Nestled in the heart of County Kildare, The Club at Goffs Hotel presents a delightful blend of elegance, comfort, and tranquility. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re greeted by a warm ambiance that invites you to unwind and embrace a truly relaxing experience.
This was not our first rodeo when it comes to staycationing in our home county, some don’t understand the attraction to staying local, but us, we can’t recommend it highly enough. What’s not to like about finishing work and heading for an evening of great food and drinks in beautiful surroundings followed by a leisurely saunter upstairs for a restful night before indulging in a slow morning that includes a sumptuous breakfast delivered directly to the room – bliss!
From check-in to check-out, the attentive and friendly staff provided exceptional service that added immensley to the overall enjoyment of our visit. The genuine warmth that emanates from the staff creates an atmosphere that feels more like visiting a close friend’s elegant home rather than a hotel.
The Club at Goffs exudes a timeless charm, where classic elements harmonise with modern touches. The tasteful decor boasts a refined simplicity, with rich color palettes and comfortable seating that make you feel right at home. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and approachability.
The Club at Goffs offers a variety of well-appointed rooms that are spacious and designed to evoke an ambiance of luxury and relaxation. If you’re seeking a cosy getaway for two, look no further! The attention to detail is evident in the plush bedding, tasteful furnishings, and modern amenities.
The dining experience at The Club at Goffs is a true highlight. Headed up by highly respected hospitality veterans, Derry and Sallyanne Clarke with the very creative and talented James Sheridan, formally of Canteen, Celbridge leading the Kitchen Team in the role of Head Chef. The onsite restaurant boasts a menu that combines local flavours with international culinary influences. The commitment to using locally sourced ingredients shines through in each dish.
We enjoyed a positively provincial start to our dining experience with Ballymore Organics House Sourdough and Guinness Bread served with Glenilen Farmhouse Butter.
Our selection of Snacks comprised of Onion and Young Buck Tartlet, Ox Tongue Tartlet, Gribiche and our favourite from the tasty trio, Chorizo, Ham Hock and Smoked Gubbeen Croquettes topped with Mustard Mayo – a super crispy shell housing a symphony of salty, smokey meat and cheese with the mustard mayo on top elevating these devilishly delicious moreish morsels to standout snack of the evening level.
With our tastebuds tingling after those tasty snacks, our starters arrived to the table artfully plated and looking extremely appetising. New Season Asparagus, Crispy Hens Egg, Connemara Ham and Truffle Hollandaise. An exquisite example of how best to execute the perfect balance of flavours and textures using a minimal number of ingredients of the very highest quality.
Grilled Red Mullet, Warm Escabeche Dressing, Scallop, Saffron Aioli – this glorious dish is the type of starter that just ticks all the boxes, luxurious but light. With the skin crisped to audible crunch level, the rich flaky meat of the Red Mullet was accentuated by the tender, buttery scallops. The tangy and slightly acidic flavours of the warm escabeche dressing along with the aromatic, earthy and floral notes from the saffron aioli made this a dish to remember.
16oz Herford Rib Eye, Shallots, Crispy Onion Rings, Watercress, French Fries, Seasonal Vegetables and Pepper Sauce. A truly decadent meat feast, served simply with no faffy plate fillers, just pure unadulterated hearty fare.
The most delectable Braised Beef Cheek was sent out as a little added extra and wow did it pack a serious punch of gelatinous meaty goodness
Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – What a joy to sip and savour this open and expressive wine. Aroma’s of blackberry and cedar, really well balanced acidity, plum, blackberry and cassis flavours, a smooth operator.
The Horse Choux – Whiskey Banana Compote, Hay Smoked Creme, Caramel Meringue. A dessert clearly borne from originality and creativity, a very clever composition of flavours and refreshingly different to the majority of desserts we have seen in recent times.
The Club Cheese Plate – Ballylisk Brie, Young Buck Blue, Smoked Gubbeen, Cais na Tire, Candied Walnuts, Pickled Grapes, Seeded Crackers – a fine selection of iconic Irish cheese to add a final flourish of indulgence to a terrific dining experience.
Whilst the food in The Club at Goffs will remain our primary reason to return, for anyone travelling from further afield and for the shoppers amongst us, Kildare Village is just a 20 minute drive from the hotel and is a must visit for any designer lovers. Punchestown, Naas Racecourse and The Curragh are all very close by making The Club an ideal base.
The Club at Goffs Hotel is a hidden, yet very conveniently located gem along the commuter belt that offers an escape from the ordinary. With its welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and exceptional dining options, it’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family escape, or simply some rejuvenating rest, relaxation and delicious food, The Club at Goffs Hotel provides an experience that captures the essence of comfort and luxury.
The Club at Goffs
Greenhills,
Kill,
Co. Kildare,
W91 APW9
WRITTEN BY KEITH MAHON & OLIVIA BYRNE