Overview
Headfort Arms is a four-star hotel in the middle of Kells, County Meath, run by the Duff family for more than fifty years. One thing to clear up first: it is not the grand Georgian pile of Headfort House on the edge of town – that is now Headfort School. This is a former townhouse of the Marquess of Headfort, built in the mid-18th century and worked into a proper town hotel, with 45 bedrooms, a spa, the Vanilla Pod restaurant and a 36-hole golf club a couple of minutes away. As a base for the Boyne Valley it does the job well: Newgrange is about 25 minutes off, and you can walk to the round tower and the high crosses.
The building
The hotel began as the town residence of the Marquess of Headfort. The family’s actual seat, Headfort House, sits on the outskirts of Kells – George Semple designed it in the 1760s with interiors by Robert Adam, and it has run as a prep school since the 1940s. The townhouse in the square is a more modest affair, and honestly the better for it as somewhere to stay. The Duffs took it on over fifty years ago and have run it since, updating floors across the bar, restaurant and reception and adding an on-site eCar charging point without stripping out the period character.
Rooms & Dining
All 45 bedrooms are individually styled and equipped with copper-sprung orthopedic beds, experience showers, heated towel rails, laptop safes, and smart TVs. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi runs throughout the hotel, and tea/coffee making stations are standard in every room.
Dining at Headfort revolves around locally sourced Meath produce and relaxed, high-quality service:
- Vanilla Pod Restaurant – The hotel’s flagship dining room, consistently ranked in national top 100 lists. The menu highlights regional lamb, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal vegetables in a contemporary setting.
- Kelltic Bar – A traditional Irish gastro-pub featuring craft beers, a curated whiskey selection, and hearty pub fare.
- Café Therese – Ideal for morning coffee, pastries, and light lunches.
- Headfort Lounge – Fireside seating and quiet conversation, particularly welcoming during cooler months.
- Garden Kitchen & Heated Terrace – Seasonal al-fresco dining surrounded by the estate’s landscaped grounds.
Golf at Headfort
Headfort Golf Club runs two 18-hole parkland courses – 36 holes in all – and hosted the European Challenge Tour in 2019 and 2023. If you only have time for one round, play the Christy O’Connor Jr.-designed Championship course, which threads two islands in the Blackwater and is the reason the pros come.
| Course | Designer | Par | Length | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship (New) | Christy O’Connor Jr. | 72 | 6,164 m | Asiatic tree collection, two Blackwater islands, panoramic view of Headfort House |
| Old Course | Traditional (est. 1928, opened 1956) | 72 | 5,973 m | Mature tree-lined fairways, classic parkland routing |
Tee times are available for visitors and members alike, with hotel guests typically receiving priority booking and package rates. The pro shop offers equipment hire, coaching, and advice on navigating the water hazards and undulating greens.
Spa & Wellness
The Headfort Spa Rooms are a quiet spot after a round of golf or a day on the tombs. Treatments use Irish-made skincare products, and the list runs from massages and facials to bridal and couples’ packages. Pair one with lunch in the Lounge and you have a half-day accounted for.
Exploring County Meath
Headfort’s location makes it a practical hub for navigating Meath’s cultural and natural attractions:
- Brú na Bóinne – The Boyne Valley World Heritage Site, home to Newgrange and Knowth, sits roughly 25 minutes away by car.
- Hill of Tara – Ireland’s ancient ceremonial centre, featuring royal sites, standing stones, and sweeping valley views.
- Bective Abbey – A well-preserved 12th-century Cistercian ruin set in tranquil parkland, ideal for a short walk.
- Battle of the Boyne – The Oldbridge House Visitor Centre offers interactive exhibits on the 1690 conflict and its impact on Irish history.
- Hill of Ward – A historic ceremonial mound known for its ancient carvings and summer festivals.
- Greenway & Trails – The estate grounds connect to the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway. The hotel offers bike hire, with delivery to your room for Green Package bookings.
Practical Information
Getting There – Headfort Arms is about 40 minutes from Dublin Airport, 35 minutes from Dublin City Centre and 25 minutes from Newgrange. Free private parking is available on-site, along with an eCar charging point for electric vehicles.
Accessibility – Step-free access covers reception, main dining areas, and the spa. Some historic sections of the estate retain original staircases; guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the hotel when booking to ensure suitable room allocation.
Check-in & Check-out – Check-in begins at 15:00 (late arrivals are accommodated with prior notice). Check-out is by 12:00.
Families & Pets – Children of all ages are welcome. Cots are provided free of charge on request, and extra beds cost €15 per child per night. Pets are not permitted on the premises.
Booking & Packages – The hotel regularly features themed stays, including the Green Packages (overnight accommodation, dinner, full Irish breakfast, and a Greenway bike) and the Kells Gin Package (featuring tastings of locally produced gin). Availability and seasonal menus change throughout the year, so checking the official website before travelling is recommended.
Contact – For reservations, golf tee times or enquiries, call +353 (0) 46 9240063 or use the contact form on the hotel’s website.
Book the Vanilla Pod for a weekend evening – it fills up – and get your tee times in a few weeks ahead through the summer.