he K Club is a 5-star hotel and resort located in Straffan, County Kildare, just 40 minutes from Dublin City Centre. At the heart of the estate is Straffan House, a historic mansion that serves as the centerpiece of the resort. Set on 550 acres of lush countryside, the estate offers both grandeur and tranquillity.
Originally built in 1832 for Hugh Barton, a wealthy wine merchant, Straffan House was designed in a distinctive French château style. After serving as a private residence for over a century, it was transformed into the central hotel building of The K Club. Today, it blends classic period charm with stunning gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds.
As you drive down the private lane to The K Club, you are immediately surrounded by natural beauty. The elegant hotel, with its distinctive mansard roof, welcomes you with stunning original features like stucco ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and fine art.
The atmosphere is one of luxurious comfort, blending historical prestige with a relaxed and welcoming hospitality.
The K Club provides a variety of accommodations, with 128 rooms and suites, ranging from multi-room suites to spacious standard rooms. All are equipped with modern amenities, including a TV, espresso machine, and Voya toiletries.
For guests seeking more privacy, the resort also has two exclusive-use gate lodges, The Palmer Lodge and Straffan Gate Lodge, with self-catering facilities.
The resort is also home to two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer. The North and South courses have hosted major events, including the Ryder Cup in 2006 and the Irish Open in 2016 and 2023.
Beyond golf, The K Club offers a wide range of leisure activities for guests of all interests. The resort features a luxurious spa and a heated indoor swimming pool for relaxation and wellness. For those seeking outdoor adventure, activities include horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, tennis, Padel, archery, and fishing on the River Liffey, which flows through the estate.
The gardens are not just a beautiful sight but an integral part of The K Club experience. Guests can explore the grounds via ‘The K Trails’, a 6-kilometre network of walking and cycling paths that wind through woodlands and follow the river. The resort offers complimentary bicycles, making it easy to explore.
The K Club offers a range of dining options including The Barton Restaurant, The Palmer Restaurant, South Bar & Restaurant, and Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1.30PM to 4.30PM in the elegant Tea Rooms. Located in the original Straffan House wing, the setting exudes old-world charm.
The room itself is a visual treat, with hand-painted wallpaper, grand windows, a majestic fireplace, and oversized antique vases that exude old-world charm.
This beautiful space creates a serene and luxurious atmosphere, a place where time seems to slow down and every detail is designed to make you feel special.
The Afternoon Tea menu offers a classic selection with a creative touch.
The sandwiches are light yet satisfying, with traditional options like Egg & Cress on Brioche, Cucumber and Cream Cheese, and Smoked Salmon with Crème Fraîche and Lemon. The Coronation Chicken and Mango Chutney was a notable highlight.
The scones, both plain and fruit, arrive warm and are served with fresh cream, lemon curd, and raspberry jam – a simple, timeless, and delicious combination.
The pastries were the true highlight, with a selection that is both beautiful and delicious. We particularly enjoyed the White Chocolate Tube with its whipped passion fruit cream and moist sponge cake, and the Battenberg Cake which featured both vanilla and lemon madeira cake with a pistachio sponge. The Dark Chocolate & Strawberry Sphere was a rich combination of dark chocolate mousse and strawberry compote on a shortbread biscuit, while the Mango & Coconut Tart provided a tropical flavour with its mango compote, creamy coconut ganache, and yuzu sponge.
The Afternoon Tea beverage menu is very comprehensive. It features classic and unique black teas, such as Irish Whiskey Cream and Jasmine Pearls, along with a full selection of coffees. The menu also includes a wide variety of herbal infusions, ranging from soothing options like camomile to flavourful fruity blends.
The service throughout our Afternoon Tea was exceptional. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring a professional yet warm and welcoming experience for us.
Afternoon Tea costs €59 per person (€29.50 per child), while the Champagne Afternoon Tea is €79 per person.
There is free parking at The K Club as well as accessible parking and two electric vehicle charging stations in the hotel carpark.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Afternoon Tea at The K Club offers a sophisticated and memorable experience. It is a moment of pure indulgence that perfectly captures the essence of classic Irish hospitality.
For more information, visit https://www.kclub.ie/.
