Best Castles To Stay In Ireland For Families

Best Castles To Stay In Ireland

Irish history is dotted with remarkable events- from the Vikings to the Norman Invasion. The remnants of such striking history remain. Ireland is home to some of the worlds most picturesque castles you can stay in.

Irish castles range from Medieval to late-nineteenth-century buildings, and each of them is just about as interesting as the other. Some have fallen into ruins, others are available to people in general, while some are in private proprietorship or have been transformed into extravagant 5-star lodging hotels.

Here are the best castles to stay in Ireland-

As Irelands one and only Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former abode of the Guinness Family, Ashford Castle is a rare experience. It is an archaic Victorian castle that has been expanded over time and transformed into a lavish five-star inn close to Cong on the Mayo-Galway line, on the Galway side of Lough Corrib in Ireland.

The lodging at present has 83 rooms, six of which are suites. Each one of the 83 rooms, suites, and Hideaway Cottage at Ashford Castle displays a conventional artistic finesse. Following restoration, large numbers of the rooms and suites have been independently and affectionately planned, showcasing a unique blend of traditional castle features with modern architectural trends.

• Feature beds
• Egyptian cotton bed linen
• Custom-designed carpet

Where Are Most Castles In Ireland

In Ireland Ancients East, Cork is home to more castles than any other county in Ireland. However, many of them are in ruins now.

Still, there are several luxurious and top-notch hotels in Cork.

Wrapping up on castle hotels in Ireland

If you were looking for the best place to stay in Ireland and want to splurge a little , this list of best castles in Ireland will give you good options to start with.

Have you stayed in one castle hotel in Ireland already? Then comment about your experience below! Wed love to hear from you!

Photo credits: Left-hand header photo by Roman Boed

Best Castle For Couples Annes Grove Miniature Castle

• $$
• Indoor fireplace
• Patio and outdoor furniture

Imagine having your own little private castle for a romantic vacation in Ireland! Annes Grove is Gothic-style castle has modern comforts while preserving a unique medieval atmosphere.

Located on a quiet country road, its just a short drive to reach shops and restaurants, unless you want to spend all your time at the castle. Relax next to the fireplace, enjoy the view from the outdoor patio, or cook a romantic meal together and enjoy each others company.

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Affordable Castle Hotels In Ireland

There are a number of castle hotels in Ireland, however if you are looking for one thats easier on the wallet, but still offer an incredible experience, then these are my suggestions:

Ready to find the Irish castle hotel of your dreams? Read on to learn a little more about my favourite Irish castle hotels, their history, and what the perks and amenities they have on offer.

Final Thoughts On The Best Castles To Stay In Ireland

So, there you have it, the best Castle Hotels Ireland has to offer. From shimmering lakes and countryside to crackling fireplaces and ghosts, these spectacular fortresses provide guests with a first-hand experience into sumptuous castle living.

As weâve concluded, staying at one of these fairytale castle hotels in Ireland is an experience of a lifetime. Nothing can quite beat staying in a castle in Ireland, with a combination of stepping back into Irish folklore and at the same time possessing all modern luxuries.

Whether youâre looking to travel with your significant other and spend an especially romantic time together, or bring along the entire family, the best place to experience a castle vacation is in Ireland.

So, if now that youâre pumped up to stay in a castle in Ireland, which one would you choose? Let me know Iâd love to hear.

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Ballygally Castle Hotel Antrim

One of the best castle hotels in Northern Ireland is located just 3 miles from Larne in County Antrim and is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Ulster. Built in the 17th century by a Scotsman, James Shaw, it remained in his family for generations. It is reputed to have several ghosts including Lady Shaw, wife of James.

Located along the Causeway Coastal Route, the castle sits overlooking golden sands and has stunning views out to the Irish Sea. Its location at the tip of the Causeway Coastal Route offers guests a luxury stay within easy reach of some of Northern Irelands best attractions.

Ballygally Castle is located just 35-minutes from Belfast and 1 hour and 10 minutes from the Giants Causeway.

Accommodation There are 54 beautifully decorated rooms in Ballygally Castle, some of which have original beamed ceilings, while some have panoramic views of the Garden wing.

Guests can choose from Superior, Coastal Deluxe and Tower Rooms , or Junior Suites. Each has luxurious king beds ensuring a comfortable nights sleep

Dining There are a number of dining options available at Ballygally Castle. The Garden Restaurant, with its beautiful views across the grounds, offers both an Irish breakfast and table dhôte dinner menu including daily specials.

Casual dining including light snacks and freshly baked treats are available in The Lounge, and there are a number of Afternoon Tea experiences available at Ballygally Castle.

