Next in our guide to the best castles near Dublin is the brilliant Cabra Castle in Cavan, just under a 1.5-hour spin from the city. Bed and breakfast rates make Cabra Castle surprisingly affordable, and the mid-week specials are also excellent value for money. You may need to drive more or less depending on where youre leaving from. For something totally different, Game of Thrones fans will feel right at home in Northern Ireland, where Ballygally Castle and Gosford Castle known to followers of the series as Riverrun are well worth a visit. Ireland Travel Guides aims to help travelers to find their way for the first time in Ireland. 4. I also lived in 3 continents from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. L-R: Castle Leslie, County Monaghan; Ballygally Castle, County Antrim; Ballynahinch Castle, County Galway; Waterford Castle Hotel, County Waterford. Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Dublin City Centre and 5 miles from Dublin Airport, the Clontarf Castle Hotel in Ireland is an oasis, tucked away in a tranquil setting, surrounded by fabulous golf courses and the sounds of lapping waters from the Irish Sea. Castle Hotels in Ireland | 15 Unforgettable Fairytale Irish Stays or, discuss your requirements with one of our castle experts. 1. Theres another legend that states that it was on the grounds of the castle that C Chulainn was born. With its Gate Tower and Keep that date from the 15th century, Howth Castle is an example of how historic houses have evolved in Ireland through the centuries. Want to be pampered like a princess? Booking one of these day trips is a fun way to see more Irish castles: Kilkea Castle- Castledermot, County Kildare, Ireland, The K Club- Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland, 5 tips for visiting the markets during Christmas in Europe. Ireland. The estate provides the perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor activities, from archery to clay target shooting while those seeking a more restful break can enjoy a unique spa experience at the Victorian Treatment Rooms. According to legend, the warrior C Chulainn used this castle as his base when he was attacking Queen Meaves forces. You can't go far in Ireland without catching a glimpse of a castle. Luttrellstown Castle Resort - Tripadvisor . Northwest of Dublin is Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in all of Ireland. As always, hosts have no editorial influence on articles. Located about a 60-90 minute drive south of the city (depending on if you hit rush hour traffic), the crown jewel of the 180-acre estate is the 12th century castle which looks untouched by the hands of time, and has a place in Irish lore as a former home to prominent members of the Fitzgerald family, and Richard de Clare (Strongbow) who played a key role in the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. Although there is a lot of debate about when the main tower area was built, its widely accepted that the castle was likely constructed in 1250. For a time, the Society of Jesus acquired the building and for much of the twentieth century, it was used as a Retreat House for lay visitors. Discover some of the island's most enticing places to stay. A great way to fully explore Dublin is through its many castles. It is believed to date back to the 1430s. Whatever you do, your time at Ballyfin will drift past far too fast. Bellingham Castle was constructed in 1660 by Sir Henry Bellingham and it continued to serve as one of the ancestral homes for the Bellingham family until the 1950s. Castle Hotels in Ireland - The Best Castles to Stay in Ireland! A tall battlement tower with lookout posts, a garden designed in a formal 17th-century layout and other separate buildings can also be seen in the castle ground. However, despite this, its an impressive structure that commands stunning sea views from its perfectly manicured grounds. From cosy bed and breakfasts to grand castle hotels; from stately homes to rugged lighthouses, from glamping to camping to hostelling around the island; here's our guide to where to stay in Ireland. If you fancy visiting it, you can walk to it via the nearby farm gates (close them after you!). 1. Its spacious bedrooms and marble bathrooms offer just the right amount of decadence and indulgence, while its dining experiences range from simple and sophisticated to the ultimate in fine dining. That was until they were evicted by Oliver Cromwell in 1649 and the castle was handed over to named Miles Corbet. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "af47b39ac1d28c53b37cd632104a80b1" );document.getElementById("bde5d33218").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1 night in Cavan at the 4-star Cabra Castle. Bunratty Castle- A Beautiful Medieval Fortress In Ireland, Blarney Castle And Gardens: All You Need To Know. Theres plenty to do at Kilkea Castle, including noble activities like falconry, tennis, archery and horseback riding in the Wicklow Hills. The K Club near Dublin, Ireland. Located only a ten-minute drive from Dublin's city centre, this is the perfect Irish castle getaway. 1 night in Donegal at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle. When that building was deemed structurally irreparable as a result of dry rot, the state ordered for its demolition. Located in the village of Straffan about 40 minutes west of Dublin, the four star property boasts gorgeous events spaces, fountains, a restaurant, banquet hall, Irish pub, patio and lounge. Mainly from American visitors that are in Ireland for a few days and that are looking to wedge in as much as possible. