Review of Ritz Carlton, Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wickow.

All I can say is “wow!” As a special treat for a friend’s 60th birthday, we treated her to one night in the Ritz Carlton in Enniskerry. Tricky enough to find we arrived early afternoon and were efficiently checked in. We had lunch in the Sugarloaf Lounge (very expensive but what can you expect!) before heading to the spa. I must say I wasn’t overly impressed by the spa – thought their relaxation area a bit lacking – for the money you’re kind of expecting some fruit and juices afterwards but water was the only staple on offer. I wouldn’t hold it too much against them but I have certainly experienced better.

The rooms are absolutely beautiful and the beds and pillows divine. So much so that I was reluctant to prepare for dinner but I managed to don my best bib and tucker and make it down to Gordon Ramsey’s Restaurant.
Now I don’t know about you but I’ve always had my reservations about celebrity chefs and their restaurants. If you recall, this one didn’t get too many favourable reviews when it opened a couple of year’s ago.

Well it’s certainly got its act together since then. I think it was €80 per person for dinner, not including drinks, which is undoubtedly expensive. I will say this that it was one of the finest meals I’ve had in a long time and for my friend, it was certainly the highlight of her birthday. The food was exquisite and we kept getting gratuity courses in between, e.g. pre-starters and pre-desserts (even better than the real thing.) If you’re staying in the hotel, it would be a shame not to indulge in the Restaurant though I think you may have to book well in advance, particularly if it’s the weekend.

We had a lovely walk in the Powerscourt Gardens the next day though I thought the €6 entry fee rather steep. Had lunch in Avoca, which is charming as always.
Overall it was a really good experience and I would certainly have stayed longer if budget had allowed! Definitely one for the ultimate indulgence – I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

Posted by Deirdre, August 2009