Hotel Review: Mount Juliet Estate, Marriott Autograph Collection - Kilkenny, Ireland

Mount Juliet Estate, Marriott Autograph Collection

Hunters Glen

On a recent trip to Greece, we decided to make a short stop in Ireland for a week. Our itinerary included stays in Dublin and Athlone, with our final destination being the Mount Juliet Estate, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. Located just a 20-minute drive from Kilkenny, this estate served as our home base for exploring the central region of Ireland. It turned out to be an excellent choice—one we highly recommend.

Hotel Overview

Mount Juliet Estate is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, known for its unique and distinctive properties. Summer rates start at 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or approximately 247 EUR per night, while off-season rates drop to 33,000 points. This translates to a redemption value of about 0.8 cents per point—not the best, but reasonable. Since rates remain under 45,000 points, guests can use a 35K certificate plus points from an Amex Bonvoy card, which is becoming increasingly rare with Marriott’s shift to dynamic pricing. We took full advantage of this and redeemed several certificates for our stay.

A significant advantage of this hotel is that we could accommodate our entire family of four in one standard room—something that’s often challenging in Europe. Typically, we end up booking two rooms, so being able to stay together and save points was a welcome perk.

The Estate & Accommodations

Spanning an impressive 500 acres, Mount Juliet Estate is a golfer’s paradise, boasting a championship golf course. The hotel offers two distinct accommodation options: the Manor House (32 rooms) and Hunter’s Yard (96 rooms). The more affordable rooms—and those available on points—are located in Hunter’s Yard. Since we booked using points, our experience centered around this area. However, it’s worth noting that the Manor House offers a completely different ambiance and experience, making it a tempting option for a future visit.

The estate itself is breathtaking, featuring lush gardens, well-manicured lawns, and winding pathways that create a relaxing retreat. Driving through the long entrance to Hunter’s Yard, we were warmly welcomed by staff offering valet and luggage services, setting the tone for the exceptional hospitality we would experience throughout our stay.

Check-in was seamless, with the front desk providing a detailed overview of the property and its amenities. Awaiting us in our room was a thoughtful welcome gift—a bottle of sparkling wine accompanied by delicious treats.

The room itself was impressively spacious, comfortably accommodating our family of four. The beds were incredibly comfortable. The high ceilings and large windows allowed plenty of natural light to flood the space, creating an airy, welcoming atmosphere.

The room was in excellent condition and felt brand new. A glass door opened directly onto the courtyard, offering easy outdoor access and a lovely view of the well-manicured courtyard. The bathroom was equally luxurious, featuring a rainfall shower, and the heated floor was a nice touch, adding to the overall sense of comfort and luxury.

In-room amenities included a Nespresso machine, and complimentary bottled water. Housekeeping was impeccable, ensuring the room remained spotless throughout our stay. The attention to detail in both design and service truly elevated our experience.

Breakfast & Activities

For us, breakfast is a major part of the hotel experience. As a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium member, breakfast was included, and the hotel graciously extended it to all four of us. The buffet featured a variety of traditional Irish breakfast items, including black pudding. We chose to dine on a covered patio with views of the surrounding landscape, though indoor seating was also available. The quality and selection were impressive, making for a satisfying start to each day.

Mount Juliet Estate is a sought-after wedding venue, and during our stay, we witnessed one wedding in progress while preparations were underway for another. This added a charming, festive atmosphere to the estate.

For recreation, the billiards room was a big hit with our kids, providing a fun way to unwind in the evenings. Additionally, the estate offers numerous walking and cycling trails, allowing guests to explore its picturesque surroundings.

While Mount Juliet is a fantastic place to relax, having a car is highly recommended unless you plan to stay on-site. We used our rental car to explore Kilkenny, a lively city filled with historical landmarks, excellent restaurants, and vibrant pubs. One highlight was the ghost tour, which turned out to be more of a historical deep dive into Kilkenny’s rich past—an unexpectedly fascinating experience.

Another memorable excursion was a day trip to the Rock of Cashel, just over an hour away. This iconic site, with its stunning medieval ruins perched atop a limestone hill, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Ireland’s history and architecture.

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel

Areas for Improvement

While our overall experience at Mount Juliet was overwhelmingly positive, one notable downside was the hotel's reluctance to honor a late checkout request. As a Marriott Titanium member, we are entitled to a guaranteed 4 PM late checkout at most non-resort properties, but despite this policy, the hotel was unable to accommodate the request. This was particularly frustrating as we had an evening departure and would have appreciated extra time to enjoy the amenities without feeling rushed.

Unfortunately, this trend of hotels disregarding Bonvoy elite benefits seems to be growing within the Marriott Bonvoy program, and it detracts from the loyalty experience for frequent travelers. This minor inconvenience did not overshadow our stay, but it is something to be aware of when planning a visit especially since this hotel is often fully booked with weddings and their ability to offer late a check out is limited in peak season.

Final Thoughts

Overall, our stay at Mount Juliet Estate was fantastic. The serene setting, exceptional service, and well-maintained grounds made for a truly enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway, a base for exploring Ireland, or a luxurious retreat with golf and fine dining, this estate delivers. The value—whether redeeming points or paying cash—is solid, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return. Just be sure to rent a car to make the most of your stay and explore the surrounding areas!