Facebook Competition!

Facebook Competition!

Only 3 days left to enter the free Facebook competition to WIN a complimentary night’s break at Clontarf Castle Hotel with dinner for two people. Check out our Facebook’s page for details on how to enter!

Good Luck!

Best Hotel Interior Design in Europe 2009!

We are delighted to annouce that we have been presented with yet another award – Best Hotel Interior Design in Europe 2009!

Prix Villegiature Awards 2009

The Villegiature Awards gather a Jury composed of 20 major journalists from very famous Medias as well as 3 Directors of well-known prestigious hotels in Europe. They reward the best of the best hotels in Europe, and the best Medias promoting exceptional destinations.

The 2009 Villegiature Awards took place in Paris on October 19 at The Westin Paris hotel within the famous ‘Salon Imperial’

Clontarf Castle Hotel has earned the reputation of being one of the ‘hippest’ hotels in Dublin, offering a uniquely designed property with the perfect blend of contemporary and traditional.

Battle of Clontarf

Ireland has a long tumultuous history where many bloody battles were fought. Clontarf is no exception. It is a significant location in Irish history involving Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, and the famous Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday, 23rd April 1014.

It all began when Mael Morda, King of Leinster, began to plot against Brian Boru. Mael Morda made an alliance with Sitric, the Viking King of Dublin, who was assisted by the Vikings of the Orkney Islands and the Isle of Man. Brian Boru marched against them and the great battle was fought at Clontarf. It ended in victory for Boru’s army.

However, on the night of the victory, Boru was praying in his tent, surrounded by five men, who were guarding him. A small group of Vikings, who were retreating from the battle through a wooded area, close to the site of what is now Clontarf Castle came across the guarded tent. Realising who was being protected; they killed all five guards and Brian Boru who was 72 years of age.

Clontarf Castle was built on the site of the battle in 1172.

A Taste of Clontarf

Clontarf Castle Hotel are delighted to announce a series of culinary evenings this Autumn

Clontarf Castle Hotel is a deluxe 4 Star Dublin Hotel that is steeped in history yet is the perfect blend of boutique and luxury, providing unique style and exceptional service in comfortable chic surroundings.

Beginning in September, leading Celebrity Chefs such as Dylan McGrath, Oliver Dunne and Neven McGuire will take part in exclusive Clontarf Castle Celebrity Chef Nights. Each chef will design an exceptional and exclusive menu for their night and will talk guests through the menu, oversee proceedings and mingle with guests. This is your chance to see how the experts do it best.

For wine lovers, we have a succession of Wine Tasting Evenings which will be hosted by an array of well known industry wine connoisseurs who have personally sculpted an exquisite wine menu and will be on hand to host and guide each guest through a gastronomic sensory escape

Details of the Events include:

29th September – Dylan McGrath

The evening will include a 7 course wine tasting menu with Dylan overseeing the event. Price €79 per person

6th October – Wine Tasting Evening

7 course wine tasting menu. €59 per person

13th October – Italian Night

7 course Italian menu. Price €79 per person

3rd Novermber – Wine Tasting Evening

7 course wine tasting menu. Price €59 per person

9th November – Oliver Dunne

This evening will include a 7 course tasting menu with Oliver overseeing the event. Price €79 per person

27th December – Neven McGuire

Cooking Demonstration with Neven. Price €25 per person

For more information on any of the upcoming events or to book your place please contact Jennifer McNulty at 01-8534327 or jmcnulty@clontarfcastle.ie

Wedding Testimonials

Clontarf Castle Hotel is in the middle of an extremely busy wedding season and the response from bridal parties has been excellent. The extremely experienced wedding team at Clontarf has made many a dream a reality for the numerous weddings that take place at the Castle. Many have even been so pleased that they have sent us some wedding testimonials and with our next wedding afternoon announced for 1st November – why not check out Clontarf Castle Hotel for yourself!

Maher/Lee Wedding 25th July 2009
Hi Adele

Its Tara here myself and keith would like to thank you and the staff for making our wedding day
very special everything was perfect, it was a wonderfull day. Once again thanks for everything and will certainly be back to see you all again
Thanks from Tara and Keith Lee

Scully/Perkins Wedding 29th May 2009
Hi Adele,

Myself and Tom just wanted to say thank you so much to yourself, Jane and everyone in Clontarf Castle who made our wedding day so special a few weeks ago. Absolutely everything was perfect and exactly the way we had planned it. We are so grateful to you for all the help, advice and organisation on the run up to the day. On the day itself, Jane did an absolutely fantastic job of making everything run so smoothly. All our guests had a brilliant time and alot of this was because the Castle was such a great venue and because the staff were so friendly and professional throughout the whole day.

We will definitely be passing on our recommendations to anyone who were thinking of having their wedding in Clontarf Castle.

Again, many many thanks for making the day the best we ever could have hoped for,

Louise and Tom Perkins

Shiel/Duffy Wedding 14th May 2009
Hi Adele,
Myself and Eugene just wanted to thank you very very much for making our big day so special and perfect. Everything down to the very last detail was just fabulous. I will never forget walking into the room before the dinner and thinking how beautiful it looked. The flowers on the tables, The chair covers & table cloths, The lighting, The way our wedding cake was displayed. It took my breath away.
Everyone was raving about the food, Both the dinner and the afters food. I particularly loved the goats cheese tartlet and those Boneless baby back ribs were just so yummy I would love some now. The waiting staff were second to none.
Raphael and Jennifer ensured that everything ran like clockwork, They were brilliant and made us feel so at ease. The waiting staff were second to none. Pls pass on our thanks to them.
We also stayed the next night and had a meal in The Farenheight Grill. That was gorgeous as well. We cant wait for our one year anniversary dinner.
Thanks again to you Adele and to all of the staff at Clontarf Castle for making our wedding day so wonderful, We will be recommending you to all of our friends.
Lots of Love,
Eugene and Sarah.

