Hike Carrantohil, Ireland’s tallest mountain, or for gentle hikes, explore the backcountry and lakes of Killarney National Park, with a stop at the lovely Muckross House. Treat yourself like royalty during your next vacation to Ireland with a stay at one of these historic castles. Sprawled out over a 350-acre estate in the green hills of Western Island, the Ashford Castle is absolutely stunning. Dromoland Castle, Clare. From the winding staircases to the original stonework walls, Cahercastle is the real deal! We know of castles that offer some of the finest luxury in the world, or you can stay in a castle tower where a fireplace and candlelight are the only source of heat and illumination. Ireland’s oldest inhabited castle, the very imposing, 12th century Kilkea Castle, in Kildare, near Dublin is now one of Ireland’s very finest luxury hotels. Some of Europe's most famous castles are also found here. Where do we start? Treat yourself to an afternoon tea, try your hand at kayaking, or experience one of Europe’s finest equestrian playgrounds! From Ireland to Tuscany, we’ve rounded up the best castle hotels in Europe when you want to sleep in a bed that’s fit for a queen or king. Descriptions of 132 castle and palace hotels in ten countries Austria,ngland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, andales include the history of each, facilities and services available,ctivities and excursions in the ... Why go this year? Roscommon town is host to the dramatic 13th century ruins of Roscommon Castle. The current building was transformed into a castle in the Gothic style in the 1700s – and thus Lismore Castle was born. Located in the Lakelands, the River & Lake Erne have beautiful shorelines and islands to explore, two of which stand out: White Island (home to ancient figures) and Devenish Island (location of a magnificent monastery). Lovely and colourful Ennis is a short drive away. Lutrellstown Castle is about 30 minutes outside of Dublin. Explore Ireland’s most remote national park, Ballycroy, after being approved in 2017 for a 50% expansion! This is a list of castles in Ireland which you can stay in overnight, have incredible meals and enjoy the luxury of royalty during your trip. Castle Hotels in Ireland Ashford Castle. The most beautiful castles and palaces of Europe are presented here in 240 full-color photographs and illustrations, along with background information, historical facts and entertaining anecdotes. Places to Stay. The ivy-adorned towers and walls of beautiful Belle Isle Castle. If you’re visiting Ireland in September, time your trip to take part in the annual Burren Walking Festival. What to visit nearby? Occupying an unassuming corner of Ireland, Ballyfin is one of Ireland’s best hotels. Join the Earl of Thomond at the medieval Bunratty Castle for a delicious and exciting medieval banquet where you’ll enjoy great Irish cuisine, fine wine and traditional medieval honey mead. We can find castles to stay in Ireland close to Dublin, or set amongst the stunning scenery of the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, or Galway’s Connemara region. Like Lismore Castle, the 17th century Belle Isle Castle is also exclusive use only, meaning that you and your party will get this beautiful place all to yourselves. 6 Castlemartyr Resort, County Cork. Set on over 100 acres in the idyllic location of County Cavan, Cabra Castle has all the classic nooks, crannies and grand reception rooms that you’d expect of a beautiful castle hotel. What to visit nearby? Jack Hardy/Dromoland Castle. Published: Jul 28, 2021, Dawn Rainbolt | More By This Author Not only can you stay in a castle or a manor house in Ireland, but you also have many beautiful luxury accommodations to choose from. Recently reopened after a major refurbishment, Adare Manor is now on par with Ashford Castle and Ballyfin Demesne for top-notch luxury. Wilton Castle. So, make dreams come true with a castle stay in Northern Ireland - even if it is only yours for a few days. Lutrellstown Castle Resort is really the best of both worlds – castle luxury and yet close to Dublin. By Rosalyn Wikele y. While the Ring of Kerry is a well-travelled driving route, get off the beaten path by hiking the mountains within. Ireland’s oldest inhabited castle, the very imposing, 12th century Kilkea Castle, in Kildare, near Dublin is now one of Ireland’s very finest luxury hotels. Stay from €415 per room, per night (bed & breakfast). Show Prices. What makes it special? Markree Castle has recently been sold and extravagantly refurbished by the new owners. The best castles in Ireland are:– Drummond Tower– The Spires– Fanningstown Castle, The best affordable castles in Ireland are: – Abbeyglen Castle Hotel– Creg Castle– Medieval Durhamstown Castle. A stay at Dromoland is the quintessential Irish castle experience and a must-include on any Ireland visit! Photo credit: Ballynahinch Castle. Choosing the right castle has a lot to do with what kind of castle experience you want to have. Unfortunately, in most cases, it’s not possible. Located on a quiet country road, it’s just a short drive to reach shops and restaurants, unless you want to spend all your time at the castle. Although the property certainly maintains an air of historic majesty, you can still count on having good modern amenities thanks to the renovations. Markree Castle as seen from