The award-winning Barton Rooms Restaurant at Barberstown Castle has officially relaunched, marking a new chapter in its rich history.
During a special event to mark the occasion, guests attending enjoyed an elegant six-course dining experience, thoughtfully curated by Executive Head Chef Pablo Bernardo and Executive Sous Chef Jeferson Silvestre, showcasing modern contemporary cuisine with a French accent.
The Barton Rooms Restaurant, housed in the original dining room of the Main House, pays homage to its storied past. Named after Mr. Hugh Barton, who constructed the historic wing in the 1830s, the restaurant blends heritage and innovation, offering a refined yet welcoming dining experience.
Barberstown Castle Hotel Executive Head Chef Pablo Bernardo shared his vision for The Barton Rooms, stating, “At The Barton Rooms, dining is more than just a meal, it’s a time for sharing special moments and creating unforgettable memories through culinary mastery. Our dishes are crafted from the finest local ingredients, with each plate thoughtfully designed to engage your senses and stir your emotions. Dining with us means embarking on a new journey that goes beyond the ordinary. Every course has a story to tell, every aroma evokes a memory, and every flavor whispers of our chef’s dedication”
Amanda Torrens, CEO of Barberstown Castle Hotel added “We are thrilled to unveil the newly reimagined Barton Rooms menu, where timeless elegance meets contemporary fine dining. Our team has worked tirelessly to craft an exceptional experience that celebrates the finest local ingredients, impeccable service, and the rich heritage of Barberstown Castle Hotel. We look forward to welcoming guests old and new to indulge in a truly memorable culinary journey.”
At the relaunch event, guests were served a carefully crafted menu beginning with lobster mousse paired with pickled daikon, parsley aioli, and red sorrel. This was followed by Kingsbury tenderloin wagyu tartare, complemented by grilled brioche, crispy egg yolk, and black truffle cheese. The seafood course featured wild Irish sea bass with green peas, clams, fregola, and a Sauvignon Blanc jus. For the main course, diners enjoyed a 7oz dry-aged beef fillet, accompanied by crispy potato, potato foam, burnt artichoke purée, chargrilled broad beans, and a rich Bordelaise sauce. The meal concluded with two desserts: elderflower and gin-infused rhubarb with stem ginger and saffron espuma, followed by a decadent 70% dark chocolate, coffee, and white chocolate mousse served with Five Farms Liqueur ice cream.
With a focus on elevating the dining experience while preserving its historical charm, The Barton Rooms aims to remain a premier destination for food lovers across Ireland. The restaurant invites guests to savour its new seasonal menu, expertly crafted to honour both tradition and contemporary culinary artistry.
For reservations and further information, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie.
About Barberstown Castle
Barberstown Castle is a distinguished four-star country house and historic 13th-century castle, often regarded as a hidden gem in the charming village of Straffan, Co. Kildare.
Originally one of Ireland’s first great country houses to open its doors to guests in 1971, the property has beautifully preserved its elegance over eight centuries. Its Victorian and Elizabethan extensions have been seamlessly integrated with the original Medieval Castle Keep, which dates back to 1288.
From 1979 to 1987, Barberstown Castle was home to legendary musician Eric Clapton, who hosted renowned rock stars for impromptu late-night jam sessions in the Green Room and Castle Keep.
Now privately owned and managed, the castle has been carefully transformed from a 10-bedroom guesthouse into a 55-bedroom, Fáilte Ireland-approved hotel. Proud members of Ireland’s Blue Book and The Historic Hotels of Europe, Barberstown Castle continues to offer an exceptional blend of history, charm, and modern luxury.