5 Castle Stays in Ireland That Inspire the Imagination & Enchant the Soul
Experience History and Live Like Royalty
Who hasn’t dreamed of living in a castle at one time or another? If you’d like to make it a reality, even if it’s only temporarily, Ireland may be the world’s very best place to experience it.
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury or more authentic, budget-friendly options, these castles to stay in Ireland are sure to provide you with a magical experience.
Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong
Ashford is a five-star castle hotel that sits on a sprawling 350-acre estate overlooking the glistening waters of Lough Corrib in County Mayo. Originally built in the early 13th century, it’s gone through multiple owners over the decades, including the Guinness family.
The castle has also had a number of additions and restorations since, now making it one of the best castles in Ireland to stay overnight in. In the 1940s it doubled in size and became the internationally acclaimed hotel it is today, noted not only for its lavish, upscale accommodation, but activities like golf, archery, cruises on the lake and horseback riding.
It also includes a world-class spa and award-winning gourmet cuisine in its onsite restaurants. The rooms and suites are all uniquely designed, some boasting open fireplaces and four-poster beds as well as claw-foot bath tubs. The beauty and romance of the grounds makes it one of the best destination wedding locations.
While you’re there, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of more than a few big name celebrities and royals who’ve stayed here, including Princess Grace, Mary Queen of Scots, President Ronald Reagan and Brad Pitt.
Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus
The “Hotel of Dreams,” as Drumoland is sometimes called, is located just minutes from Shannon Airport and dates all the way back to the fifth century. It’s only been a castle hotel for a little over 50 years, though it certainly knows how to do it right.
From the minute you step onto the immaculately groomed estate, you’ll feel as if you’re in a dream. This is the ancestral home of one of the few true Irish royal families, direct descendants of the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, who ruled in the early 11th century.
It remained in the family all the way through to the 1960s, when it was transformed into the very upscale hotel it is today. Its facade and towers are reminiscent of knights and dragons, and visitors not only enjoy staying in luxurious rooms, but indulging in spa treatments, playing rounds of golf and partaking in activities such as fishing, clay shooting, archery and horseback riding.
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Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden
Abbeyglen is considered one of the best places to visit in Ireland and is ideal for those who are on a tighter budget and want to stay in a castle in Ireland without the high price. The castle hotel is tucked into the heart of the gorgeous Connemara region and enjoys a spectacular mountain backdrop of the Twelve Bens.
Cozy, intimate and elegant, guests enjoy a champagne welcome reception: with all the champagne you can drink in 30 minutes and the opportunity to dine at the award-winning restaurant that specializes in Connemara lamb and local seafood.
Not to mention the beautiful rooms, some of which include fireplaces, four-poster beds and Jacuzzi’s. Service is exceptional, with the warm, friendly staff (which includes Gilbert the bird) who go out of their way to ensure an amazing stay from the moment you arrive.
Ross Castle, Oldcastle
If you’re the adventurous type, for a very different and truly authentic medieval castle stay, book a tower room at Ross Castle near Oldcastle in County Meath. Keep in mind that this is not the Ross Castle down in Killarney — it’s way, way off the beaten path and a destination of its own.
Built in 1563, not much has changed since. However, countless guests have reported bizarre experiences, such as waking up at various times throughout the night and hearing doors shut on their own and voices whispering, even when no one else is in the castle (owners/staff stay elsewhere). A few have even felt the presence of someone or something unexplainable near or on their bed when trying to sleep.
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Adare Manor Hotel, Adare
This early 19th-century manor is a five-star luxury hotel located in one of the country’s most picturesque villages, Adare. Just two hours west of Dublin and 20 minutes southwest of Limerick, this hotel would make for a relaxing retreat following St Patrick’s Day celebrations in either city.
The former home of the Earl of Dunraven, all of the guest rooms are individually designed, and many include gorgeous details that were added by Lord and Lady Dunraven in the 1800s, along with carved headboards and original fireplaces. It also features a golf course that has hosted the Irish Open, a lavish spa, archery, outstanding trout fishing right on the property and horseback riding.
Who wouldn’t want to take an Ireland castle vacation here?
