New Restaurant at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
The PREM Group owned Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington, Co. Wicklow has been enjoying something of a renaissance in recent times. Substantial capital works has seen renovations in the ballroom, in the Manor House, on the golf course, in the hotel itself and most recently a brand-new restaurant, ‘Fia Rua’ was created.
The 72-seater restaurant enjoys panoramic views across the 18th championship golf course to the mountains and the Blessington Lakes and is a spectacular venue to enjoy dinner or a leisurely lunch.
Under the watchful eye of Executive Head Chef, Eddie McDermott the restaurant serves modern Irish cuisine and places a huge emphasis on food provenance. Local produce features prominently on the menu from local farmhouse cheeses such as Wicklow Ban Brie, sourced from The Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese Company in Arklow, to meat, fish and vegetables. The chef’s signature dish, 12-hour, pot roasted feather blade of beef is one of the most popular dishes on the menu and is made from beef provided by the well-known, Gahan Meats Family Butchers.
The restaurant has been completely refurbished by McStan Construction under the supervision of specialist hospitality designer Julie Goggin who expertly mixed hard and soft materials to glorious effect. The décor is elegant and stylish, timber lined windows with feature panelling frame the stunning views while the tan leather upholstered booths provide private and intimate spaces for diners.
Local craftsmen created the joinery which incorporates solid hand worked oak panelling, inset antique mirrors and feature brass shelving. Hand-cut Carrera marble fan mosaics add a really luxurious feel to the space and are inlaid into a smoked oak parquet floor. Meanwhile, a stunning hand-blown light fitting by Venetian Specialists Giopato and Coombes creates an eye-catching feature in the centre of the room and has been inspired by the great billowing clouds which dramatically cling to the Wicklow Mountain tops.
Julie also used pattern in the fabrics to reflect the Irish garden and the natural world which surrounds Tulfarris. Some of the chairs have been beautifully upholstered with William Morris fabrics and feature some famous patterns and scenes such as the iconic ‘Strawberry Thief’ bird and flower pattern.
Fia Rua will open for diners once government restrictions allow and bookings can be made by (045) 867 609. More details and menus can be seen on the website www.tulfarrishotel.com