DUBLIN, Ireland — A tranquil country estate just 15 miles west of the Irish capital is now home to the island’s very first voco-branded hotel, widening the accommodation choices for visitors who want the buzz of Dublin by day and a quiet rural retreat at night, according to a press release by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Introducing voco The Club – Dublin Gateway
Set on a picturesque, 12-acre site in County Kildare’s Greenhills district, the freshly converted property joins IHG’s premium “voco” portfolio, a collection that has grown to 100 open hotels across more than 25 countries since its 2018 debut. The Irish opening brings IHG’s footprint in the Republic to 10 open and pipeline hotels, adding a new flavor to a scene long dominated by heritage brands and independent inns. Behind the project is Nhance, an investment partner that specializes in repositioning existing assets. Together with IHG, the company plans to complete the full rebrand by the end of summer 2025, bringing the hotel in line with the hallmark voco aesthetic—bright interiors, whimsical artwork and easygoing social spaces—while limiting disruption to current operations.
Why Kildare makes sense for travelers
County Kildare is celebrated worldwide as “Thoroughbred County,” home to the Curragh, Punchestown and Naas racecourses as well as numerous stud farms that underpin Ireland’s multibillion-euro horse-racing industry. That equestrian heritage lures international fans throughout the year, yet the county also sits beside the N7 motorway, the main road linking Dublin with Cork and Limerick. For visitors who intend to tour Ireland by car, the new hotel offers a strategic launch pad free from inner-city congestion. Dublin itself has been one of Europe’s best-performing capitals for the past decade. Since 2014, the city has welcomed more than seven million overseas visitors annually. Oxford Economics predicts arrivals will climb by 11 percent each year through 2026, underscoring sustained demand for fresh accommodation stock. Meanwhile, Tourism Ireland reports that international guests pumped more than €6 billion into the economy in 2024 alone, an 11 percent year-on-year jump. Those numbers translate into crowded city-center hotels on peak nights—making a nearby country alternative even more attractive.
Rooms, dining and wellness
The 50-key voco The Club – Dublin Gateway was designed to feel intimate rather than sprawling. Every guest room will adopt the brand’s signature soothing palette, plush bedding and high-tech touches once the refurbishment is complete next year. Travelers checking in sooner still find upgraded toiletries, fast Wi-Fi and the typically friendly Irish welcome that voco leans into. Foodies can look forward to an award-winning brasserie-style restaurant, already a favorite among Kildare locals for its creative spin on seasonal produce. Menus pair contemporary Irish cooking with Old World wines and a generous list of craft beers—many brewed in Dublin’s thriving microbreweries. Outdoors, the hotel breaks from the standard Irish rural template by offering a dedicated spa deck. Two hot tubs and a Scandinavian-inspired sauna sit in landscaped gardens, giving guests the chance to soak sore muscles after a day exploring nearby hiking trails or visiting Dublin’s museums. A small treatment cabin is being added to host massages and facials sourced from Irish skincare lines.
Meeting travelers’ business needs
While leisure travelers form the bulk of Kildare’s arrivals, the county also attracts pharmaceutical, agri-tech and renewable-energy firms. To serve that market, voco The Club – Dublin Gateway houses multiple meeting rooms equipped with modern audiovisual gear and plentiful natural light. Breakout terraces allow participants to take calls amid fresh country air, and the hotel’s ample parking removes a persistent headache for event planners accustomed to Dublin’s limited inner-city spaces.
Fast facts at a glance
- Location: Greenhills, Kill, County Kildare, W91 APW9, Ireland
- Distance from Dublin City Center: 15 miles via the N7 motorway
- Size of Estate: 12 acres
- Total Keys: 50 guest rooms
- Dining: Brasserie-style restaurant, focus on Irish produce
- Wellness: Outdoor spa with two hot tubs and a sauna
- Meetings: Multiple event spaces, daylight and A/V setup
- Reservations: +353 1 685 6189
- Projected Full Rebrand Completion: End of summer 2025
voco’s growth story continues
voco is IHG’s fastest-growing premium flag, favored by owners for its conversion-friendly blueprint that limits upfront costs. Across Europe, more than 30 voco hotels are currently open, with 19 additional properties in the development pipeline. Recent signings include voco London – Waterloo and voco Antalya Konyaaltı, which will become the first Turkish outpost when it debuts in 2028. One executive summed up the brand’s transformation-ready philosophy, saying the company’s systems “let owners plug in quickly and start benefiting from IHG’s global platform.” IHG attributes the success to flexible design standards that can be layered over existing architecture without demanding a full rebuild.
Tips for Travelers: Making the Most of a Kildare Stay
- Time your visit to coincide with race season—Punchestown’s festival in late April and early May is a spectator favorite.
- Rent a car at Dublin Airport to capitalize on the hotel’s straightforward N7 access and to explore Kildare’s heritage sites such as the 1,000-year-old Round Tower in Kildare Town.
- Ask reception for walking maps of the nearby Barrow Blueway, a towpath converted into a scenic 71-kilometer cycling and hiking route.
- Use the hotel as a base for daytrips to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, less than an hour’s drive away.
- Book spa slots early—outdoor tubs are popular at sunset when the surrounding fields glow amber.
FAQ
Is there public transport from Dublin?
Regular bus services link the capital to Kill Village, a short taxi ride from the hotel. However, most guests prefer the flexibility of self-drive.
Can I bring my pet?
Pet policy is currently under review; travelers should confirm at booking.
Does the hotel charge a resort fee?
No mandatory resort fee has been announced, but certain spa treatments carry separate charges.
What loyalty program benefits apply?
IHG One Rewards members can earn and redeem points; elite members enjoy perks such as late checkout, subject to availability.
Looking ahead
Once its final makeover wraps up by the end of summer 2025, voco The Club – Dublin Gateway aims to set a benchmark for relaxed, design-forward stays within easy reach of Dublin. With Ireland’s inbound tourism projected to keep climbing at double-digit rates through 2026, the timing appears favorable for both IHG and travelers in search of a fresh alternative to city-center crowds. — Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts press release