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And anyone who wants a walk back in time through a pretty castle set in the midst of 194 acres of parkland. Some say that it was built from sacred stones culled from the nearby Bearna Dhearg (or ringfort), but little is really known for certain about the structure today. A 4-star castle hotel in Cavan situated in a quiet neighborhood in Kingscourt, Cabra Castle Hotel is a mix and match of royalty and modern luxury. Fanningstown Castle is a beautifully restored, romantic, Gothic style castle, dating from the 12th Century. But dont worry Hilda is a friendly ghost who does little more than fill the air with the scent of roses! Enable Notifications to get useful travel updates during your trip! Were going to stay in County Offaly next to check out the magnificent 19th-century Kinnitty Irish Castle Hotel. Set on a 310-acre private island, you cant get more secluded than that (its reached in minutes via the hotels ferry service). Below, youll find a clatter of castle hotels near Dublin, from Kinnitty Castle Hotel and Cabra Castle to Kilkea Castle and more. Plan your stay by calling +353 (0) . New travel reccomendations will only show up once youre back online. According to legend, Charleville is haunted by the ghost of a girl named Harriet, who died tragically in the castle in 1861. Perhaps thats why Ireland remains so full of them today. 1. The first section of this guide is packed with whatwethink are the best Dublin castle hotels these are places that one of The Irish Road Trip Team have stayed in and loved. Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here. Dromoland Castle Hotel in Co Clare, Ireland. There are several stunning castle hotels in Dublin and there are, How To Get Around In Ireland: The Pros + Cons To Cars, Tours and Public Transport, Planning A Trip To Ireland In 2023 In 8 Easy Steps, When Is The Best Time To Visit Ireland? This luxury hotel is surrounded by a lush golf course and the Irish Sea, so you can explore the city and retreat to your castle away from the hustle and bustle at the end of the day. Guests love exploring the woodlands, visiting nearby landmarks like the Castletown House & Gardens or Mondello Park, and enjoying a leisurely Lazy River float down the River Greese (with a glass of wine in hand, natch). According to legend, the castle is haunted by a red lady and its said that she prowls the castle at night with a silver blade clutched in her hand. Malahide Castle, Dublin Castle, Swords Castle and Ardgillan Castle are all well worth visiting if youre in the capital. And a great deal of restoration work has been carried out since. Blackwater Castle, Co. Cork - over 10,000 years of history. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at Pappys bar before heading to the elegant OConnell Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Irish cuisine with a modern twist. CLONTARF CASTLE HOTEL $200 ($284) - Tripadvisor In a previous life, Cabra Castle was part of the 1,000-acre demesne of Dun Na R National Forest Park (well worth visiting if youd like to head off for a ramble!). The family-run 18th century castle is now in its third generation, offering old world luxury and top-notch service to all guests. What Castle can you Stay in Ireland and Feel like Royalty? As one of the oldest castles in Ireland, Barberstown Castle has had a long, storied history since being built in 1288. Family (max. Yes, please send me free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including regular tailored updates on holiday ideas and insider tips. Price: $398+ USD per night https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/lough-eske-castle-en-gb.en-gb.html Nothing quite says 5-star leisure like this fairytale castle situated at the foot of the mountains on 43 acres of peaceful forests. The Archbishop was also a baron who was empowered to hold court and even pass the death sentence. Your location is only used to show reccomendations. Items without a physical location are not shown in map view. Elopement packages at one uncomplicated price! The chances are, youll have the whole place to yourself (Im basing this on my last two visits). And its permanent so you cant undo it in the future. THE BEST Dublin Castles (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor For complete seclusion and luxury, Waterford Castle really is hard to beat, and its one of the more popular castle hotels in Ireland for good reason. The 1000-acre property is located just 11km from Monaghan town and an 80-minute drive from Dublin City. Castle Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3, Ireland, D03 W5N0. Castle Street 4. When it was converted into an Irish castle hotel, architects designed a beautiful expansion at the front entrance that perfectly blends old with new, where guests can relax in the modern lounge against a backdrop of the historic brick castle walls. Emails that go something along the lines of the question above tend to hit our inbox every few days. Clomantagh Castles four-poster beds and spiral staircases are the stuff of storybooksand you wont have to share them with anyone. . He did it by climbing in through the nearby forest and stalking the animals from the branches above. This was to protect the harbor for local fishermen. Notifications have been enabled. Castles in Dublin Ireland to Stay In: Castle Hotels - PointsandTravel.com The Norman castle can be found in the suburb of Drimnagh, and it is worth the trip to the south side . A must go Irvine can afford, luxery personified. If that doesnt appeal, theres always the Knights Bar, where the open fires and classic booths create a welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy the best of Dublins fresh fish and seafood. 8. Or just want to scroll yourself happy? The Castle dates back to 1625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland. Instead, visitors will experience an intermingling of old Victorian style and contemporary elegance. Howth Castle is the home of the St Lawrences since 1177. 7 Most Impressive Castles Near Dublin (with Map) Ballyseede Castle looks like something out of a fairytale, but its history is long and bloody and said to be haunted by the ghost of former resident Hilda Blennerhassett. FAQs about the best castle hotels in Dublin. Best Castles to Visit Near Dublin We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites. SHARE THE PINSPIRATION! Built in 1390, it has all the features of the larger Irish castles, like its state of the art interactive Heritage Centre and the battlements which offer a panoramic view of the town. In the elegant dining room, youll be treated to a range of local and artisan produce prepared using family recipes almost as old as the castle itself. 