There are literally thousands of ruined castles and manor houses sitting regally in the lush green countryside of the Emerald Isle and all it takes is a visit to one to awaken the dream of living like a king. Fortunately, some of these noble estates have been turned into luxury hotels that turn centuries-old towers and towers into profitable rooms fit for a king.
Ireland’s best castle hotels may seem like they came to life straight out of the pages of a fairy tale, but these exceptional hotels take all modern conveniences into account. Ready for the royal treatment? Pack your bags for an unforgettable stay at one of the top 10 castle hotels in Ireland:
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from 10
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Direction
Killeen , Co. Galway , IrlandaGet directions
There are few castle hotels in Ireland as perfect as Ballynahinch Castle in Co. Galway. The stone mansion sits on the banks of the Owenmore River and has over 700 acres of private wilderness to explore in the Connemara countryside. In fact, Ballynahinch (or Baile na hlnse , in Irish) means “home of the island.” The current structure was first built in the 1700s by the Martin family and served as an inn and later as a private home. In the early 1900s, the property was bought by an Indian prince and a cricket superstar, who expanded the gardens and built many of the fishing piers along the lake and river. The wild surroundings make it an ideal hotel for outdoor enthusiasts, but it also offers luxurious rooms that are so comfortable that you may not want to walk out the door. The 5-star hotel also has an elegant restaurant with terraces overlooking the famous salmon river.
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from 10
Dromoland castle
Direction
Dromoland , Newmarket on Fergus , Co. Clare , V95 ATD3 , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 61 368 144
Web
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After undergoing a complete renovation in 2018, Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, is arguably more glorious than when it was first built as a luxurious retreat in the 16th century. The careful restoration was done in partnership with a historical society to ensure that the most authentic features were preserved while the rooms were completely modernized and filled with touches of Made in Ireland ranging from local bedding to Celtic artwork. Stick around and soak in the indoor pool, play a round of golf, or head to the on-site spa to pamper yourself and you’ll be in good company – past celebrity guests include former President Bill Clinton, Bono, Muhammad Ali, and John Travolta. Dine at their exclusive restaurant, Earl of Thomond, or sit by the fireplace for afternoon tea.
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from 10
Ashford Castle
Direction
Ashford Castle Estate, Leaf Island , Cong , Co. Mayo , F31 CA48 , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 94 954 6003
Web
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For a truly indulgent stay and a taste of the high society that once lived in the green hills of the west of Ireland, book a stay at Ashford Castle. Complete with turrets, towers and a charming front door, the 13th century castle has been reborn as one of Ireland’s most beloved 5-star hotels. Sitting along the banks of Lough Corrib, the stone castle was once owned by the Guinness family and looks like a storybook brought to life. Its majestic ivy-covered exterior and luxurious rooms make it one of Ireland’s finest castles, but there is more to Ashford Castle than meets the eye. In addition to a relaxing stay in the luxury suites, guests can also attend Ireland’s first Falconry School, take a private equestrian class, try archery or book a traditional boat ride on the river.
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from 10
Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Direction
Lough Eske, Castillo, Lougheask Demesne , Donegal , F94 HX59 , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 74 972 5100
Web
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County Donegal is famous for its spectacular scenery and right in the middle of the wild landscape is Lough Eske Castle. The first castle built here in 1474 belonged to the powerful O’Donnell clan that has deep roots in the area. Now a luxury hotel, the refined castle offers a plush base to wear while exploring the wild countryside. At the end of the day, book a treatment at the hotel’s Solís Spa, find a seat by the campfire, or enjoy one of the 60 whiskeys available at the bar. The relaxing rooms are decorated in modern neutral tones and offer views of the 40 acres of private lands and lakes that surround the property.
