Monart destination Spa, Ireland
by Lucy Land
Above: Monart
The History: Located in rural County Wexford in the south-east corner of Ireland, Monart House is set within more than 100 acres of woodland. Built in 1740 by Nathaniel Cookman, a financier to the Crown who was granted 6,000 acres in Ireland, the sandstone house no doubt survived the Rebellion as the Cookmans, though English Protestant, were sympathetic to the Irish cause and supposedly helped a well-known Fenian rebel escape the British using a series of underground tunnels that still exist today. Nathaniel’s son, Edward married the daughter of Andrew Jameson – the famous whiskey distiller.
The Room: The listed house is home to two large, plush suites (named after Cookman and Jameson), each boasting a four-poster bed, a free-standing bath in the spacious bathroom, and woodland views. All 66 rooms in the new building (accessed via a glass and steel walkway) overlook the garden which is designed by an award-winning local landscape designer. There are high ceilings, a marble bathroom (stocked with plant-based Damana toiletries) and either a balcony or terrace but what really stands out is the hand-made Club Pocket Pillow-Top range bed. The flowers and canapés also provide a great welcome.
The Spa: The hotel delivers on its promise to offer ‘the most comprehensive range of spa therapies and treatments available.’ The indulgent Deluxe Monart Massage comes highly recommended as well as a Pevonia Prescription Facial. The thermal spa offers nine treatment rooms and there are complimentary foot massages available here.
The Restaurant: Both the Garden Lounge – which offers a bistro-style menu – and the Dining Room – which boasts an undulating ceiling and huge chandeliers – have an emphasis on locally-sourced produce and head chef Brendan Byrne has created an imaginative menu matched by an extensive wine list.
The Upside: This isn’t your usual stuffy country house hotel. Liam Griffin – who is one of Ireland’s top hoteliers and sporting icons (he’s a former Wexford hurling manager) – has successfully combined sumptuous five-star standards with a homely feel.
The Downside: Although there are bottles of water – filled from the on-site spring – there isn’t a coffee machine or mini bar in the room, reminding you that this is a healthy spa break. Fortunately, the room service menu is generous.
The Extras: There is a spacious gym offering personal training with state-of-the-art equipment. There is also golf, riding, quad-biking, fishing in the River Slaney or visits to the Olympic thoroughbreds who live 500 metres from Monart. Head to the top of Vinegar Hill (the site of the uprising in 1798) to enjoy glorious views of Enniscorthy and the surrounding countryside.
The Details: Mid-week standard room from £91 per person including breakfast and access to the Thermal Suite. Journey time is approximately 90-120 minutes from Dublin airport to Monart.
Monart Destination Spa, The Still, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland, +353 (0)53 923 8999, www.monart.ie
Lucy Land travelled with Air Lingus, www.aerlingus.com.