For those who have dreamed of staying in an enchanted and luxurious Irish Castle, we have a list that will occupy your dreams.
1. Ashford Castle Hotel and Country Estate
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Address: Ashford Castle Hotel and Country Estate, Cong, Co Galway.
Location: The castle is about 50 minutes from Galway and three hours from Dublin.
Star Rating: Ireland’s first and only Forbes Five Star Hotel.
Ashford Castle was voted the most romantic hotel in Europe. As you arrive through the imposing grand stone entrance the scene is set for an experience of a lifetime. A huge genuine Irish welcome awaits you. The castle is the former home of the Guinness Family.
Ashford Castle is set on a 350-acre estate with beautifully landscaped gardens, a lake, and ancient woodlands. The castle is 800 years old and steeped in history. There are 83 elegant rooms and suites, many restaurants, 3 bars and an award-winning Spa with 5 treatment rooms and a sauna. Each room is individual in style and decorated in rare antiques, silk-lined walls, and silk curtains. Apart from the castle rooms, there is a choice of staying in the Hideaway Cottage which was one of the boathouses. Choices for dining in Ashford Castle include the award-winning George V dining room, The Dungeon, Connaught Room and Cullen’s at the Cottage.
Activities at the castle include fishing, zip-lining, clay pigeon shooting, archery, golf, cycling and kayaking.
2. Waterford Castle
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Address: Waterford Castle. The Island. Waterford. Situated in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Location: Located just 10 minutes from Waterford City and ninety minutes from Dublin and Cork Airport.
The Castle was built in 1895 and in a beautiful Gothic style. The Fitzgerald family owned the castle for hundreds of years and was passed down for many generations. In 1980 the castle was turned into a hotel.
Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort is set on a 310-acre Private Island and is accessed by a short private ferry ride. The 16th-century castle hotel has nineteen luxury bedrooms. The castle is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a game of golf or explore the beautiful surroundings. The Castle’s Munster Room restaurant holds 2-AA Rosettes. The restaurant is adorned with oak-panelled walls and Waterford Crystal chandeliers. The resort has an 18 hole Championship golf course and driving range. Other activities include croquet, clay pigeon shooting and tennis.
The resort also offers 45 family modern self-catering lodges. The lodges are perfect for a family and sleep, 6 people. Guests in the lodges can avail themselves of the Castles amenities. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and has much to offer and it’s a must to visit the Viking Triangle which includes Reginalds Tower, Bishops Palace, Christ Church Cathedral and of course a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showrooms. A walk around the Viking Triangle will bring you through 1000 years of history.
3. Ballyseede Castle Hotel
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Address: Ballyseede Castle Hotel. Tralee. Co Kerry.
Star Rating: 4 Star.
Location: The castle is about 90 minutes from Shannon airport
Ballyseede Castle is a luxury hotel nestled on thirty acres of woodland in the heart of Kerry.
The history of the castle dates back to the 1590s. This is a family-run hotel that is renowned for its hospitality and warm welcome. As you pass through the gates you may be greeted by the friendly Irish wolfhound. It was named ‘Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay-Munster in 2018 and 2019. There are 45 elegant and luxurious bedrooms, many with four-poster beds and all modern-day comforts. The 2-star AA Rosette O’Connell Restaurant is famed for serving the finest locally sourced ingredients. Ballyseede Castle is ideally situated for touring around the Dingle Peninsula, The Ring of Kerry, and the spectacular scenery around the area.
4. Kilkea Castle
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Address: Kilkea Castle. Castledermot, Co Kildare.
Location: Situated in Ireland’s Ancient East. Just one hour drive from Dublin. The history of the castle dates back to 1180.
It was the medieval stronghold of the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare.
The castle is on 180 acres of beautiful woodlands, magnificent gardens and golf
Course. As you enter through the beech-lined avenue you will be overwhelmed by the splendour of the castle. Kilkea castle boasts a variety of different accommodations which include 11 individual designed sumptuous guest rooms. The Carriage Rooms are situated in the courtyard. These 3-bedroomed self-catering lodges are ideal for families or the keen golfer.
There are many dining options at Kilkea Castle. Restaurant 1180 offers a unique dining experience. This restaurant overlooks the rose garden and golf club. The Bistro is located in the Clubhouse as is Hermione’s Restaurant which is ideal for special occasions or large family gatherings.