the front drive. Why go this year? Try surfing on Kerry’s beaches, golfing the local courses, and exploring a beautiful section of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry. Why go this year? Waterford Castle in springtime. Aldourie Castle. Set in the fairy-tale village of Adare, Adare Manor is as charming as it is luxurious. Not only is it a castle but it is also one of Ireland’s finest 5-star hotels. Perfect for outdoor lovers, the castle is framed by the lovely Blue Stack Mountains. Aerial view of Ballyfin’s Georgian facade. Head over to the ruins of Ballyadams Castle or Dunamase Castle for a peak into the Middle Ages. 3. Some castles are close enough to public transport routes, so you won’t necessarily need your own vehicle. For active people, there are kayaking tours on the River Liffey, and for literary nerds, there’s a literary pub crawl. Known for the world’s best crystal Waterford is now home to one of the best Castles to stay in Ireland. A little farther on is the Burren National Park, known for its moon-like landscapes and brilliantly diverse spring wildflowers – the Burren Perfumerie is also located in this alien landscape. Even though it’s a historic building dating back to the 13th century, the castle has been renovated to have central heating and an equipped kitchen while preserving original features and historic charm. Thanks for your support! Relatively undiscovered by international tourists and yet with some of Ireland’s best weather, enjoy luxury without the bustle of Ireland’s busier regions. Hugging the world-renowned Ring of Kerry route, Ballyseede offers 4* old-world elegance with a touch of modern charm. Head south for a visit to Hook Head and the Saltee Islands, a set of privately owned islands home to puffins and more. Castle Leslie is one of the best castles to stay in Ireland for outdoors lovers! Dublin is full of places to visit – museums like EPIC, 14 Henrietta Street, and the National Museum of Ireland; there’s the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery. Located only a ten-minute drive from Dublin’s city centre, this is the perfect Irish castle getaway. At Castle Leslie, expect individuality. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Set on an estate of 840 acres, Adare Manor has gardens that rival Europe’s best. If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no need to fret. Want to feel like a member of royalty for a night? Ireland, © 2021 Wilderness Ireland | Registered in Ireland 531225, Cookies & Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Site Credits, National Geographic Traveller’s Coolest Place on Earth, County Donegal, named #1 Destination for 2018 by Lonely Planet, Lismore Castle was actually the setting for the film, If you’re looking for a bit of hiking, the, Ireland’s Top 20 Most Breathtaking Walks and Hikes, Go Irish Island Hopping! There are plenty of direct and reasonably priced flight connections from all over North America and Europe. Sligo – Most Romantic Place to Stay in Ireland. The visitor's companion to the palaces, castles & houses associated with Henry VIII's infamous wife. This is the list of the best castles to visit in Ireland based on our extensive travels around the country. What makes it special? Splurge a little and have a castle vacation by staying in a real castle. Cahir Castle is another of Ireland’s most impressive castles yet has far fewer crowds than, say, Blarney Castle. What to visit nearby? We’ve tested countless packs over the years, and now we’ve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Backpack. The property is about two miles from the nearest public transportation, so it’s helpful to have your own vehicle to get around and explore nearby historic sites. The ruins of Askeaton Friary is also a lovely and undiscovered foray into another era. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. The Ashford Castle proves wrong any inclinations that Irish fare can’t be done with the utmost of luxury — the dining is as much a part of the experience here as the views. Unit 8A 1/2 The final on our list of best castles to stay in Ireland  is Markree Castle, the ancestral home of the Cooper family in the heart of Yeats Country, just outside of Sligo’s ancient Coolera Peninsula. The best UK staycations according to The Condé Nast Traveller editors . What makes it special? The Best Hotels and Resorts in Ireland: Readers' Choice Awards 2014 Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, here are the top 15 hotels and resorts in Ireland, as chosen by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Historically an overlooked region when it comes to tourism, the Irish Midlands were recently branded as Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as an effort to raise awareness of the hidden gems of this region. What to visit nearby? What to visit nearby? Ireland has some of the best Irish castles, in terms of luxury, and b elow are a few options to entice you to stay at one of these amazing venues! And to the south is the beautiful region of the Wicklow Mountains. In many castles, you’ll be renting one room or a section of rooms within the building. But what makes it truly special are the hauntings. Dramatic coastline. If you are planning to visit this city, this is also one of the best castles in Kilkenny. Whether you're looking for things not to miss at