Ireland has over 30,000 authentic castles of different sizes. While many are in private hands and inaccessible to the public, plenty of castles offer accommodation for guests to immerse themselves and enjoy authentic medicinal and Victorian architectural and engineering masterpieces. Whether you are interested in an ultra-luxury stay or a self-catering accommodation, there is a castle experience for you to enjoy.
Let us explore some of the best castles to stay in Ireland.
#1: Springfield Castle (In County Limerick)
Want to live like royalty, if only for a weekend? Well, Springfield Castle Limerick has to be your number-one solution. Located in County Limerick, the sprawling and magical 200-acre estate guests with an immersive experience of life in an authentic castle. Though modernised, the castle dates back to 1280. It bears the 700 years of Lord and Lady Muskerry family history.
However, it is not just the history that makes Springfield an authentic castle accommodation experience. The estate’s buildings embody everything you would expect of a medieval castle.
Springfield Castle can accommodate 25 guests across two different accommodation areas – the Castle (which accommodates 15 guests) and the East Tower (which accommodates 10 guests). This makes the accommodation facilities ideal for hosting groups of families and friends, special events and celebrations, family gatherings, or even wedding parties.
Named one of the Top Ten castles in Ireland, Springfield is also excellent accommodation for guests interested in exploring Northern Western Ireland’s attractions, including the Wild Atlantic Way, Killarney, The Ring of Kerry, Blarney, and Dingle.
#2: Dromoland Castle (In Clare)
When it comes to luxury, authenticity, and historic clout, five-star Dromoland Castle is a top pick for castles to stay. The ancestral home of Donough O’Brien, a son of Brian Ború and a defensive stronghold in the early years after the castle was built in 1014, has been passed down to multiple generations of the O’Briens. Each owner of the castle left their influence and impact that stands today.
Today, the 500-acre estate is open to guests who enjoy the blend of luxury and authentic castle treatment. With a grand sweeping staircase and antique chandeliers, the facility stays true to its castle identity. However, it has been refurbished to incorporate modern amenities, including a luxury dining experience and a must-visit spa. You can expect to feel like royalty.
Outdoors, there are over 450 acres to explore and enjoy. Moreover, there is a 10-hole golf course and water activities, including trout fishing and stand-up paddle boarding.
#3: Lough Eske Castle (In Donegal)
The Lough Eske Castle Hotel is one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland. Its eye-catching façade, with its sandy-coloured stones, reinforces its authenticity. The castle is also engulfed in nature’s beauty, as it is located at the foot of Bluestack Mountain and in the woodlands. The castle was built in 1861 and was once the seat of the O’Donnell family.
While the hotel’s surroundings ooze natural beauty, the facilities also make for an unforgettable stay. It is renowned for the CARA Organic beauty space in a Victorian glasshouse overlooking the garden. The cosy Father Browne’s Bar and AA Rosette awarded Cedars Restaurant will ensure your drinks and culinary delights supply never runs short during your stay.
#4: Ashford Castle (In Mayo–Galway)
Ashford Castle is a medieval and Victorian castle that expanded and became a 5-star facility. Once the home of the Guinness family, the resort stands boldly on the shores of Lough Corrib, oozing a relaxing ambience for guests. The over 800-year-old facility offers stunning landscape views, epitomising the essence of modern-day luxury-centric castles.
Speaking of luxury, Ashford Castle has been extensively refurbished to blend modern amenities with its abundant medieval beauty. It has over 83 rooms, suites, and cottages that ooze the perfect blend of medieval aura while affording guests all the modern creature comforts we are used to. This facility is also renowned for its fine dining facilities and bars.
The estate’s sprawling grounds provide the perfect environment to enjoy outdoor activities. You can try your hands at archery, falconry, and golfing. Water sports and activities are also available on the lake and rivers around the estate. A shuttle bus runs daily from the Castle to The Dawson Hostel Galway.
#5: Wilton Castle (In Wexford)
Originally the home of William De Dene, the Castle has been built and expanded since 1247. It now hosts guests in the hotel and self-catering facilities. Only 2 hours away from Dublin, the riverside castle is set in the rolling hills of Wexford.
The facility offers four self-contained apartments of varying sizes, fully equipped with a kitchen and a sitting room. As such, Wilton Castle provides the best self-catering accommodation facilities for the home-away-from-home experience.
#6: Kilkea Castle (In Kildare)
The overarching quality of Kilkea Castle is unmatched affordability. That said, you should note that the Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, has recently been refurbished to offer an excellent accommodation experience among the different accommodation facilities, namely the Castle, The Lodge, and The Carriage. While it is affordable for castle accommodation standards, it undoubtedly meets the expectations of a castle stay experience.
It is comfortable and luxurious and offers plenty of enjoyable activities and amenities to keep you busy during your vacation. It has a must-visit spa, Restaurant 1180 for all your culinary experiences, The Keep bar, an 18-hole golf course, and much more.
#7: Ballygally Castle (In Antrim)
Ballygally Castle is a 17th-century castle on the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland. It is the perfect staging ground for exploring Northern Ireland or simply enjoying a staycation. Every room has impeccable views, with many offering stunning views of the Irish Sea.
While the castle is authentic and stunning on the outside, the interior has been remodelled to contemporary standards. Every room is elegantly decorated, and subtle signs reveal the castle’s medieval past. Ballygally Castle’s amenities include The Garden Restaurant, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Other castles loved by holidaymakers include Clomantagh Castle, Kilronan Castle, Crom Castle, Black Castle, Lismore Castle, Johnstown Castle, Gosford Castle, Belleek Castle, and Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.
