En route from Dublin city to Wicklow, I would not have expected to time travel back to the 1900’s...
Small roads and forests are a welcome distraction from the noisy streets of Dublin. And when you just don’t expect to encounter anything other than a lost sheep, this quaint white farm-looking hotel appears out of nowhere.
Welcome to Hunter’s Hotel in Rathnew.
Entering the hotel, the silence makes you hear your own thoughts. Walking into the lounge feels like stepping into another time. I step into a world of mystery, at first an uncomfortable feeling - and then a feeling of curiosity.
While my coffee is prepared, I walk into the garden, it is as if I walked right into a movie set of The Importance of Being Earnest or Howards’s End. The flowers, the chirping birds... I can only imagine how a young couple would hide out here to enjoy some privacy.
Coming back into the lobby, I enjoy the delicious brunch in silence. Only two elderly women cross my path in this little hotel, and that brings a feeling of sadness.
The hotel is a gem in the middle of nowhere, one that takes you back 100 years back in time. A place where rumour has it, a young man left his hat by mistake at the hotel while on honeymoon. On returning back to the hotel 25 years later, the hat was still there in the same place. Time stands still in this place.
This undiscovered place seems to have enough visitors, but my impression left me with a sad feeling because only older ladies and gents seem to know about this little palace.
The little hotel is not a fancy establishment; there are no five-star spa treatments but it has been voted as one of the most beautiful hotels in Ireland by the Good Hotel Guide.
This is the place to be when you want to retreat in peaceful silence and privacy, and maybe travel to another world.
A place where selfies are nonexistent, although the tea and scones are definitely Instagram-worthy. Afternoon Tea starts at €15.00 and is served from 4.00 p.m.- 5.30 p.m.
Splendid morning coffee and gardens can also be found nearby in Avoca Handweavers Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow and The Garden Cafe in Mount Usher Gardens Ashford Co. Wicklow.
Nina Epifanova
If you're a big fan of afternoon tea, you should check out our reviews of our experiences at the Lyrath Estate and the Fitzwilliam.