5. Kinnitty Castle Hotel
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Address: Kinnitty Castle Hotel, Birr, Co Offaly.
Star Rating: 4 Star
Location: Dublin Airport 1 hour 40 minutes.
This 13th-century castle is situated in the heart of Ireland at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. As you go through the winding avenue you will be greeted by spectacular views of the magnificent castle surrounded by 650 acres of parkland. There are 37 luxurious bedrooms each of which have original features. The Award-winning Sli Dala Restaurant overlooks the front gardens. It’s the perfect setting for a candlelit dinner. Some of the activities available at Kinnitty Castle include tennis, shooting, fishing, and equestrian sports.
6. Castle Leslie
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Address: Castle Leslie, Glaslough, Co Monaghan. Ireland’s Ancient East.
Location: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin Airport.
The Castle is one of the last Irish Castles still belonging to its founding family.
The Leslie family have lived on the estate since the 1660s. Castle Leslie is surrounded by 1,000 acres of ancient woodlands and beautiful lakes. This is the perfect setting for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside on foot or on horseback. There are three options of accommodation, including one of the 21 bedrooms in the castle, or you can stay in the Lodge which has 50 luxurious bedrooms. Also, there are self-catering cottages at the Old Stable Mews.
There is a large selection of guest rooms available in the castle itself from romantic suites to ornate bedrooms. Castle Leslie is not your typical Irish hotel. You will notice there are no televisions, minibars or radios in the bedrooms. The bedrooms are peaceful and calm, a sanctuary for sleeping. There are dining options including gourmet dining at the award-winning 2AA Snaffles restaurant or casual dining at Conor’s Bar and Lounge.
Activities are available for guests.
Falconry, Horse Riding, Archery, Clay Target Shooting, Fishing, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, and boating. Also walking around the beautiful landscape of the estate.
7. Ballynahinch Castle
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Address: Ballynahinch Castle, Recess, Co Galway. The Wild Atlantic Way.
Location: Dublin Airport 3 hours 30 minutes. Shannon Airport 2 hours.
Ballynahinch Castle is set on a 700-acre private estate in the heart of Connemara.
It is surrounded by woodland, rivers and in the background stands the 12 Bens
Mountain Range. The Castle is world-renowned for its hospitality and sporting estate.
Ballynahinch Castle is the perfect destination to unwind or enjoy outdoor activities.
Most of the impressive 48 bedrooms and suites have glorious views of the mountains and river.
Dining at Ballynahinch The Owenmore Restaurant is set in a stunning location. Only the finest and freshest ingredients are on the menu. The Fisherman’s Pub is a cosy and relaxing place where you can enjoy a wonderful meal or a pint. Activities include guided boat tours on Roundstone Bay, Guided Estate Tours, Fly Fishing by Ballynahinch River, Walking Trails, or cycling along the beautiful coastline of Connemara.
8. Lough Eske Castle Hotel
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Address: Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Lough Eske, Co Donegal.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Location: Three and a half hours from Shannon Airport and Three hours fifteen minutes from Dublin
Lough Eske Castle is set in beautiful surroundings at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains about a 10-minute drive from Donegal Town. Donegal Town is the home of the famous Donegal Tweed. The Castle is one of the best-hidden gems on the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a place where you find genuine Irish hospitality. Relax in one of the 97 rooms or suites which overlook the gardens at the back. All rooms are large but very comfortable with luxurious deep pile carpets and enormous beds. The Luxury Spa which won Ulster Spa of the year in 2019 is a place to escape and enjoy a well-deserved pampering. Cedars Restaurant is an award-winning 2AA Rosette. The Gallery restaurant is less formal. Activities at Eske Castle include horse riding, fishing, and exploring the castle grounds.
9. Cabra Castle Hotel
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Address: Cabra Castle Hotel, Carrickmacross Rd, Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
Star Rating: 4-Star
Location: One hour drive from Dublin and 90 minutes from Belfast.
Situated in Ireland Hidden Heartland. Cabra Castle was constructed in the early 19th century in a mix of “Gothic” and ‘neo-Norman Style. It is one of the leading hotels in Ireland. Set on 100 acres of beautiful gardens and parklands the hotel is a location to unwind. The hotel has 12 luxurious bedrooms and suites in the main castle. Each room has unique features such as four-poster beds, a private balcony and fireplaces. No two rooms are the same.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard is where the majority of the bedrooms are situated. All these rooms have been beautifully restored. The walk from the Courtyard to the castle takes about two minutes.
