By Elizabeth B
Is there anything more romantic than a night in an Irish castle hotel?
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Many visitors to Ireland are eager to experience the adventure, luxury, and indulgence of a stay within ancient castle walls.
Often replete with genuine artifacts and guided interpretations of their rich and fascinating history, these authentic castle stays might just be the highlight of your entire Irish trip.
So, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, these 5 Irish castle hotels are a good example of what you can expect. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this article for additional castle-hotel choices.
Based on our research, the cost of these particular castle hotels range from $245 to $1,000+ for an Ashford Castle stay (per night rates).
1. Belleek Castle, County Mayo
When it comes to Irish castles with strange and fascinating backstories, Belleek Castle is top of the list.
Built in 1825, the unique structure of this County Mayo castle hotel has lived many lives: a stately family home, a military barracks, and even a hospital, before being abandoned to the elements.
Local eccentric Marshall Doran purchased the castle from Mayo County Council in the 1960s and thus began the transformation into what can only be described as a wonderful museum, hotel, and experience, all rolled into one.
The Belleek Castle Setting
Nestled in a 200-acre native Irish woodland, Belleek Forest Park is one of the most extensive urban forests in Europe.
A 5-minute drive from the bustling heart of Ballina, you’ll find hidden treasures and follies both in the castle and around it.
Be sure to pick up a map of the six miles of trails within the forest. It details the mythical monuments, strange stories, and ancient trees that are found here. There is even a mausoleum on a horse’s grave!
Dining at Belleek Castle
Check out Jack Fenn’s, Belleek’s award-winning bistro, for breakfast and lunch plated up in a quaint courtyard setting.
At night, why not dine in the more intimate Library Restaurant, which serves up fresh local ingredients and where the special of the day is steak on a sword? Or, treat yourself to a delicious castle-style afternoon tea, surrounded by luxury.
Highlights of Staying at Belleek Castle
Current manager, Marshall Doran’s son, gives guided tours of the castle and a chance to get a behind the scenes look at this sprawling estate, including visits to its dungeon, armor room, the atmospheric Spanish Armada bar featuring wood salvaged from the ill-fated ships, and many more interesting artifacts gathered by Marshall during his incredible life.
Cost: $$
2. Clontarf Castle, County Dublin
When it comes to location, you can’t get much more central than the beautiful Clontarf Castle in Dublin.
Made famous by the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, there has been a castle on this site since 1172.
The hotel, which opened in 1997, enjoys an excellent reputation in a prime location that is close to Dublin’s city center and Dublin Airport, for those looking for a last night stay before heading home.
The Clontarf Castle Setting
Stroll the grounds of the castle, past manicured lawns, home to a variety of flora and fauna.
The castle feel is evident inside, with thick stone walls on display, soaring ceilings, and elegant lighting that certainly sets the scene.
If a castle stay is on your bucket list, Clontarf ticks a lot of boxes.
Dining at Clontarf Castle
The AA award-winning Fahrenheit Restaurant retains its castle charm, complete with dark wooden beams and stained-glass windows, making it perfect for a banquet.
Serving culinary delights from across the world, Fahrenheit sources its ingredients locally, and the freshness speaks for itself. For light bites in a glitzy metropolitan bar setting, the Indigo Bar is equipped with an outdoor terrace and a champagne atmosphere.
Highlights of Staying at Clontarf Castle
Clontarf Castle is in a significant part of Dublin, with many links to the city by bus and train, including the Dublin Bus No. 130, which you can grab outside the castle to Lower Abbey Street in the city center, or the DART commuter train, which can be accessed at Killester and Clontarf Road.
Taxis are also available. Ask the concierge to book one for you.
Don’t miss an evening stroll through this part of the city, followed by cocktails on the modern covered castle terrace.
The regal atmosphere of the castle grounds, luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites, and top-class customer service make a visit to Clontarf Castle a stay to remember.
Cost: $$
3. Cabra Castle, County Cavan
There are two Cabra Castles in County Cavan.
One is nothing more than a ruin.
The other, located on the same estate, is a luxury four-star hotel, built in the early 1800s, complete with extravagant reception rooms, grand halls, and turrets.
Features and furnishings of the time dress this castle manor into a picture-perfect fortress, the Disney kind, which makes this castle-hotel very Instagrammable!
The Cabra Castle Setting
One hundred acres of park surrounds this incredible castle, which must be seen to be believed.
With tapestry, art, and artifacts, the castle is a genuine dream.
Dining at Cabra Castle
The Courtroom Restaurant urges guests to dine royally on a sumptuous menu, and they are not wrong, with fresh and local ingredients transformed into elegant, intricate meals by the award-winning chefs.
Take a seat at the window for amazing views of the gardens.
Highlights of Staying at Cabra Castle
Unusually for such a venue, The Courtroom Restaurant offers exclusive offers and significant discounts for mid-week bookings.
Check their social media and website for deals you won’t want to miss. Expect authentic, old-world charm at this castle-hotel.
Cost: $$
4. Lough Eske Castle Hotel, County Donegal
Built in 1861, on the site of Brooke Mansion, the grounds of Lough Eske Castle are rich in history.
Once the seat of a powerful clan, and now home to a hotel drenched in modern luxury and glamorous furnishings, this castle hotel is as opulent now as when it was first built, yet still retains its traditional Irish charm.
Choose between 125 luxurious rooms, suites, or family accommodations, or book the entire Lake Lodge for your party and escape to a private hideaway in stunning scenic surrounds.
