Overview
Nestled on the banks of the River Vartry in the village of Rathnew, Hunter’s Hotel is one of Ireland’s oldest coaching inns. Operated by the same family since 1825, the inn exudes an old‑world charm that is amplified by two acres of award‑winning gardens, polished tile floors, antique chintz sofas and creaking floorboards that whisper stories of centuries past. A short 45‑minute drive from Dublin City, the hotel sits just a stone’s throw from the celebrated Mount Usher Gardens and has been voted among Ireland’s top‑10 most beautiful hotels.
The property offers 16 individually decorated bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, a flat‑screen TV and a direct‑dial telephone. Many rooms open onto the flower‑filled gardens, providing tranquil views of the river and the meticulously tended beds of roses, lavender and native Irish flora. The inn’s reputation for hospitality is underscored by visits from distinguished guests, including the King and Queen of Sweden.
History
Originally built in the early 18th century as a coaching inn for travellers on the Dublin‑Wicklow route, Hunter’s Hotel has retained much of its historic fabric while subtly integrating modern comforts. The Gelletlie family took over the licence in 1825 and are now in the fifth generation of owners, preserving original biscuit‑brown tiles, hand‑crafted wooden beams and a collection of old prints that line the corridors. The building is a rare, largely intact example of an early‑century commercial middle‑class inn, noted in the Department of Environment’s Architectural Heritage of County Wicklow (2004).
Awards and Recognition
- Voted one of Ireland’s Top‑10 Most Beautiful Hotels by the Good Hotel Guide.
- Named Atmospheric Establishment of the Year 2008 by Georgina Campbell’s Guide.
- Holds the Tourist Accommodation Quality Standard (Fáilte Ireland) and a 3‑star rating.
Garden Highlights
The two‑acre garden is a living showcase of horticultural excellence. Seasonal displays include:
- Oriental poppies in full bloom during May and June.
- Borders of magnolias, rhododendrons, liriodendron, nothofagus, eucryphias, podocarpus, abutilon, fremontodendron, ginkgo, paulownia and heritage roses.
- A walled herb garden supplying fresh herbs for the restaurant.
- Ornamental ponds and a riverfront promenade that attract swallows and other river birds.
The kitchen garden produces a range of vegetables and fruit that feature in the menu, and edible flowers such as nasturtiums are used as garnish.
Dining Experience
Hunter’s Hotel’s restaurant serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in a dining room that has changed little since the 19th century. The décor is half‑panelled, half‑papered in butter‑yellow floral wallpaper, with small‑paned sash windows that frame the garden’s green expanse.
Opening hours
- Lunch: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 12:30 pm; daily from 1 May.
- Dinner: every evening from 7:00 pm.
- Afternoon tea: served daily from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm (subject to seasonal availability).
The menu is classic Irish fare with contemporary touches – think Wicklow leg of lamb with buttery mash and thyme‑infused treacle gravy, a hearty chicken liver pâté with melba toast, and a seasonal fig and feta salad drizzled with balsamic reduction. The kitchen garden supplies fresh produce, and diners will often notice nasturtium blossoms on the tables, a reminder of the inn’s self‑sufficient ethos.
A typical two‑person lunch with a glass of house merlot is priced at €73.70, while the dinner experience is similarly priced, offering excellent value for the quality and ambience.
Events, Conferences & Weddings
Hunter’s Hotel offers a small conference suite that can accommodate up to 30 guests, making it suitable for intimate business meetings, workshops or family celebrations. The garden provides a romantic backdrop for weddings, with the option of an outdoor ceremony on the riverbank or a reception in the historic dining room. Gift vouchers are available for purchase and make an ideal present for special occasions.
Exploring Wicklow
From the hotel, visitors can easily reach a host of Wicklow attractions:
- Historic houses such as Avondale Forest Park and the nearby Mount Usher Gardens – linked via the internal page for Ashford.
- The scenic Wicklow Way for hill walking.
- Fifteen 18‑hole golf courses within a half‑hour drive, notably Druid’s Glen and the European.
- Horse‑riding centres and bird‑watching along the River Vartry.
- Other heritage sites within reach include Powerscourt, Russborough, Killruddery and the monastic ruins of Glendalough.
Practical Information
Hunter’s Hotel welcomes guests year‑round. Check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out by 11:00. The inn provides free on‑site parking in a courtyard that is bordered by a small flock of hens, adding a touch of rural charm to the arrival experience. Wheelchair‑friendly routes lead from the parking area through the garden to the reception and restaurant, ensuring that mobility‑impaired visitors can enjoy the full range of facilities.
Accommodation options are presented as Bed & Breakfast (from €75 per person sharing) and Bed, Breakfast & Dinner (from €95 per person sharing). These rates are listed on the hotel’s special offers page and include a hearty Irish breakfast served in the dining room.
| Package | Price per person (sharing) |
|---|---|
| Bed & Breakfast | €75 |
| Bed, Breakfast & Dinner | €95 |
Access
- By car: via the M11 motorway, exit at Newrath Bridge and follow local signs to Rathnew (approximately 2 km from the bridge).
- Public transport: regular Bus Éireann services run from Dublin to Wicklow town; a short taxi ride (≈ 5 min) completes the journey to the hotel.
- Air: Dublin Airport is about a 45‑minute drive.
Reservations can be made directly through the hotel’s website hunters.ie or by calling +353 (0)404 40106. The friendly staff are happy to arrange special requests, such as garden tours, early check‑in (subject to availability) or a private dining room for celebrations.