2. Sorry youre leaving. Best Castle Hotels near Dublin - Historic European Castles Youll find this beautiful 18th-century castle nestled on 100 lush acres of finely maintained gardens and parklands. The hotel is set on a 45-acre property in one of the finest country houses from the 17th century in the county. Supplied. The tour took us past Dublin Castle, built by "cowardly" King John of England in the early 1200s, and the centuries-old Temple Bar area, now the city's primary nightlife district, with . Barberstown Castle is perhaps best known for once being owned by music legend Eric Clapton, and one of his guitars is proudly displayed near the Garden Bar. Some boast views of the Dublin Mountains while others look out over a sea of rooftops, giving guests a taste of what living large feels like. Castle stays in Ireland Set on 180 acres of its own wonderful woodland, gardens and golf course, Kilkea Castle enchants from the moment you drive down the beech-lined avenue. Many man tired and failed. Then a young lad called Purcell succeeded. And the complex has been host to this ceremony ever since. Barberstown Castle, County Kildare, is a four star Castle and Country House Hotel. The property was transformed into a hotel in the 70s by Paddy and Eithne Fitzpatrick and renamed as the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, which their daughters family now owns and runs. Here, you'll find everything from hike and drive guides to funky places to stay and more! Malahide Castle is nestled on 250 acres of parkland in the pretty seaside town of Malahide. And it is known as one of the longest continuously inhabited private homes in Europe. Your email address will not be published. It is where portraits of generations of the family tell their own story of Irelands turbulent history. From here, youll be treated to unbeatable views out across the surrounding countryside. As the old building was being knocked down, Ashtown castle was discovered and eventually restored. Nov- Apr : Wed Sun incl 9:30 AM 5:30 PM. The 19th century castle is set amongst 100-acres of parkland and gardens and features the backdrop of Dun a Ri Forest Park. This is one of the most popular castle hotels near Dublin for good reason. You can disable location access in the website settings of. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the harbor, village, and castle were taken from the monks and passed down through various families until the start of the 18th century. Tickets are 20 with discounts for families and the unwaged. Keen anglers will enjoy fishing the well-stocked waters of the magnificent Ballynahinch River, while those seeking a more active adventure can hire bikes and explore the nearby Derroura Mountain Bike Trail. the Dublin Castle, and more plus exclusive offers and fast track entries to selected attractions. If your imagination is as vivid as mine, you'll feel like royalty in any of these castle hotels, but for a . And here, the guided tour staff will tell you the story of pirate queen Grace OMalleys visit to the Castle. Book through Klook to get discounts on the best tours and activities in Dublin, Ireland! One of the castles in Dublin that has a rich, colorful history, Bullock Castle was built in the mid 13th century by the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of St. Mary. Clontarf Castle is one of the most popular castle hotels in Dublin for good reason. There are also modernized Carriage Rooms in the adjoining courtyard, and Lodges which are perfect for larger groups thanks to the adjoining bedrooms and self-catering setup. Regarded as the heart of historic Dublin, Dublin Castle fulfilled a number of roles through its history. Dalkey Castle is known for its exciting guided tours. Leap Castle (1 hour and 50-minute drive), 7. Access My Ireland across all of your devices by logging in. There are also unique equestrian itineraries that will take you cantering along the nearby beaches and discovering the breathtaking countryside of the Wicklow Mountains. Looking for inspiration? After the departure of the Jesuits in the 1980s, the Castle came into the care of the Irish State. Each of the rooms have been meticulously decorated with unique furniture and details, as well as offering plenty of modern comforts. Depart. For the past thousand years, they have defined the landscape: looming over medieval towns like Trim Castle in County Meath, clinging to wave-bashed cliffsides like Dunluce Castle in County Antrim and sitting solidly as cities fell and flourished around them like Dublin Castle. A visit to Trim Castle is one of the more popular day trips from Dublin for good reason. Fresh, locally sourced food, cooked by expert chefs, is the pride of this luxury lakeside hotel. The castle required a number of defensive features to fend off thieves from plundering the goods that were stored inside. Set on 350 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armaghs stunning Slieve Gullion, its the ideal place to escape, retreat, relax and unwind. He was infuriated that Colonel Thomas Bellingham allowed King Williams armies to camp in the castle grounds on the night before the Battle of the Boyne. Advertisement. Here are some of the most beautiful castles you can sleep in. 2 nights in Roscommon at the 4-star Abbey Hotel. Planning a trip? If youre looking for castle hotels in Ireland, look no further than Bellingham Castle in County Louth, a handy 55-minute drive from Dublin. Here, you can discover the history, tales, and stories of the family through portraits, furnishings, and artifacts. Interestingly enough, this castle was one of the wealthiest dwellings of its kind at the time and the original castle keep was one of the largest in Ireland. Lough Eske Castle is perfect for exploring the northernmost points of the Wild Atlantic Way and is a 10-minute drive from the charming town of Donegal. Wandering the grounds can be a delight in itself, too, with many hiding mysterious follies, like the Ballysaggartmore Towers at Lismore Castle, or the towers at Johnstown Castle. From the unusual activities to the cozy beds and state-of-the-art facilities to the award-winning cuisine everything about my stay was perfect.