Michelin Star Dining at Lady Helen, Mount Juliet
Mount Juliet Estate, one of Ireland’s most distinguished Blue Book hotels, is home to the Lady Helen restaurant in County Kilkenny—one of the select Blue Book restaurants awarded a Michelin star. Situated within the 260-year-old Manor House on a 500-acre estate, Lady Helen offers one of the finest dining experiences in Ireland, led by multi-award-winning Executive Head Chef John Kelly. With 12 consecutive years of Michelin-starred excellence, four AA Rosettes, and the title of Best Chef in Leinster (2024), Chef Kelly’s commitment to precision and innovation has cemented Lady Helen’s reputation as one of the finestdining destinations in Ireland.
Ethos at Lady Helen
To dine at Lady Helen is an exceptional experience. Executive Head Chef John Kelly and his team follow an ethos of “keep it simple, do it well.” A masterclass in outstanding modern Irish cuisine, Chef Kelly strives for purity and balance in every dish, while adding elements of surprise to delight guests. The result is boldly flavoured, visually impressive creations that leave a lasting impression.
The culinary philosophy at Lady Helen is underpinned by a network of independent Irish suppliers and farmers, who are the cornerstone of the restaurant’s success. Locally sourced, estate-grown, and handselected produce take centre stage. In season, the team uses fruit and herbs from the estate’s walled garden, as well as fragrant wild garlic that grows abundantly throughout the grounds.
Signature Tasting Menu
The eight-course tasting menu is a journey through Ireland’s finest seasonal produce. Dishes such as the Tipperary Organic Veal—served with baby leek, black truffle “Tuber Melanosporum,” and aged Comté cheese—or the dessert featuring Mount Juliet Estate honey and Waterford whiskey, showcase Chef Kelly’s ability to elevate local ingredients to extraordinary heights. For vegetarian guests, an equally exquisite menu is available, featuring dishes like Cauliflower with Vadouvan spice, apple, and lime, or Roast Cabbage with Black truffle and aged Comté cheese. Each course is a celebration of flavour, texture, and artistry, designed to surprise and delight.
Lady Helen’s impressive wine cellar offers access to the world’s finest wines. The exceptional collection includes more than 130 wines and champagnes, ranging from small-batch organic vineyards to iconic Old World classics, including a carefully curated selection that complements the tasting menu.
Signature Tasting Menu Signature Vegetarian Tasting Menu
Lady Helen Restaurant
The dining experience at Lady Helen is as much about the setting as it is about the food. The restaurant’s soft, mauve-toned walls, Georgian architecture, original stuccowork, and open fireplace create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Tall windows draped in opulent fabrics frame sweeping views of the estate, including the River Nore and Ballylinch Stud.
The restaurant’s name pays homage to Lady Helen McCalmont, the wife of a former earl, who was celebrated for her legendary parties at Mount Juliet. Her spirit of fun, generosity, and meticulous attention to the estate’s gardens and kitchens lives on in the warm hospitality and impeccable service that define the Lady Helen experience.
Stay & Dine at Mount Juliet Estate: Manor House and Hunter’s Yard
To stay at Mount Juliet Estate, guests have a choice of accommodation from the 18th-century elegance of the guest rooms in the Manor House to the chic contemporary design of the guest rooms at Hunter’s Yard.
Whichever you choose, both residences deliver the exceptional comfort and sophistication that Mount Juliet Estate is known for, making it one of the most sought-after Blue Book hotels in Ireland.
Ireland’s Blue Book Vouchers
Ireland’s Blue Book vouchers can be used to enjoy a Michelin dining experience at the Lady Helen restaurant, as well as overnight stays in guest rooms at the Manor House and Hunter’s Yard at Mount Juliet Estate. To use your voucher and plan your stay, contact us directly to make a booking. We also have seasonal offers available here, that include overnight stays, gourmet getaways, golf experiences and short wellness
breaks.