Cottage Rooms. There are 6 beautifully restored cottages on the grounds. Each cottage has four or five ensuite bedrooms. They are just a short walk to the castle. The Courtroom Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant with views of the garden and parkland. The best of Irish cuisine using local and in-season produce is featured in the restaurant.
10. Kilronan Castle and Spa
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Address: Kilronan Castle and Spa. Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon. Situated in Ireland’s Hidden Heartland.
Star Rating: 4-Star
Location: 2 hours and minutes from Shannon Airport and 2 hours 30 minutes from Dublin.
Kilronan Castle can trace back its history to the Royal Family. It was once known as Castle Tenison. As you enter through a set of medieval gates you are transported back in time.
The castle sits stately on the shores of Lough Meelagh surrounded by stunning scenery, ancient forests and historical sites. There are 85 charming bedrooms, each individually furnished and equipped with every modern comfort. The hotel offers a range of accommodation for guests including self-catering, and bed & breakfast. Kilronan Castle offers a world-class spa where guests can relax and rejuvenate at the hands of experienced staff. The Douglas Hyde restaurant offers mouthwatering fine dining for the guests in a spectacular setting. The castle is set on 40 acres of beautiful grounds just waiting to be explored. Activities off-site include a trip to the Shannon Blueways, an electric bike ride along the canals and rivers, horse riding and for the water sports enthusiasts sailing.
11. Markree Castle
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Address: Markree Castle, Collooney, Co Sligo. On the route to the Wild Atlantic Way.
Location: 2.30 hours from Dublin. A 45-minute drive from Knock Airport.
Markree Castle stands proudly on a secluded 500-acre estate. This is a 17th-century castle in the stunning Co Sligo. Extensive renovations were made to the castle ensuring the history and character were kept. In 2017 the castle reopened and is now one of the most exceptional historic homes in Ireland. The 31 en suite bedrooms are beautifully finished with rich furnishings and wonderful views. Dining at Markree Castle is a unique experience. The dining room is adorned with crystal chandeliers and opulent furniture. The head chef is renowned for his menu using local and in-season ingredients. Activities close to the castle include hiking, sailing, surfing, and walking tours.
12. Dromoland Castle
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Address: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Location: 20 minutes from Shannon Airport and 2 hours 30 minutes from Dublin.
This was the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland whose family can be traced back to one of the last High Kings of Ireland Brian Boru. The castle is set on a 450-acre estate. The castle has been described as magical, lavish, indulgent, and one of the finest hotels in Ireland
All of the luxurious bedrooms are uniquely decorated. You can choose from classic rooms, deluxe rooms, staterooms to suites. The Brian Boru suite is fit for royalty with a four-poster bed, sitting room and views over Dromoland Lough.
Dining at Dromoland Castle
The Earl of Thomond Restaurant is renowned for its award-winning cuisine. Head chef David McCann has been providing delicious food for guests for 20 years. Artisan food from around the country is sourced for his exquisite cuisine. Activities at the castle include falconry, archery, clay pigeon shooting, tennis and boating. A tour of the estate on the Pony and Trap takes about an hour. Guests will get a detailed history of the estate and surrounding areas.
The 18-hole championship golf course is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
13. Clontarf Castle Hotel
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Address: Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf East, Dublin 3.
Star Rating: 4 stars
Location: Located just 10 minutes from Dublin’s city centre where all the famous attractions are found including Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, and Dublin Castle.
The castle dates back to 1172 and is steeped in history including Brian Boru and the famous Battle of Clontarf. It was once the home of the Knights Templar and George Frederic Hanlel was a frequent visitor. Clontarf Castle has 111 guest rooms and suites in a variety of styles. The rooms range from deluxe to royal suites. Guests can experience fine dining at the award-winning Fahrenheit restaurant. The Indigo restaurant is a great place to relax in a more casual setting. The Knights Bar is perfect for a quiet drink.
14. Lough Rynn Castle
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Address: Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill Castle, Leitrim.
Star Rating: 4 Star
Location: 1 hour and 50 minutes from Dublin and 2 hours 30 minutes from Shannon Airport.
