Classically elegant and comfortably luxurious, The Heritage is a spacious and sophisticated contemporary hotel and spa, set in the heart of the countryside in the pretty village of Killenard in Co. Laois, just over an hour’s drive from Dublin.
The Heritage first opened its doors in June 2005 and celebrated its 20th anniversary with a host of industry award successes in 2025. These included ‘Great Places to Work ‘Hospitality’, Irish Hotel Awards ‘Excellence in Service’, Irish Hotel Awards ‘Wedding Coordinator of the Year’, Irish Hotel Awards ‘Great Irish Breakfast’, TripAdvisor ‘Top 10% in the World of Luxury Hotels’, Failte Ireland ‘Employer Excellence program: Excellent Employer’ and ASAI Gold ‘Accommodation Services Standards’.
The 2025 Irish Hotel Awards at Johnstown Estate Hotel in Enfield, Co. Meath on October 20 last was especially memorable for The Heritage team who received accolades for ‘Excellence in Service’ for Leinster and ‘Venue Coordinator of the Year’ for Leinster for Joanna Shore in addition to a certificate for ‘Great Irish Breakfast’.
The evening marked a powerful tribute to Ireland’s most inspiring hospitality professionals – those who elevate guest experiences with quiet brilliance and unwavering dedication. This year’s ceremony honoured a diverse spectrum of contributors, from visionary general managers and culinary innovators to devoted housekeeping teams and front-of house stars.
“We were one of the big winners at the Irish Hotel Awards and that is something we’re obviously very proud of. We’re delighted,” The Heritage’s deputy general manager Jason Jordan enthuses.
“These awards are a testament to the dedication, professionalism and passion of our incredible team. I know it’s a cliché, but it really is a huge team effort here. We have over 240 staff who are great at what they do and who take immense pride in their work. We have many long-serving team members who have built a special bond and trust with our guests over the years.
“A prime example of this is our guest relations manager JP Donegan. He has been with us for 16 years and enjoys a fantastic rapport with guests. He is a friendly face and helping hand to everyone who visits us.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of The Heritage team for their hard work, commitment and exceptional service. They continue to set new standards of excellence.”
Boasting 98 luxurious bedrooms / suites and five penthouse apartments, The Heritage offers a sophisticated elegance with impeccable hospitality set in the pastoral Laois countryside. It includes a world-class hotel, an award-winning spa, Blake’s, Seven and The Galleria serving Afternoon Tea to choose from. The Heritage also offers guests several onsite activities such as its health club with leisure pool, The Heritage Spa Experience (Thermal Suite) jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, tennis court, a 5km woodland walkway, and 50 seater cinema. The four-star hotel also offers accommodation styles for every occasion and family.
The Heritage is popular for both leisure and business travel, and caters for exhibitions, small meetings, wonderful family celebrations, large and small conferences and, of course, elegant weddings. The Heritage enjoys a prime location adjacent to a Seve Ballesteros–designed championship golf course in the quaint village of Killenard.
The golf course measures 7,319 yards from the championship tees and has played host to some of the world’s top golfers, including many multiple major winners. Five prominent lakes and a stream meander through the course, bringing water into play on 10 holes. The course is well-known for its remarkable 96 beautifully shaped bunkers as well as its 7,000 trees that adorn the Co. Laois landscape.
From the minute you check-in, the meticulous team of The Heritage will take care of you and ensure you have a safe, relaxing and very enjoyable stay. Guests can check out the stunning sights in the area such as Emo Court or the Rock of Dunamase, or take the short drive to Kildare Village for a spot of shopping.
“For those looking to enjoy the hotel grounds, there is an array of things to do whilst you stay, from an Elemis or newly launched Freamh spa treatments in our award-winning spa, a 5km stroll around the woodland walkway, movie nights in our cinema, watch the golfers tee off from our terrace with a cocktail in hand or perch yourself beside one of our open fires with a good book,” Jason says.
A memorable dining experience awaits guests at The Heritage. Whether you’re hosting a stylish small soiree, a family gathering or a romantic meal for two, dining at The Heritage is sure to wow friends, family or clients.
“Our new executive head chef Marek Zboril is passionate about offering guests an unforgettable dining experience. Using only the finest ingredients to ensure the fullest flavours and a strong emphasis on sourcing locally grown produce from as many of the amazing Laois suppliers as we can such as G’s Jams, Garryhinch Mushrooms and Ion Oils, our menus focus on flavour and balance to create exciting and modern dishes.”
Weddings are a specialty at The Heritage. The award-winning wedding team, with the aforementioned Joanna Shore and the team, make planning your wedding an easy and joyful experience with their care for each couple and true grá for each love story. Whether it’s a small, more intimate affair or a lavish wedding, the midlands venue can cater for anything up to 350 guests.
To inspire you and help you along the way, the wedding team have carefully crafted a series of inclusive, customisable packages with everything you need for a magnificent day. The Promise, The Heritage and The Wow Wedding Packages have been designed to provide couples with a true taste of The Heritage for their big day, each tailored to suit different requirements and budgets.
The Heritage is one of seven quality four-star hotels and resorts in Ireland and Spain owned by FBD Hotels & Resorts. FBD Hotels consists of five hotels in Ireland, Castleknock Hotel and Grand Hotel Malahide in Dublin, Killashee Hotel in Kildare, The Heritage in Laois and Faithlegg in Waterford and two resorts in Spain, La Cala Resort and Sunset Beach Club, both located on the Costa del Sol. In total, the company employs approximately 2,000 people.
Whether it’s a relaxing spa stay or romantic escape, check out www.theheritage.com for rates and availability.
Here’s to the next 20 years!
The Heritage
Killenard,
Co. Laois,
R32 PW10.
Telephone: +353 (0)57 869 5000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.theheritage.com
This article was published in Hotel & Tourism Magazine, Spring 2026, Vol 2 No 1
