Carton Demesne lies 1 mile north-east of the village of Maynooth in Co Kildare. It was once the historic home of the Fitzgerald family, the Dukes of Leinster, and has a history spanning more than eight centuries. The Demesne comprises an 18th century Palladian house, 1,000 acres of parkland, lake, boathouse, lodges and woodland.
The house and the buildings within the demesne are protected structures, as listed in the Record of Protected structures in the Kildare co Council development plan as required by the Irish Planning and Development Act 2000.
A holistic conservation approach was taken throughout the design process to ensure the sensitive integration of the new hotel into the existing fabric of the estate.
New buildings have been designed in a contemporary manner, and are distinct from the historic fabric. They have been inserted piece by piece into discreet spaces within and between the fabric of the demesne, in such a manner as to allow the completeness of the main house to remain.
AWARDS
2007 - Opus Architecture & Construction Awards (Heritage Category) - Winner
2007 - Sleep 07 - The European Hotel Design Awards, (Best Hotel Conversion Category) - Winner
2007 - Hospitality Ireland Awards, (Best New Hotel Category) - Winner
2008 - International Association of Golf Tour Operators, (European Golf Resort of the Year) - Winner
"Those fortunate enough to be able to stay there can enjoy the unique experience of a grand ducal mansion. More important, every part of the historic fabric is now cherished and has a functional value not enjoyed for almost a century. If for no other reason, this will most certainly assure the long-term preservation and accessibility of Carton."
James Howley
Irish Arts Review, Spring 2007