Carton House a Fairmont Managed Hotel

The Carton House staff were the best part of an already perfect wedding. We hosted 150 people for our daughter's wedding earlier this May, and everyone worked so hard to make it feel just right. The ceremony was outside on the lawn, drinks were in the manor house and courtyard, and dinner and the reception were in a marquee on the back lawn. It was exquisite, and even the weather cooperated. We couldn't have asked for more. David

The estate is beautiful, with wide grounds and a strong sense of history. It's also conveniently about 30 minutes from Dublin Airport, while still feeling away from the city. There are three dining options and a couple of bars, with good variety and quality. The pool and gym were both very good, though I wish the gym were open 24 hours. Golf seems to be a major attraction, and I've heard the courses are top notch, though I don't play. I had a fantastic stay at Carton House and would happily return.

After months of planning and two calls to confirm connecting rooms for our three young kids, we drove more than three hours and were told there weren't any available that night. We had to break the news to the kids, who'd been excited for months, and go into Dublin to find somewhere else. We were able to stay the following night when rooms opened up. We ate lunch while our room was being prepared and paid by card. Later, the woman who served us called the room to ask whether we'd paid, even though we told her to check the merchant log. Then at checkout, someone had forged my signature for food and alcohol I hadn't had and charged it to our room. I could go on. For what this place costs, I expected much better care. I wouldn't recommend it until they get their act together. I'd never leave a negative hotel review unless it really deserved it, and this shambolic hotel certainly does. We had booked four nights after Christmas and over the new year with my partner and three young kids.

The golf courses have amazing views, and there are great walking trails. We also enjoyed the pub food, and it was dog friendly. Our dog was very well looked after, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. The rooms were amazing and there was plenty to do in the hotel each evening, including a movie night. The spa was wonderful, and the girls there were lovely, especially as it was my first spa visit and facial. The pool facilities could be better, though. The jacuzzi wasn't very warm and there weren't many seats. Room service through the QR code didn't work very well, and ordering food took a bit of a wait. We visited just before Christmas 2025.