The Secret of Good Wines

The Secret of Good Wines

Anyone who has been to a wine store will know how difficult it is to pick that perfect bottle of wine. Whether you are a seasoned wine drinker or just beginning you wine tasting experience, given the amount of choices – everyone needs a little help now and again

In order to experience and understand the true favour of a wine it requires the taster to pay particular attention to the senses – sight, smell, touch and of course, taste.

In terms of sight, it’s best to look at wine in the daylight. Tilt the wine in the glass and if able, look at it against a wine background. Colour alone will tell you a lot about a wine, however it is important to note that is varies according to what wine it is. For example, as white wine ages it will become more golden, while red wine will have hints of red-brown around the ages.

Secondly, swirl the wine around in the glass which will release the delicious vapours of the wine. Then put your nose right over the rim of the wine glass and breathe in. Each wine will be different but since most of a wine’s charm is in the smell rather than taste so this is important. The smell of the wine will tell if you initially like the wine, also consider intensity and appeal.

Then, take a small sip (not a gulp) and swirl it around lightly in your mouth, allowing the aromas to awaken your taste buds. Then ask yourself, a few questions – does the wine taste the same as its aroma? Is it sweet or crisp? Is it light of full-bodied? You may simply drink it and experience the aftertaste.

While it is easier to do that describe – Clontarf Castle Hotel are hosting a variety of wine tasting evening which will allow you to listen to the expertise of a true wine expertise while enjoying a culinary feast.

To conclude, a good wine should always be enjoyable – it should smell good, taste good and be satisfying by itself or with whatever you’re eating.

Things to do in Clontarf!

Feet and brain getting tired and sore from wandering around Dublin City? Had enough of shopping and souvenir hunting?

While our hotel is located just outside the busy city centre, the average guest to the Clontarf area of Dublin may be unaware of just what the area has to offer. So, after exhausting all the tourist spots in the city and looking for something a little different to do – have a closer look at what the Clontarf area can offer.

• Site of the Battle of Clontarf 

The famous Battle of Clontarf took place on Good Friday, 1014. It was at Clontarf Strand where the Vikings beached their boats and invaded, only to be defeated by Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland and his army. After their victory, Brian Boru was killed by a group of Vikings who came across him as he was praying in his tent, close to where the Clontarf Castle stands today. Brian Boru’s Well, located on Castle Avenue, was later erected to mark this historical event.

• The birth place of Bram Stoker

This famous author actually hailed from the area and was born in November 1847. His world famous novel – Dracula has been a whole wide phenomenon and at one point was only outsold by the Bible. Close to the hotel, you will find the Brian Stoker Park which honours this beloved local. Also within walking distance is the ‘Brian Stoker Dracula Experience’ which an insight into the author and for those more adventurous – a chilling tour through the story of Dracula.

• Bull Island Bird Sanctuary & Nature Reserve

Within walking distance of the hotel and situated on the scenic route along Clontarf Promenade and Dollymount Strand. The nature reserve hosts an extensive variety of wintering waterbirds, waders, predators and herons for example. The area also has a Bull Island Interpretative Centre which allows visitors to learn more about the natural inhabitants of the area.

• St. Anne’s Park & Rose Gardens 

Ideal for a leisurely stroll while staying in the area and within the park, you’ll be able to find sports pitches, pitch & putt facilities and an impressive array of rose gardens.

• Rugby & Cricket  

Clontarf is one of the oldest rugby clubs in Ireland. Clontarf rugby & cricket club is Ireland’s national cricket grounds and all international matches are played here. The club is only a few minutes walk from the hotel 

• Local Restaurants & Bars 

In nearby Malahide, you will find the highly recommended Bon Appetit restaurant. On the first floor, Restaurant Bon Appetit is a sophisticated Michelin Star dining experience offering the very best of contemporary French cuisine. Found on the second floor is The Brasserie with its relaxed informal surroundings offers fresh and seasonal ingredients and real value for money. Both floors are linked to a classy piano bar.

So, the next time you find yourself in Clontarf and staying at Clontarf Castle Hotel may sure to check out all the local attractions in the area whither it be historical, leisurely or just plain ol’ fun!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day 2009 is quickly approaching which means the rush to get that perfect present is now on!

Dad’s in general are renowned for being one of the more difficult to get that ‘ideal present’ for. Year after year, we can hear ourselves mutter:

• “There is absolutely nothing I can buy him that he would love!”
• “I’ve already given him enough ties and socks that one person should need in a lifetime”
• “You just know that if you buy him that shirt, he will HATE it!”

Just what do you get for the man that just seems to have everything and at this stage in his life, knows exactly what he likes and doesn’t like.

Neverfear, the solution is quite a simple one and one that I am quite confident can be solved by the mention of three little words – Clontarf Castle Hotel.

Your favourite Four Star Castle Hotel has some excellent suggestions. Look no further that our tailored special offers such as ‘Play Golf and Stay’.  This package includes Green Fees at the Royal Dublin Golf Course for two people, Full Irish Breakfast and Vouchers to spend in the Knights Bar and Fahrenheit Grill.

But what if Dad isnt a golfer?

Easy, Online Gift Vouchers can be easily purchased on our website allowing you to spoil Dad with a treat of his choice at Clontarf Castle Hotel!