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from 10
Adare Manor
Direction
Adare, Co. Limerick , V94 W8WR , IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 61 605 200
Web
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Although not a castle in name, Adare Manor is a dream mansion located on a sprawling estate on the outskirts of Limerick City. The manor house reached its current grand style in the 1830s when its owner, the 2nd Earl of Dunraven, was confined to his home during illness. He resolved to be trapped in his home creating the best haven money could buy and transformed his country house into a neo-Gothic estate inspired by Ireland’s many medieval castles. The impressive stone structure and the surrounding 840 acres of gardens and woodland is now a 5-star hotel. Dine at the restaurants of your choice: Tack Room, Oak Room, Drawing Room or Carriage House. All rooms have high-end touches, like marble bathrooms and designer furniture, but for a truly pampered stay, book the Signature Suite, which comes complete with a butler.
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from 10
Castillo Clontarf
Direction
Castle Ave, Clontarf, Dublin 3, D03 W5NO, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 833 2321
Web
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Situated between the heart of the Irish capital and the seaside town of Howth, Clontarf Castle is one of the best castles near Dublin. The historic castle is a ten-minute drive outside the city, on the site of the fierce Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The first castle was built here in the 12th century, but the current structure dates back to the late 1800s. Many of the original architectural details of the castle have been preserved, but the interior has been completely modernized into a charming 4-star hotel. Enjoy breakfast or dinner at Fahrenheit Restaurant or cocktails at Knights Bar. Gold mirrors and four-poster beds add to the medieval charm, but there are also modern amenities like large flat-screen TVs, in-room tea and coffee stations, and contemporary pendant chandeliers.
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from 10
Castillo Kinnitty
Direction
Birr , Kinnitty , Co. Offaly , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 57913 7318
Web
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Kinnitty Castle in County Offaly can trace its history back to the early 1200s, when it was rebuilt by the Normans after an earlier structure in the same location was destroyed. Sitting at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Offaly, the Gothic Revival Castle has been converted into an intimate 4-star hotel in the heart of the Irish countryside. The rooms were completely remodeled in 2015 and tastefully updated with bright colors and period furniture. There are numerous walking trails and even clay pigeon shooting, but don’t miss the two bars: the Library Bar filled with old books or the low-ceilinged Dungeon Bar that hosts traditional music sessions complete with Irish dancing.
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Castillo leslie
Direction
Castle Leslie Estate 22317, Glaslough , Co. Monaghan , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 47 88100
Web
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Located just over an hour from Dublin and Belfast, Castle Leslie is an estate in quiet County Monaghan. The mansion dates from 1870 and is still owned by a member of the Leslie family. The estate’s hunting lodge has been converted into rooms and it is also possible to stay in the main house, which has a Scottish baronial style. During their stay, guests can walk down the avenue of century-old oaks, take a cooking class, or reserve a table at Snaffles, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. The property also has its own stables and a special equestrian package for those who want to channel their inner blue blood and spend the day riding horses around the 1,000-acre estate.
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from 10
Kilkea Castle
Direction
Castle View, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 59914 5600
Web
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All of Ireland’s best castle hotels have a long and distinguished history, but Kilkea Castle takes the cake when it comes to being one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country. The first castle was built here in County Kildare in 1180 for a Norman knight who fought the legendary Strongbow. The old fortified castle has all the storybook charm from the outside, but has been completely updated into eleven elegant rooms. There are over 100 rooms available in the new Lodge rooms built on the grounds, but nothing beats a stay in the FitzGerald Suite on top of the old original castle tower, with a 360-degree view of the estate. . In addition to castle activities such as falconry and archery, the hotel is best known for its 18-hole golf course.
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from 10
Castillo Kilronan
Direction
Castletenison Demesne , Ballyfarnon , Co. Roscommon , F52 R867 , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 71961 8000
Web
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For a secluded stay in the heart of County Roscommon, follow the grand trail to the former home of local royalty. Once known as Castle Tenison, the noble country house was built in the 1820s and enlarged in the 1880s. Inside, there’s an elegant wood-paneled dining room, rich fabrics, a gleaming indoor pool, and classic furnishings. carved. Outside, the castle is surrounded by 40 acres of ancient forest, a lake, and quiet trails through green Irish hills.
