Mount Juliet Golf & Spa Hotel

The Mount Juliet Estate was named by the Earl of Carrick after his wife Juliet, and consists of a Georgian manor home set on a hill overlooking the River Nore, surrounded by over 1,500 acres (6.1 km²) of land. It was purchased in 1987 by the Killeen Group, who proceeded to develop the estate, incorporating a hotel, stud, golf course and residential properties. In 2002, a deal was signed that saw the hotel, spa and stud join the Conrad Hotels brand operated by Hilton Hotels Corporation. That arrangement was terminated late in 2009. In 2014, the estate was purchased by the Tetrarch group.[2] The hotel also has a Michelin starred restaurant, the Lady Helen.[3]

The par 72, 7,300-yard (6,700 m) Jack Nicklaus designed golf course opened in 1991. It was voted the Best Parkland Golf Course in Ireland by Backspin Golf Magazine in 2008 and 2010.[4] There is also a full 18 hole putting course set in the grounds of Mount Juliet House, which is the venue for the annual National Putting Championship. Other facilities at Mount Juliet include a driving range, practice putting greens and a golf academy.

Mount Juliet was the venue for the 2002 and 2004 WGC-American Express Championship, and hosted the European Tour's Irish Open on three occasions between 1993 and 1995.[5] The course was also visited by Shell's Wonderful World of Golf in 1997, for a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples.[6]

• Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny