The 10 Best Castle Hotels in Ireland

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Spending a night in a luxury castle hotel in Ireland is a magical experience. Being away from the crowds of daytime visitors allows you to soak up the enchanting atmosphere of hundreds of years of history and enjoy the romance of incredible scenery, sumptuous suites and amenities galore.

While visiting an Irish castle during the day is a must on any vacation in Ireland, you really need to sleep in one overnight in order to experience everything that storybook castle accommodation has to offer.

For culinary travellers, there’s the added bonus of great food — locally-sourced and regionally-inspired — crafted by some of Ireland’s top chefs.  

What is an Irish Castle Hotel? 

But, first of all what exactly is a castle? How is it different than a fortress, a fortified manor house or a monastery?

Castles in western Europe date to the 9th century when they were constructed of stone as private fortresses. 

Located in strategic positions offering vantage points for viewing the countryside (and invading forces), they were often surrounded by moats with thick walls accessed by drawbridges which could be raised for  defence.

The living quarters were located within the most heavily fortified, interior of the castle. After the Renaissance, there was a separation between military and domestic castle architecture, with manor houses or palaces designed as a castle-style residence.

When the upkeep of the castle or manor house became prohibitively expensive to maintain by an individual family, many of the historic buildings were converted to Irish castle hotels and opened to the public.

You’re sure to see many picturesque ruins on your travel itinerary through Ireland but not all of them are castles. Many are priories (monasteries), fortresses or abandoned churches.

Because most castle lodgings are located outside of the major cities, you’ll need to take an escorted tour (such as Insight Vacations) that includes a castle stay or rent a car to travel independently.  

To get the best deal on your car rental in Ireland, compare rates and reserve at Discovercars.com an online car rental website that features major providers such as Hertz, Eurocar, Alamo etc. with no hidden fees. 

Ultimate List of the Best Castle Hotels in Ireland 

While there are several lovely castle hotels in Ireland, I haven’t visited enough to be able to choose the most beautiful castles of all.

So I called upon my travel colleagues and experts to share their thoughts and help me decide. Here are our top picks for the best luxury castle hotels in Ireland: 

1. Ashford Castle, County Mayo

Set on 140 hectares within an archipelago of lakes, streams and woodland forest, this opulent hotel near Galway in County Mayo is at the top of the list of luxury castle hotels in Ireland. 

The Ashford estate stretches north to the village of Cong, home to a stone Abbey where Rory O’Connor, the last High King of Ireland, spent his final days in 1198.

Ashford Castle’s silhouette has evolved since it was first built in 1228 as an Anglo-Norman stronghold.  Reinvented as a French chateau in the 1700s and then as a summer residence for the Guinness family from 1852 to 1939, the estate set on Lough Corrib ( the largest lake in Ireland) features woodlands dotted with mushrooms, ferns and moss.

It’s also one of the top places for fly fishing in Ireland. You can expect to catch wild brown trout, salmon and pike in the area.   

In 2013, the Tollman family of  The Travel Corporation (which includes Insight Vacations, Uniworld, Trafalgar and more) purchased Ashford Castle under their Red Carnation Hotels brand.

They upgraded the interior’s plumbing, electrical and 826 windows, while adding opulent antiques, gleaming oak woodwork, lavish guest rooms and contemporary amenities. It’s now one of the world’s top hotels and one of Ireland’s most luxurious (and priciest) castle stays. Visiting Ashford Castle is definitely one of the top things to do in Galway.  

Extra Special: While one of the top experiences is enjoying the posh afternoon tea at Ashford Castle and view of the gardens, food fans also won’t want to miss the elegant George V Dining Room, sparkling with Waterford Crystal and Murano glass chandeliers. 

Under the direction of skilled Chef Philippe Farineau, the cuisine celebrates the land’s seasonal bounty. During my stay, highlights of the 12-course tasting menu include wild venison with sweet black current gel and Mrs Tollman’s own recipe for creamy Billi Bi Mussel Soup.     

Click here to check prices and availability for the Lodge at Ashford Castle (located BESIDE Ashford Castle) on Booking.com  

Click here to check prices and availability for Ashford Castle Hotel on their website. Sign up for their newsletter to receive special offers, news and announcements. 

Michele Peterson, A Taste for Travel 

2. Kilkea Castle Hotel, County Kildare  

Purchased a few years ago by Boston-based builder Jay Cashman and his actress wife, Christy, Kilkea Castle is Ireland’soldest continuously inhabited castle. It’s also one of the most beautiful castle hotels in Ireland.