Beautifully situated on the shores of Lough Ryann surrounded by 300 acres. It is the ancestral home of the Clements family and the famed Lord Leitrim. Lough Rynn Castle is one of the most luxurious castles in Ireland. There are artefacts and historical documents displayed. The ancient character of the castle still remains. Home-grown and in-season produce is lovingly prepared in the award-winning Sandstone Restaurant. The castle has 44 luxurious bedrooms beautifully designed as a haven to relax after a day soaking up the surrounding countryside or strolling around the gardens. Just about a three-minute stroll from the castle, you will find the superb self-catering cottages which can accommodate up to five guests. Things to do near the castle.
The Cavan and Leitrim Railway Museum, Glenview Folk Museum, and Keeldra Lough.
Carrick on Shannon is a beautiful picturesque town and worth a visit.
15. Fitzpatricks Castle Hotel
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Address: Fitzpatricks Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co Dublin.
Star Rating: 4 Star
Location: 40 minutes from the centre of Dublin.
The castle was built around 1740 and has changed hands many times over the years.
It was previously known as Killiney Castle. When Paddy and Ethne Fitzpatrick took over the castle in 1971 they converted it into a 4 Star luxury castle hotel. The 113 bedrooms are individually designed with bespoke furniture and nothing is left to chance to make your stay unforgettable. Rooms vary from family rooms to sumptuous 18th-century castle suites. Many of the rooms have spectacular views over Dublin Bay. The hotel has a leisure centre, 20m swimming pool and sauna. Killiney beach is nearby also Dalkey village where you can enjoy a coffee sitting outside and if lucky enough you might catch a glimpse of Bono. There are three dining options
PJ’ Restaurant
This is a warm inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy fine dining.
Mapas Restaurant
The best of Irish locally sourced seasonal food is served.
The Library Bar
This bar is a favourite for locals to meet up and enjoy after-work drinks. It is famous for afternoon tea and offers an extensive range of delicious snacks.
16. Huntington Castle
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Address: Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co Carlow.
Location: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin and 45 minutes from Wexford.
Huntington Castle is a dream come through, an enchanted piece of Ireland’s wondrous past
carved straight from the pages of a fairytale. With magical gardens, enchanted woodlands and a history that crosses centuries of time. If you ever dreamed of staying in a fairytale Irish castle, Huntington Castle is a dream come through. Offering guests a unique and special opportunity to feel as if you are part of something exceedingly special. With beautiful accommodation available, Huntington offers a number of options to visitors wishing to stay in this historic castle. There is something to suit everyone. With B&B options available as well as self-catering options, the Castle apartment and The Castle Gatehouse.
17. Springfield Castle
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Address: Springfield Castle, Dromcollogher, Co Limerick.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Location: Shannon Airport is about 70 minutes from Springfield Castle.
The Castle is situated in the heart of Co Limerick on a 200-acre estate and dates back to the 15th century. You approach the castle through a splendid entrance that guides you up along the three-quarter of a mile-long avenue lined with ancient lime trees. The castle itself is built in a Neo-Gothic style contoured by two towers.
Deer, rabbits, foxes, and squirrels roam around the grounds. As far as possible the farm is an ecologically sustainable farm. This is a perfect location for family gatherings and celebrations or special events. Springfield is a luxurious self-catering castle that can accommodate up to 25 people.
Accommodation is over two areas, the castle sleeps 15 and the East Tower sleeps 10. Bespoke menus can be catered for a few or many meals. Activities can be arranged on the grounds including tennis, archery, falconry, and badminton. Also, packages can be organized during your stays such as traditional music, movie night, and whiskey tasting. The castle is located in an area steeped in history. Beautiful villages and towns are dotted close to the castle and well worth a visit.
18. Luttrellstown Castle
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Address: Luttrellstown Castle, Castleknock, Co Dublin.
Location: 10 minutes from the centre of Dublin.
Just a short distance from one of the most energetic capital cities in the world. Luttrellstown Castle is situated on 567 acres of private parkland. Here is the absolute location to escape and unwind in luxury. The exact age of the castle is unknown but there is proof that Sir Henry Luttrellstown seized the estate during King Henry VI reign. Many famous celebrities have stayed in the castle including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Paul Newman, Fred Astaire, and President Ronald Regan. In 1999 David and Victoria Beckham were married here.