The Lough Eske Castle Setting
Set on a small lake in County Donegal, flanked by the water on one side and mountains on the other, this exquisite 5-star castle is set on ancient grounds, including a nearby friary and native woodland.
There is also a nearby 10-mile/16-km loop trail near Lough Eske that is considered a moderate route and takes about 5 hours to complete.
All-in-all, the area around this castle hotel is just waiting to be explored.
Dining at Lough Eske Castle
Cedars Restaurant is the epitome of style and elegance.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor terrace, and views that are truly worthy of a wow, the light, bright, and airy eatery offers fine dining without pretension.
The Father Browne Bar and The Gallery Bar both offer light meals and snacks, alongside an array of cocktails, spirits, and top-shelf drinks from around the world.
Highlights of Staying at Lough Eske Castle
One of Conde Naste’s Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Ireland for seven consecutive years, every element of the castle is a highlight.
Retire to the drawing room after dinner for a tipple of your choice by the fireside in this warm, authentic venue.
Cost: $$$
5. Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo
Once home to the renowned Guinness family, Ashford Castle may be the most famous castle on this list and while it’s not a property we would normally highlight on this website, it certainly deserves a mention and if you are willing to splurge, you won’t regret it.
Its opulent, five-star luxury is hard to beat, and the Irish American connections to the village of Cong can’t be overstated either.
The infamous John Wayne movie, The Quiet Man, was set near here in 1951 and remains one of the best-loved movies of all time, with thousands of visitors flocking to see the idyllic landscape and experience the quaint Irish village seen on screen for themselves.
The Ashford Castle Setting
Three hundred and fifty acres of rolling woodland and a quiet lake await you in Ashford Castle, something the castle grounds are world-famous for.
If you want the luxury without the hefty price tag attached, check out The Lodge at Ashford Castle, a smaller but no less lavish accommodation on the grounds.
Dining at Ashford Castle
Breakfast is served in the marvellously appointed George V dining room.
The home-grown, home-cooked meals that are served there are routinely recognized for their sustainability at the Georgina Campbell Annual Awards.
Wilde’s restaurant at the Lodge is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and stunning panoramic views of Lough Corrib.
Squire Danaher’s offers a private dining experience in the original house of the Quiet Man. Expect a seasonal menu, full of local dishes, and traditional Irish entertainment too.
Highlights of Staying at Ashford Castle
There are numerous activities you can partake in as a guest, including guided tours, falconry, boating, kayaking, and horseback riding, although the falconry experience at Ashford can be booked by non-guests too.
Ask the concierge for other activities as some are seasonal.
While you’re in the area, why not take a walking tour of nearby Cong and visit the locations where The Quiet Man was filmed. A tour of the museum is also included.
If this is your first trip to Ireland, make sure you experience true luxury at one of Ireland’s incredible castle hotels.
Many castles allow bookings for one night, some offer midweek discounts, and other manors can be considered affordable when the additional amenities and activities are considered.
Cost: $$$$
Additional Irish Castle Hotels to Consider
Dromoland Castle (County Clare)
Highlights: Recently underwent a major refurbishment enhancing its old-world charm.
Setting: Located in a golf course setting.
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Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa (County Roscommon)
Highlights: Restored 18th-century castle hotel with a spa and fine dining.
Setting: Romantic and secluded, with beautiful lake views.
FIND OUT MORE
Ballyseede Castle (County Kerry)
Highlights: Historic castle hotel with beautiful grounds and friendly resident Irish wolfhounds. Believed to be haunted.
Setting: Near Tralee and the Ring of Kerry.
FIND OUT MORE
Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort (County Waterford)
Highlights: A historic ambience awaits in this beautiful and popular castle hotel.
Setting: Private island complete with a golf course, with lots of other outdoor activities available.
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Bellingham Castle (County Louth)
Highlights: The centerpiece of a beautiful 17th-century estate.
Setting: Located near the medieval village of Castlebellingham.
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Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Connemara (County Galway)
Highlights: Described as both “authentic and unpretentious,” this castle hotel has undergone a recent renovation.
Setting: Situated on its own salmon and sea trout fishery on the Ballynahinch River in beautiful Connemara.
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Kilkea Castle (County Kildare)
Highlights: 12th-century castle that oozes authenticity. Recent renovations made to castle bedrooms.
Setting: In the countryside, but a short dash from Dublin.
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Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel (Dalkey, County Dublin)
Highlights: Castle-style hotel close to Dublin Bay with leisure center.
Setting: Recently renovated with lots of modern comforts and close to Dublin city center.
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Castle Leslie Estate (County Monaghan)
Highlights: A grand estate with equestrian facilities and a spa.
Setting: Has a country manor feel that is perfect for couples.
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Lough Rynn Castle (County Leitrim)
Highlights: Lovely castle hotel restored to its former glory.
Setting: Surrounded by forest and a walled garden.
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Markree Castle (County Sligo)
Highlights: Recently restored 17th-century castle hotel with luxurious interiors.
Setting: Peaceful countryside feel with close access to the Wild Atlantic Way.
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Kinnitty Castle (County Offaly)
Highlights: Gothic revival castle hotel with forest trails nearby. Ghostly goings on have been reported here.
Setting: Authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that is loved by tourists.
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When in Ireland, why not dine like royalty and stay in the extravagant surroundings of an authentic Irish castle hotel, at least for one night? Let us know if you’ve stayed in any of these Irish castle hotels in the comments below.