Set on 180 lushly landscaped acres in County Kildare, Kilkea was easily our favourite of the various different castles we visited during our 10 days exploring the Emerald Isle.

The medieval fortress was originally built by Sir Walter de Riddlesford in 1180. His granddaughter eventually inherited the property and married Maurice Fitzgerald, the 3rd baron of Offaly. From that point on, Kilkea Castle Hotel remained in the Fitzgerald family for over 700 years.

Now the castle has been completely refurbished, and “posh” is the best way to describe the new interior. From the homey bar and intimate private dining area to the fantastic restaurant and lovely English gardens, Kilkea Castle easily ranks among our favourite places we’ve ever stayed!

Extra Special: We stayed in the Ernest Shackleton Suite (named after Kildare’s famous explorer), which boasted a massive king size bed, a gorgeous sitting area with a window overlooking the verdant grounds, a romantic fireplace, and luxury toiletries.

Click here to check for lowest prices on Kilkea Castle Hotel on Booking.com

Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, Green Global Travel  

3. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel – Galway County 

Ever want to just feel like royalty for a day? Well, you can have your chance at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in County Galway, one of the best counties in Ireland for culture, pubs and music.  

This property, which was constructed in 1832, has a variety of classic bedrooms available but there are also nine luxurious suites available that are fit for kings and queens.

Right from the warm welcome you’ll receive upon arrival to the amazing services and amenities, you’ll feel pampered and relaxed.

On site, you’ll find a wellness centre, a tennis court, a lounge, a four-mile walking trail and a piano bar that often hosts live music and storytelling.

The castle restaurant features traditional gourmet dishes showcasing local seafood and produce. Abbeyglen Castle is only a short walk away from the tiny coastal town of Clifden, known for its Connemara ponies and selection of charming pubs and shops.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is one of the best Irish castle hotels for families.

Extra Special: Communal bonfires are held outside each night so you can meet new people and enjoy singing songs and telling stories under the night sky.

Check rates and availability at AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel on Booking.com  

4. Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

Situated in County Roscommon in western Ireland, Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa is a beautiful property built in the 1700s. It’s  one of the best castle stays in Ireland.

It looks like something you’d see in a fantasy novel, but behind the huge gates and sturdy walls is a world of modern amenities, luxury accommodations, fine dining and relaxing spa experiences.

Inside the thoughtfully restored guest rooms and suites, you’ll find a wealth of antique furnishings. The on-site dining experiences include the exquisite Douglas Hyde Restaurant, the drawing room and Palm Court, where Afternoon Tea is served daily. 

Extra Special: This castle hotel is located on 40 acres of secluded woodlands. You’ll find several trails that’ll take you through a lush forest area. This is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and take a moment to be one with nature.

Check rates and availability at Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa on Booking.com. 

5. Lough Rynn Castle and Estate and Gardens

Once the family home of the Clements family and well-known Lord Leitrim, Lough Rynn is now a luxury castle hotel in County Leitrim and one of the best castle accommodations in Ireland.

With a unique marriage of old-world grace and modern opulence, walking around this beautiful and historic property is like taking a walk into the past.

Outside, you’ll find walled gardens, hundreds of acres of stunning vistas and an abundance of secluded areas where you can just be one with nature.

Inside, you’ll find several dining options including the Dungeon Bar and the award-winning Sandstone Restaurant where you’ll enjoy delicious dishes made with fresh produce straight from the on-site garden.

No need to worry about sleeping in a drafty castle room! At Lough Rynn Castle your luxurious guest room or suite features underfloor heating.

Extra Special: Afternoon tea is served each day between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM in the elegant drawing room.

Check rates and availability at Lough Rynn Castle on Booking.com.

6. Castle Leslie Estate, County Managhan

Raise a glass to Castle Leslie Estate, an Irish castle hotel in Monaghan that scooped the People’s Choice Award for Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay at the 2017 Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards.

In addition to the castle’s colourful past, the odd secret passage or two and a guest list that includes Sir Paul McCartney (who married second wife, Heather Mills here), Castle Leslie Estate is known for its fine-dining restaurant,

Snaffles, a spacious brasserie with a wood-burning stone oven and a hand-carved ceiling. It’s also surprisingly affordable. 

