5 Best Castle Hotels to Stay in Ireland
Published Monday, October 24th 2022 - Updated Thursday, October 24th 2024There are a surprising number of castle hotels in Ireland. With renovations that have restored castles to their former glory and turned them into opulent escapes, you can have a fairy-tale getaway in Ireland.
If you are really going to live the dream, I have five of the best castle hotels to stay at in Ireland.
1. Dromoland Castle
Since the 16th century, Dromoland Castle has welcomed guests. It is a castle straight out of a fairy tale that will make you feel like a high-born. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent lawns, this luxury castle hotel overlooks a championship golf course and a glistening lake.
You can relax and enjoy an exquisite selection of fine gourmet dining and delicious wines. Slowly unwind in the Castle's first-class spa or indoor heated pool, and take comfort in one of Dromoland's lavish guestrooms or suites.
Dromoland Castle's 450-acre estate offers up so many opportunities for fun. Surrounded by rolling hills, your stay can be as relaxed or high-energy as your wish. Try your hand at archery, clay shooting, or falconry. The majestic Dromoland Lough is excellent for trout fishing or boating, with the bonus of distractingly good views of the Castle. Take a woodland jog before breakfast, head off on a bike ride around the grounds, or enjoy a romantic stroll in the Walled Garden after dinner. Perhaps you'll want to tee off at the 18-hole championship golf course. You'll enjoy every minute of this five-star castle hotel.
What Makes Dromoland Castle Special?
Dromoland Castle is one of the few estates tracing its history to native Gaelic Irish families of royal heritage. It is the ancestral home of the O'Briens, who can trace their lineage back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, a High King of Ireland. Perfectly blending Old-World elegance with modern comforts and coziness, this 5-star luxury castle delivers impeccable, unobtrusive service that is never compromised.
2. Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle lies on 350 acres of landscaped gardens, ancient woodland, and the emerald waters of Lough Corrib, one of the largest lakes in the country.
This 800-year-old Castle boasts 83 traditional rooms, six restaurants, an award-winning spa housed in the conservatory, an indoor pool, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a private cinema, among other amenities.
You can enjoy activities like tennis, fishing, horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, falconry, or ziplining and retreat to the drawing room for Afternoon Tea after all that action.
What Makes Ashford Castle Special?
This 5-star luxury castle is the former home of the Guinness family. Their warm, Irish welcome is world-famous. A favorite welcome drink on arrival, fresh-cut bouquets in the suites, candlelit turndowns, and personalized gifts create an experience that makes you feel genuinely valued.
3. Lough Eske Castle
The Castle is a true haven sitting on the shores of the serene Lough Eske with scenic views of the Blue Stack Mountains.
This five-star property, with 97 rooms, offers a more modern twist to other castle hotels with polished rooms of neutral tones and a sleek feel. The hotel has an upscale restaurant, a spa, an exercise room, and an indoor pool overlooking a lovely garden. You can catch trout and salmon and have the hotel staff prepare a meal.
What Makes Lough Eske Castle Special?
Hugging the secluded lake shore, Lough Eske Castle offers a relaxing getaway to the less-visited area of Ireland. The wild and pristine terrain, perfect for outdoor lovers, is a big draw for the Castle.
4. Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort
In the charming village of Adare, alongside the rolling River Maigue, the Adare Manor is set on 840 acres of pristine parkland.
Try your hand at fishing in the Maigue River. Shoot at clay pigeons, go horseback riding, or try your skill at archery. Explore the museum or tour the grounds by horse-drawn carriage. See a movie at the private cinema. In addition to a spa, an award-winning golf course, and an indoor pool, the hotel has a library, formal gardens, and bike rentals to explore the surrounding grounds.
What Makes Adare Manor Special?
The Oak Room is the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Limerick. You can enjoy a delicious meal with a seasonal menu designed to tempt, enchant, and surprise you.
5. Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa
This 4-star castle hotel is the perfect place to escape and unwind. A set of magnificent medieval gates greet you at the top of a meandering drive surrounded by 40 acres and the tranquil Lough Meelagh.
Kilronan Castle's 84 rooms seamlessly mix the elegance, tradition, and sophistication of the past with the comfort and luxury of the modern era.
What Makes Kilronan Castle Estate Special?
Quaint and off-the-beaten-path, Kilronan Castle is tucked into the quintessential countryside of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. It is the perfect place to relax well off the tourist track.
Be a king or queen on your vacation to Ireland. Rather than stay in traditional accommodations, discover an Irish castle for a unique and extraordinary experience you will not forget.
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