Kingswear Castle Dartmouth Devon

Make for this retreat of childhood revelry on the Devonshire coast where the waves come up close to its medieval walls. Built between 1491 and 1502 to defend Dartmouth harbour, Kingswear surges from rocks that tumble towards the water’s edge. A supposedly accidental fire ravaged the structure in the 1600s, only for it to be rescued by a Crown-appointed governor and then bought by a wealthy bachelor of 22 in 1855 as his summer house. It isnt hard to imagine him and his bon viveur cohort enjoying a sundowner and cigar from the turreted rooftop terrace.

Inside, a conflicting sense of vulnerability and fortitude pervades: the thick walls confront the sea spray on a daily basis the reflected light from the water dances across the bedroom ceilings the dizzying views from the tower stretch across the river along pine-clad rocky shores and out to sea. Comfortable mahogany beds, a noble-red colour scheme and historic stone staircase prove that back-in-time boltholes are not solely the preserve of the dense inland countryside.

Sleeps: four

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Bunratty Castle: Co Clare Ireland

Bunratty Castle is one of the most beloved and well-known castles in Ireland. Though there were earlier settlements on the same spot, the castle as it stands today was built in the 1400s. It is a fortified tower house located in County Clare which was fully restored in the 1960s. The gray stone castle has been furnished with antiques from the 15th and 16th centuries to show what life would have been like when it was built by the powerful MacNamara family. It is possible to visit the castle and to book tickets for the medieval banquets that are held there almost every day.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel County Galway

In true royal fashion, guests at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in County Galway can experience the luxuries and activities in an opulent setting. The 18th-century riverfront manor, located an hour from Galway, sits majestically on a 450-acre estate at the foot of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

During your stay here, you can enjoy salmon river fishing on the Owenmore River, hike the rugged mountains, go biking, and play tennis. Guests can enjoy a proper Irish meal at The Owenmore, which looks out onto the river and the estate grounds.

The castle hotel boasts 48 uniquely decorated country-style guests rooms, outfitted with fireplaces, canopy beds, and windows overlooking the river.

Address: Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland

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Top 5 Best Irish Castles To Visit Dublin Castle

Let us start off with maybe the most well-known castles to visit in Ireland. Dublin Castle opens this list because of the unparalleled role it had in the course of the history of the Republic of Ireland. Located in Dublin city centre, it almost hides under the modern buildings, but if you follow narrow castle street it soon reveals its imposing towers and bastions. The castle was first built in 1204 by order of King John of England.

Where is Dublin Castle

It is easy to visit one of the most famous castles in Ireland. Dublin Castle location is at the very heart of Dublin, within easy walking distance of many top tourist attractions.

There are plenty of bus options that will get you close to the Dublin Castle Buses stopping on nearby Georges Street: 9, 14, 15, 15A, 15B, 16, 65, 68, 83, 122, 140.Buses stopping on nearby Dame Street: 13, 27, 40, 49, 54A, 56A, 77A, 123, 150, 151, 747.To plan your route with Dublin Bus, please click here.

The closest Luas stops are St Stephens Green on the Green Line and Jervis on the Red Line. To plan your route using the Luas, please click here.

Car

You can drive but you will find there is no visitor parking available on site. The nearest public car parks are Q-Park Christchurch car park and Park Rite Drury Street.

Its strong walls protected the Kings treasure and the offices from which he administered the city. The castle original design went through many alterations over the course of the centuries.

Features of the Dublin Castle

Cahir Castle Tipperary Ireland

Cahir Castle is one of the largest castles in Ireland. It is located on an island in the river of Suir, in the town of Cahir, County Tipperary.

Built-in 1142 by the Prince of Thomond, Conor OBrien, it was designed as a defensive castle with state-of-the-art facilities. However, the castle was besieged multiple times during the Irish Confederate Wars.

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Ross Castle Co Meath Irelands Most Haunted Castle

Of all the castles for rent in Ireland, this castle is only for the brave as there are reports of two ghosts roaming the castle grounds. As you can rent the entire castle, you can even stay in a room where one of the ghosts is reported to have died!

The castle itself boasts beautiful waterfront views as it is situated on the shores of Lough Sheelin.

Address: Ross Rd, Ross Island, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 V304, Ireland

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Waterford

One of the best castles to stay in Ireland is Waterford Castle. Situated on a private island in the River Suir, the estate is a luxury hotel and golf resort. Waterford Castle has been in existence since the 16th century as a medieval tower house once owned by the powerful Fitzgerald family, and the current castle, built in the late 1800s, incorporates parts of the original medieval tower house and other later buildings.

The island upon Waterford Castle lies is a 310-acre private island that is only accessible by ferry boat. Once you reach the island you will be greeted by a wonderful woodland setting, complete with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and the castle itself. You may also be lucky enough to spot the resident deer on the edge of the golf course, driving range or in the woodlands through which you can enjoy walks in nature.