Extra Special: Castle Leslie’s restaurant has a newly-expanded gin menu that lists more than 80 gins. One to try? Bertha’s Revenge, a small batch Irish milk gin made with 18 different botanicals such as sweet woodruff, cardamom and cumin. 

Click here to check for the lowest prices for Castle Leslie Estate Lodge Ireland on Booking.com.

Carol Perehudoff, Wandering Carol Luxury Travel Blog 

7. Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin

When I took my kids to Ireland last year one of the things they most wanted to do was sleep in a castle. We were only in the country for a weekend, so needed a castle convenient to Dublin. Clontarf Castle Hotel was the perfect answer for my family.

This beautiful luxury castle hotel is only 15 minutes outside of the heart of the city and north of the quaint fishing village of Howth. It’s one of the best day trips from Dublin. 

There has been a castle on the grounds since the Viking days, but the current castle was built in the early 1800s. The interior is beautifully designed, but quite commercial and busy.

If you go, be sure to check out the beautiful wooden bar and eat in the restaurant which was full of locals willing to talk with us.

Extra Special: Clontarf Castle Hotel is one of the best castles to stay in for families. Here are some suggestions for things to do if you’ve got 48 hours to spend in Dublin.  

Click here for the best prices on Clontarf Castle Hotel near Dublin, Ireland on Booking.com

Jamie Italiane, The Daily Adventures of Me

8. Lough Eske Castle Hotel  

Ideal for a foodie escape, Lough Eske Castle is a 5-star castle hotel located in County Donegal. With every guest room unique and   beautifully restored and decorated, this castle accommodation is especially popular for weddings.

But a highlight of this Irish castle is its cuisine. Lough Eske is worth travelling to just for the food. At Cedars, the castle’s on-site fine-dining restaurant, you’ll enjoy first-rate hospitality while dining on expertly prepared dishes such as salmon with sea herbs inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Vegans will be pleased with the special vegan menu with plant-based treats like salt baked beetroot tartare and cauliflower risotto. 

When you’re not dining or relaxing in your cozy private space, there’s plenty to do on the castle grounds. Book a spa day at the CARA Organic Beauty Spa and wash all your stress away with access to a jet bath, steam room, thermal suite, sauna, heated benches and a lovely infinity pool.

Keep up to date with your fitness room in the fully equipped gym. Enjoy all this while surrounded by incredible views of the stunning landscape all around you.

Extra Special: A free history tour takes place every day at 11:00 AM so you can learn about the history of this castle and the O’Donnell family who built it back in the 15th century.

Check rates and availability at Lough Eske Castle Hotel on Booking.com

9. Dromoland Castle Hotel, near Shannon

From the moment one enters the magnificent grounds of Dromoland and first sets eyes on the stunning castle, it’s evident that guests are in for an amazing experience.

The inside of the castle is like stepping back in time with its old world feel and traditional décor. The castle has retained much of its original style and features and there is a feast of nooks and crannies waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

Set in Newmarket-on-Fergus north of Shannon, this 5 star castle has been welcoming guests since the 16^th century and it’s a real treat to experience a luxury stay within the historic castle walls.

Everything about Dromoland Castle is world class from the lavish rooms, the renowned golf course, the beautiful grounds and the indulgent dining. It’s definitely one of the best castle hotels in Ireland.

A stay at Dromoland is the quintessential Irish castle experience and a must-include on any Ireland visit!

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.

Click here for the lowest prices on Dromoland Castle Hotel on Booking.com

Elaine and Dave, Show Them the Globe 

10. Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Limerick 

Located in County Kerry, the historic Ballyseede Castle offers well-appointed accommodation surrounded by 30 acres of beautiful gardens and forest.

The striking oak staircase in the lobby is your first taste of what the rest of the interior looks like. Marble fireplaces and lavish drawing rooms are just some of the elegant touches you’ll see as you wander the halls of this grand hotel!

The rooms and suites are just as luxurious as the communal areas of the hotel and the food served at The O’Connell Restaurant is a delicious assortment of Irish delicacies and fine wines.

This is among one of the best hotels near Limerick, Ireland if you don’t mind driving 1.5 hours to explore this historic and vibrant city.

Extra Special: Unwind after the long journey to Ballyseede Castle with a welcoming afternoon tea session.
 

Check rates and availability at Ballyseede Castle  on Booking.com. 

Originally published in 2018, this article was researched, substantially updated and expanded in 2022 with new information and images.   

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