Barry English, the founder of data centre developer Winthrop Technologies, has celebrated the refurbishment of his Manor House hotel in the historic Mount Juliet Estate in County Kilkenny at an event in the Lady Helen restaurant.
Mr English was joined by food writers, local officials and a hurling hero for a tasting menu prepared by John Kelly. He invested a further €8 million in modernising the 18th-century Georgian manor, while preserving its heritage, following his acquisition of the five-star resort in late 2024 for approximately €50 million from Michael McEllligott’s Tetrarch Capital and Emmet O’Neill.
The Tetrarch, accredited in four legged folklore as the fastest horse never to have won the Epsom Derby, was one of the most successful sires in Irish horsey history after he retired to stud and the foundation of the famous stud run by the McCalmont family. He sired 80 winners from just 130 foals, including three Saint `Leger winners. An elaborate tomb on the estate commemorates his memory
The number of guest suites in the Manor House was increased from eight to 24. Led by interior designer Aisling Healy of O’Donnell O’Neill, the project restored original architectural details and added period-appropriate furnishings. Interviewed by Brendan McArdle of the Field newspaper, Ms Healy described how she had sourced local designers and restoration experts in completing the refurb.
Each suite is named after historical figures or heritage elements of the estate, such as the Lady Juliana and Somerset Butler suites. Refurbishments extended to public areas like The Major’s Bar and included full bathroom renovations throughout the house.
The 500-acre estate also continues to operate its other major amenities, including the 93-bedroom Hunter’s Yard, a state-of-the-art equestrian centre, and a Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, host to the 2002 and 2004 AmEx, won by superstars Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively and the Irish Open in1993–1995, 2021 and 2022.
The newly renovated accommodations represent the peak of luxury at the resort:
- Manor Suites: Starting from €700 per night.
- River View Suites: Starting from €800 per night.
- Premium Suites: The one-bedroom Lady Juliana suite starts at €1,700, while the two-bedroom Somerset Butler suite starts at €1,900.
- Michelin Dining: The Manor House remains home to the Lady Helen, which has maintained its Michelin star since 2013.