Located just 10-minutes from Waterford City, it is an ideal base for exploring the city and surrounding areas while combining sightseeing with a relaxing, yet luxurious breakaway.

Accommodation There are two accommodation options for guests at Waterford Castle. There are 19 rooms within the castle itself of varying sizes. There are Classic and Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Suites and a Presidential Suite. Each is elegantly decorated with all the luxuries you come to expect in a castle.

Summary If you are looking for a memorable castle stay in Ireland in the southeast, then Waterford Castle is a must.

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Ireland Castles The Rock Of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is an ancient fortress perched on a hill overlooking the town by the same name. Located in County Tipperary. The rock is now a ruin, but as such, it is very well preserved and an incredibly atmospheric site. Constructed mostly between the XII and XIII century. It sits on a high hill overlooking the otherwise flat land and immediately casts on the visitor a sense of power and might.

Stepping in leaves you no doubts about the ancient origins of the rock and it is easy to believe the legend that says that this is the location where St Patrick converted to Christianity the then Kings of Munster! The rock is enclosed by high walls and it is made of a gothic cathedral, a chapel and a complete round tower.

Rock of Cashle Tour

Looking to learn more about this location. A Rock of Cashel tour is available onsite running every hour its opened on the half hour,

Rock of Cashel entry prices

Find more information about the Rock of Cashel > > Here< <

Whitehall Pele Tower Wigton Cumbria

With its Tudor fireplaces, carpeted spiral staircases and ivy-coated ruins in the gardens, Whitehall Peel Tower hits that sweet spot, somewhere between a charming country home and turreted historic marvel. Despite dating back to the 14th century, the family-owned castle feels warm and homely inside with muted hues, a farmhouse-style kitchen and light spilling in through stone windows pinched from a period drama. Located in the bucolic Cumbrian countryside, the well-groomed tower with its croquet-ready gardens is the ideal springboard from which to explore the Northern Lakes, Hadrians Wall and the blustery Solway Coast, with a warm promise of an open fire and even a table-tennis match before supper.

Sleeps: eight

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Luttrellstown Castle Resort Co Dublin Absolute Grandeur

Furnished with the splendour and sophistication of a 15th-century castle, this expertly designed Irish castle will be the ideal place for a luxurious castle stay. Enjoy four-poster beds, vintage lounges, and magnificent freestanding marble bathtubs!

Address: Kellystown, Castleknock, Co. Dublin, D15 RH92, Ireland

Stunning Castles In Ireland

Ireland has well-earned its nickname of the Emerald Isle. The lush, rolling green hills and majestic forests will make you feel like youve stepped into a medieval fairytale all before you get to see the castles!

With more than 30,000 castles dotting the countryside, its impossible to visit Ireland without seeing some of them. But have you ever considered finding accommodation in one of the best castles in Ireland?

Well, youre in luck, because there are actually loads of options to stay in a castle if youre interested in finding unique accommodation in Ireland! In our list of Irish castles, weve selected some of the most beautiful, best budget, and all-around awesome places to stay.

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Fabulous Castle Hotels In Ireland

Everybody dreams of staying in a Castle in Ireland, well here are 33 of the best castles in Ireland to stay at. From deep luxury with helipads, spas and butlers to self-catering castle hotels on Air BnB. Ireland has some of the best castles you can stay in. Some of these Irish castle hotels are also quite reasonably priced and can range substantially in price and amenities.

There are hundreds of affordable castles to stay in Ireland and so many Irish Castle Hotels you cant travel without finding at least one in every County of the country. This is a list of 33 of the best Castles in Ireland that you can stay in.

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The cost ranges quite dramatically but in some cases that absolute touch of luxury is worth the cost for one night and getting to brag to your friends back home that you stayed in a luxury castle hotel in Ireland.

I cant think of anyone I know who hasnt dreamt of living in a castle well here in Ireland there are dozens of restored castle hotels you can spend a night in. You wont even have to bankrupt yourself to stay in an Irish castle hotel as some are incredibly reasonable. There are even a few that are haunted.

Here are the best picks for castle hotels in Ireland, with options for all types of budgets!

Best Castle Hotels In Ireland Out Of A Fairytale

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If you are looking for the best castle hotels in Ireland, you have come to the right place! Staying at one of the many romantic and stunning castle hotels in Ireland is the experience of a lifetime! If you are looking for the ultimate luxury experience in Ireland, we have some amazing options for you. Nothing beats staying at one of the best castle hotels in Ireland because it is a combination of stepping back in time into some kind of Irish folklore, while at the same time possessing all the luxurious features modern travel has to offer!

Whether you are traveling with your significant other and looking for an especially romantic experience, or bringing the whole family on a tour of Ireland and wanting to add some living-history sort of events, or simply looking to treat yourself, these 10 best castle hotels in Ireland have something thats just right for you!

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