Virginia Park Lodge taking bookings

Virginia Park Lodge has reopened to the public as of Friday, June 4, with bookings currently being taken for short stays, weddings, parties and corporate events.

Guests visiting this summer can choose to stay in one of the Lodge’s luxury suites and apartments or quirky Deerpark Shepherd Huts scattered across the property.

Set on 100 acres, the 18th century hunting estate is set to give outdoor dining a new twist with the launch of ‘The Piggery’.

This outdoor, covered barbecue space will provide for self-catering residents with barbecue boxes to pre-order.

The new dining space was erected from the ruins of an ancient stone piggery. One of the original walls remains and acts as a wind-breaker to shield dining guests.

Manager Ciaran Whelan-Fiqueira explained the idea came from a conversation he had with Chef Richard Corrigan who has a particular knack for “taking a small idea and making it fabulous”.

Guests will have a real country experience in what Ciaran described as a “barn-like, wooden retreat”.

“It’s really country, cool and outdoorsy.”

He said that preparations to re-open are “going good” with “all hands on deck”, ensuring that measures including social distancing and sanitisation are being employed to protect staff and visitors alike.

Virginia Park Lodge is looking forward to a strong year in 2021, which Ciaran said is already “looking very healthy.”

He said last year was ideal for building up momentum, but hopes that the re-opening will give a “new lease of life to the business”.

Michelin star chef Richard Corrigan said the estate looks forward to welcoming guests with a “back to nature” approach, where people can relax, unwind and detox in this exclusive retreat.