Mount Wolseley

Tullow, Carlow
Mount Wolseley enquiries
www.mountwolseley.ie

• Beautiful midlands countryside location.
• Exceptional Sanctuary Spa.
• Gourmet experience at Frederick’s Restaurant.

It is the road less travelled, in my experience. The road that is, to beautiful County Carlow, a lush and lovely east-midlands pocket of Ireland that is not too far from anywhere really, but somehow still undiscovered. I had to keep consulting my map as with all my travelling around the country I was somewhat unsure about Carlow, and less so about Tullow. They say you learn something new every day, and this day I discovered a place and a hotel that impressed me greatly and ensured that from now on I would not be a stranger in this area!

ACCOMMODATION AT MOUNT WOLSELEY

The drive up to the hotel is impressive, parking is easy and the lobby area is fabulous. Large sweeping staircase, soft colours and elegant design. Checking in was very friendly and helpful, and off to the room. One thing I noticed which we do not see in too many hotels these days – the toilet and bathroom were completely separate rooms! Bathroom had a large power-shower and separate bath, magnifying mirror and speakers so you could hear the television in the bath! The beds were comfortable; we had broadband connection, television, controllable heating, robes and slippers. I slept peacefully in this room, but not before I enjoyed the spa.

THE SANCTUARY SPA

The first important feature was access to the spa; this is done directly from the lift to the basement, so no crossing the reception in the robe! Also the Leisure Centre, while also situated in the basement, is completely separate from the spa. It is an oasis of peace and calm – just as a good spa should be. I had actually been running late and telephoned from my car en-route, and the lovely spa manager re-arranged my treatment time so that I arrived unflustered! There are a full range of Elemis therapies for both men and women, and residential packages are available too. I met my friend in the relaxation room afterwards, and she was so comfortable in the super lounges, that she did not want to get out! We returned to the spa next morning to enjoy the vitality site, and once again we were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves! Therapists here are charming, design is lovely and there are plenty of extras – fruit, teas, blankets, towels and music, the relaxation room is a real sanctuary!

FREDERICK’S RESTAURANT AT MOUNT WOLSELEY

We went down to the dining room with big appetites and spent two hours over a long and lovely dinner. The restaurant itself is bright and elegant with large windows on two levels with a palm tree in the centre! Service was impeccable and we were brought some lovely fresh home-baked breads to start and some still water. Menu choices for starters included a terrine of slow cooked ham hock & foie gras; and also an award winning spiced beef among other dishes, but we opted for the Dublin Bay prawns on kedgeree and a salad of winter leaves respectively. They were both delicious and creative dishes, and the prawns tasted so fresh I would say they were not long out of the sea! For mains we had the Roasted Wild Pheasant, which was excellent and the delicate Turbot fillet with Braised Fennel. Again the dishes were perfectly put together and we cleared our plates. Despite the fact that we had enjoyed a lovely Amuse-Bouche of Melon soup with Parma ham, we still opted for desserts. As I said, we were in no hurry and savouring every mouthful of this meal. The Strawberry and Orange Veloute with home-made ice-cream was both light and very satisfying and the Iced Nougat Parfait with Orange and Mango Sauce was fabulous. I loved the way the chef had used so many fresh fruits in the dessert choices. Next time I will try the Rich Hot Mount Wolseley Fondant which is cooled down by a Champagne Sorbet with Strawberry Ragout. Now if I had not eaten so much of that delicious bread earlier……

We finished up with an Irish coffee and some Petit Fours which rounded off the meal perfectly. The wine list contained some carefully chosen wines from around the globe, and were well priced with some good house wines starting at €18
Breakfast is served in Frederick’s also, and was a self-service affair with excellent choices and hot food cooked fresh to order. Incidentally I learnt that the restaurant gets its name from the original owner of the estate, Frederick York Wolseley!

This is a lovely hotel; friendly, elegant and lots to offer. Golf, conferences, family packages, weddings and of course top-class spa and restaurant. Mount Wolseley alone is worth visiting County Carlow for.
Get the best rates at www.mountwolseley.ie