the Top 10 sights or want to find the top place to eat, this guide is the perfect companion, taking the best of the printed guidebook and adding new eBook-only features. The Best Castle Hotels in Ireland Blending Old World elegance with Modern Day luxurious comforts, these Castles in Ireland offer perfect getaways for families, romantics, or even just friends. In our list of Irish castles, we’ve selected some of the most beautiful, best budget, and all-around awesome places to stay. 6. That’s just one of the regal touches that makes a stay at the luxurious Clontarf Castle Hotel so memorable, along with the grand ivy-clad grand turrets and glowing lanterns that make it feel like you’re in a scene from The Princess Bride. Each of our manor house hotels are graced with ornate architectural and period features, antiques and collections of fine paintings. Hundreds of castles and manor houses dot the Irish countryside. And no matter the year or the season, Dublin is always fun and always has something on! For those looking to surf or try out a relaxing seaweed bath, a stop at Enniscrone is a must. Amongst the innumerable castles you can stay in in Ireland,Ashford While it was opened for select weddings in 2017, Markree Castle opens its doors to all castle hotel enthusiasts in 2018. Photo credit: Ballyfin Demesne. Ready to begin your own fantasy adventure? Recently re-opened after a hiatus to conduct a massive renovation, be among the first to experience the renowned, grandiose luxury of Adare Manor, matching even the extravagance of Ashford and Ballyfin Castles! A free breakfast is provided every morning, and there are gardens onsite to enjoy the outdoors. Enniscorthy, Ireland - 26 minutes north of Wexford. From crumbled ruins to lavish hotels, I went on a hunt for the best Irish castles. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Knockranny Woods is a lovely place for a stroll and picnic, and fishermen will love nearby lakes like Lough Arrow, renowned for fishing. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel has it all surrounded by gorgeous woods and parkland, the Castle has turrets and is a luxury resort to rest your head. Something else interesting, Sir Walter Raleigh, the man who brought potatoes and tobacco to Ireland, once owned Lismore. A bit further away is Portmagee, the harbour where the Skellig Islands boats depart. There are maps and interpretive panels all over Northern Ireland to direct the visitor to the site. Here are some of the most beautiful castles you can sleep in. Some of Europe's most famous castles are also found here. You can travel or you can travel RIGHT. We take a look at which ones you can stay in. The ancestral home of the O’Briens who can trace their lineage back to Brian Boru the ancient High King of Ireland, Dromoland Castle mixes grandeur with coziness. Below is a list of our favorite 7 castles that we feel you should visit if you have time. Published: May 29, 2021 8 min read, Dawn Rainbolt | More By This Author From the outright spectacular to the quaint and unique, we are home to a collection of castles, hotels, inns and cottages that give you a direct window to our past. If you’re visiting Ireland in September, time your stay at Ballynahinch Castle to correspond with the local Clifden Arts Festival in September for a unique insider’s peak at Irish culture and arts. Visit the medieval Bunratty Castle & Folk Village to head back in time and history! Over the border, the Cavan Burren Park has a network of accessible trails to various megalithic era tombs. There is even a Ghost Room, in which the hauntings are meant to be magnified – supposedly haunted by the spirit of a child. A keen cyclist and runner, Patricia has travelled the world - including a honeymoon road trip through Middle America! It’s also on a private island completely detached from the mainland. The exceptionally romantic, 19th century Victorian Crom Castle is set in 1900 acres in one of Northern Ireland’s most important conservation areas. Found inside – Page 32Castles The highlight of any stay in Ireland would be spending at least one night in ... One of the best resources is Irish Farmhouse Holidays (061 400 700, ... If you’re a lover of life’s finer things, the next-level luxury of Dromoland Castle, Lough Eske Castle and Ashford Castle will hit the spot, promising gourmet dining, award-winning spas and five-star standards across the board. Who said anything about budget travelers not being able to have the experience of staying in a castle? Has this list of best castles to stay in Ireland incited a craving for your own royal adventure? Four star CASTLE apartments. #9 Best Value of 9 Castle Hotels in Ireland. Credit: Instagram / @lazylegscycling. You can find a spot to suit your budget, group and preferred location with an easy search. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bunratty Castle is one of the most beloved and well-known castles in Ireland. Castles are often located slightly outside of major cities, so it may be a good idea to have your own form of transportation. What makes it special? Once a stately home of the landed gentry, the building has refurbished to fit kings and queens, making it one of the best castles to stay in Ireland! Waterford Castle. Essential background information for visiting the most romantic ruins of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales is provided in a handy tour guide for castle visitors. Credit Belle Isle Castle. Hugging a secluded lake shore, Lough Eske Castle presents a relaxing getaway to the edge of the world in an idyllic setting. Some of our Ireland Collections: The Best Places to Stay in Dublin; Best castle hotels … Dare to explore Achill Island and its eerie Deserted Village, or hop over to the impressive Downpatrick Head in north Mayo. Castles to Stay near Dublin Clontarf Castle. Dublin Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath) is a major Irish government complex, conference centre, and tourist attraction. It is located off Dame Street in Dublin. For a bit of cosmopolitan life, head over to Limerick, which has seen a revitalisation in recent years. St. Patrick and the Emerald Isle. Relax in front of ornate fireplaces under gilded chandeliers in charming, old style rooms. They not only evoke Ireland's storied past. By Karen Loftu s. December 28, 2017. Extra Special: For a special treat, Mrs. White’s Afternoon Tea, one of the best afternoon teas in Ireland, is a culinary highlight of any visit. Built on the inlet of Sheephaven Bay, the castle was originally built as a stronghold and is, to this day, considered to have been one of the most secure and safest fortress castles of … Castle Leslie Co Monaghan It is one of the most important castle estates in Irelan Though there were earlier settlements on the same spot, the castle as it stands today was built in the 1400s. Ireland’s top 10 castles to stay in ... Be king of the castle for a night and lord it over 25 of your very best friends with a private rental of Blackwater Castle. Light breakfast items and snacks are offered in the dining area, and you can reach other great local restaurants in just 15 minutes by car. At the foot of the mountains, overlooking Lough Eske and surrounded by 43 acres of forest, five-star Lough Eske Castle has been one of the most popular castle hotels in Ireland for VIP travellers since the 19th century. Ballygally Castle is said to host several ghosts, with the most prominent being Lady Isobel Shaw who likes to knock on door and then disappear before the door is opened – she died of falling out a window from the room in which her husband locked her. Since it’s situated right along the Wild Atlantic Way touring route, it’s a perfect stopping point during your journey. With all the charm a real, historical castle in Ireland should have and a reasonable price, Drummond Tower is your fantasy vacation waiting to happen! Lismore Castle wasn’t always a castle – in fact, from the 12th to 16th centuries, it was actually Lismore Abbey. What makes it special? If you like your whiskey (and even if you don’t!) Known for its monasteries, explore the ancient ruins of the several monasteries dating back to Medieval times, as well as the ruins of Desmond Castle. And yet it is reputed to get the best weather of the country. Some local haunts include the Gobbins Path which is an old smugglers trail hugging the coast and Carrickfergus Castle – one of Northern Ireland’s most fascinating castles. High Demand at Peak Times! This four-storey square tower castle is the perfect place to enjoy the delights that come with a castle while also being just a short distance from many local Cork experiences. Purples and oranges light up the skies over the fabulous Dromoland Castle. Why go this year? Is this amazing Ireland Castle booked for your dates? However, the experience of staying in an actual castle instead of a boring hotel definitely outweighs these small drawbacks. Best Castle Hotels in Ireland Lough Eske Castle, Donegal. Ever stayed at a hotel where real suits of armour greet guests in the lobby? While some castles are beloved favourites, others may surprise you! Dublin has more flight connections than ever! This 12th-century Gothic castle is the place to stay if price isn’t an issue when looking for unique accommodation in Ireland! Admission Fee Even though the Durhamstown Castle has a remote, historic atmosphere, it’s only a 15-minute ride into Dublin using local public transportation. Staying at The Spires you’ll have a secluded spot all to yourselves – plus, you’ll be close to the attractions of Letterkenny. What makes it special? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below! Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Ireland! Ballyfin is a step back in time without losing any of the 21st century’s conveniences! Built in 1625 by Scottish man James Shaw, the castle was extended and renovated in the mid-1900s. Beautifully presented in full color throughout, the book uncovers more than 60 of the country's loveliest and most compelling castles. Head out to the majestic Mourne Mountains for phenomenal hiking, following the strange Mourne Wall (enclosing nothing but remote hills), and climb Slieve Donard Mountain. If you don’t know where to stay, check out our amazing list of castle hotels in and near Galway, Ireland, and book your favorite one today! Your email address will not be published. These are the best places for budget-friendly castles in Western Ireland: Belleek Castle Museum; Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden; Aughnanure Castle; Portumna Castle; Parke's Castle; See more budget-friendly castles in Western Ireland on Tripadvisor

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