The castle is for private hire for intimate family gatherings, garden parties, and special occasions. The 18-hole championship golf course\ is rounded off with a beautiful three-story alpine lodge clubhouse overlooking the spectacular countryside.
19. Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Course
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Address: Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Course. Adare, Co Limerick.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Location: 45 minutes from Shannon Airport.
Perfection, magnificent, spectacular, glorious, warm and welcoming is just a few terms that Adare Manor is identified with. The nearby village of Adare is dotted with thatched cottages, antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and pubs. The castle is steeped in history. The building for the manor house began in 1832 when the 2nd Earl of Dunraven began to transform his Georgian house into the Neo-Gothic finest manner we see today. At this time of the horrific famine in Ireland, the building of the manor provided work for villagers in the area. Adare Manor is set in an 840-acre estate of immaculate parkland complete with an 18-hole championship golf course, a lavish spa, an equestrian centre, fishing, falconry, archery, and a Michelin Star Restaurant. Ireland’s leading hotel 2020, European Golf Resort of the Year 2020 . World Best Club House 2020 are just a few of the awards that Adare Manor has been granted. The manor has been passionately restored with gothic grandeur. The staff are world-class, welcoming, and professional. Rooms are furnished to flawless perfection in 19th-century style. You can choose from classic rooms, deluxe rooms, or a stateroom, each with beautiful views over the estate. The Michelin Star Oak Room restaurant offers fine dining in a beautiful setting with oak-panelling. The chef’s source ingredients from local farmers, local fishermen and from all over the island including The Carriage House is relaxed and the perfect place to enjoy lunch after a stroll around the estate, or dinner in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.
20. Belleek Castle
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Address: Belleek Castle, Ballina, Co Mayo. Wild Atlantic Way.
Location: 3 hours from Dublin, and 2 hours 20 minutes from Shannon.
Belleek Castle is a 15th-century castle set on 1000arces of forestry. The castle changed hands many times over the years when eventually Marshall Doran, a merchant navy officer bought the house in 1970 and opened it as a hotel. Most of the rooms within the castle are in a maritime design. The castle is relaxed, friendly and inviting. Spacious and individually designed, some of the rooms feature four-poster beds. Belleek Castle is on the banks of the River Moy. This river is famous for exceptional salmon which is served in The Granuaile’s Candlelight Restaurant. Succulent Connemara lamb is available year-round. The “Spanish Armada Bar” is a reconstruction of the galleon“Castile Squadron” which was wrecked off the coast of Co Mayo 4 centuries ago. There is a museum that houses a collection of 16th-century armoury which guests may enjoy. Belleek Castle is close to so many amenities such as surfing, golf courses, fishing, beaches and not forgetting many great megalithic tombs.
21. Lismore Castle
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Address: Lismore Castle. Lismore, Co Waterford. Ireland’s Ancient East
Location: 2 hours 45 minutes from Dublin, and 2 hours from Shannon.
The castle dates back to 1170. Lismore Castle was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh the man who brought potatoes and tobacco to Ireland. Fred Astaire, JFK all stayed in this historic Castle. It is available to rent exclusivity all year round. The castle is not short on modern luxuries: cinema room, wifi, ensuite bathrooms and a lot more. It sleeps up to 12 people and larger parties can be catered for by private staff. Denis Nevin has been the castle’s butler for the last 35 years and leads the team of staff. The gardens are set on 7 acres with breathtaking views of the castle and surrounding countryside. There are two well-defined gardens, the walled garden is filled with ornamental borders, vegetables, herbs and fruit. The upper garden is rhododendrons, magnolias in spring and later the flowering shrubs come into bloom.
22. Blackwater Castle
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Address: Blackwater Castle, Castletownroche, Co Cork.
Location: 1 hour 20 minutes from Shannon Airport and 2 hours 45 minutes from Dublin.
Blackwater Castle is set on 50 acres of estate, some of which takes in a private stretch of the River Awbeg. Some parts of the castle date back to the 12th century. The castle is one of the oldest habitable structures in Ireland. This is a medieval castle that can be rented for private parties, weddings, and family gatherings. Guests have the option of self-catering or full catering. Accommodation includes 9 suites which sleep 23 people, or larger groups can avail of the Garden Apartments. The area around the castle is steeped in history and there are sites from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The Blackwater Heritage Trail is a delight and incorporates 22 heritage sites.