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Welcome to The Court Yard Hotel

Built on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, the hotel offers old world charm, beautiful original stone work with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling. The Court Yard Hotel truly is Kildare's best kept secret.

Arthur Guinness is legendary for his pint and the Court Yard Hotel is legendary for it's 4* comfort, exquisite dining, the famous courtyard and of course 'The Black Stuff' in Arthur's Bar.

Situated in the heart of Leixlip, Co. Kildare and just 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre and 20 minutes from Dublin Airport.

Click here to download our Hotel brochure.

Highlights

Bars

Join us in Arthur's Bar, Arthur's Live or our famous Piano Bar and enjoy all that Leixlip and Kildare has to offer. A leading premier venue for live entertainment, exceptional food and much more...

Dining

Here at the Court Yard Hotel we are passionate about great tasting good quality food. We strive to ensure you have the ultimate dining experience...

Events

Events seem more special at the Court Yard Hotel. Whether it's a family reunion, a glamorous birthday party or a professional meet and mingle , we have the ideal venue for you...

Weddings

Weddings in Kildare are special. We make them unique. The Court Yard Hotel offers an intimate and bespoke wedding venue in Kildare

Accommodation

Sink into a good nights sleep at the Court Yard Hotel and let us take care of the rest...

Gift Vouchers

Court yard Gift Vouchers are the perfect gifts for all occasions. Click here to purchase now.

Leixlip, the Original Home of Guinness

1752
When Archbishop Price died in 1752 he left one hundred pounds, quite a sum then, to his servant, Richard Guinness and a similar amount to Richard's son, Arthur, who was then aged 27.
Building the Brewery

1756
In 1756, when Arthur was 31, he established a brewery on Main Street, Leixlip. The lease for the property dates from 13th September 1756 and this original lease for the site is displayed beside the main reception in the hotel with the signature of Arthur Guinness clearly visible at the bottom of the lease.
The Move to St. James Gate, Dublin

1759
Three years later, Arthur then aged 34 left his younger brother, Richard, in charge of the Leixlip Brewery and bought an existing, but run down brewery at St. James Gate in Dublin. It was there he established the world famous company. The start of the Guinness business is always taken as being 1759, the date of this move. He lived on the Gate premises for a while and brewed all types of beer including dark beer known as porters ale or porter. The colour was obtained by including in the mash, with the ordinary pale malt, a proportion of malt that was roasted until virtually black.
Arthur Guinness Dies

1803
Arthur died in 1803, aged 78, and was buried at Oughterard Cemetery near Kill, a mere 20 minute drive from the Court Yard Hotel. It is also the resting place of his wife, Olivia, who bore him 21 children following their marriage in 1761.
The Guinness Family return to Leixlip

1958
The Guinness family link with Leixlip was re-ignited in 1958, when the Hon. Desmond Guinness (1931-2020), then aged 27, the same age as Arthur when he got his inheritance, bought Leixlip Castle. Up until 2020, Hon. Desmond Guinness resided in Leixlip Castle with his wife Penny. The Castle can still be seen from the bedrooms in the hotel.
The Court Yard Hotel Opens

2005
With the approval of Hon. Desmond Guinness, the hotel opened its doors in June 2005 and once again Guinness was back where it all began with a very modern version of Arthurs porter now begin sold in Arthurs Bar. At the Official Launch of the hotel on the 8th November 2005, the Hon Desmond Guinness unveiled a plaque that states the hotel is on the original site of Guinness. This plaque is displayed proudly over the fireplace in the main reception of the hotel.

Welcome to The Court Yard Hotel

Bars

Dining

Events

Weddings

Accommodation

Gift Vouchers

1752

1756

1759

1803

1958

2005