sunday lunch.

Suffice to say that the Signal Restaurant and The Station House Hotel itself deserves every accolade it gets. We are happy to add our name to that list and we recommend it most highly.
The Station House, Meath