The 10 Best Castle Hotels in Ireland
With over 30,000 castles still standing in Ireland, the options are endless on where to visit. Now, while some of these lay in ruins, some have been refurbished to their former glory, while many have been renovated to become 4- and 5-star luxury castle hotels.
Standing on great lawns, towering over woodlands and sleeping beside lakes, these “great houses” of Ireland offer stunning insight to these properties which were once owned by wealthy, landowning families.
Here’s our top pick of castles hotels worth a visit on the Emerald Isle.
10. Lough Rynn Castle
Located in Leitrim, this impressive castle hotel is undoubtedly one for the bucket list. Set on a stunning backdrop of 300-acres along the shores of Lough Ryan, this is truly a fairytale destination.
The 19th-century castle features elegant and luxurious accommodation, fine dining and an impressive programme of activities from kayaking and orienteering to white water rafting and bowling.
Prices: Average €120 per night
Address: Mohill, Leitrim, Ireland
9. Markree Castle
Set in Sligo on a 500-acre plot, this luxury 17th-century castle resort is family-run adding extra charm.
Since it’s renovation, these period-style rooms give guests a unique opportunity to be immersed in a real castle experience while receiving the highest standard of luxury hospitality.
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Address: Clooneenroe, Collooney, Co. Sligo, Ireland
8. Ballyseede Castle
This luxury castle experience is an absolute “must-visit.” Set in a 16th-century castle, not far from Tralee town centre, this boutique experience offers 44 rooms in period-style and a highly-acclaimed fine dining restaurant.
Prices: From €121 per night
Address: Tralee, Ballyseede, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
7. Bellingham Castle
Only a short distance from Dublin, Bellingham Castle in County Louth is one of the finest going. Set alongside the River Glyde, this classic 17th-century castle has been restored to the highest of standards and offers an intimate luxury experience with only 19 bedrooms.
Prices: From €145 per night
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Address: Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, Ireland
6. The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
This 5-star retreat in Kerry has to be one of the most decadent castle escapes on the island of Ireland. The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is set on a 64-acre estate, which offers 12th-century castle ruins alongside the River Laune.
Offering endless opportunities to relax, guests can indulge at the sauna and swimming pool, go horse riding or fishing. There is even a kids club to keep the little ones happy!
Whether you want to sit back at the day spa or enjoy 5-star dining, Dunloe is a good shout.
Address: Dunloe Lower, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
5. Lough Eske Castle
This 5-star castle in Donegal is a must-visit for castle-seekers in Ireland. The grounds offer contemporary luxury accommodation in a stunningly-renovated castle; no corner has been cut, with every modern need met.
Pamper yourself at the day-spa or hit the hills on a hike and make sure to set near the famous Blue Stack Mountains in the enchanting County Donegal, you’re sure to feel rejuvenated after just a couple of days.
Prices: Average €268 per night
Address: Castle, Lough Eske, Donegal, F94 HX59, Ireland
4. Ashford Castle
This 5-star hotel in County Mayo has to be one of the finest in all of Ireland. Award-winning for its truly impressive offering, it comes as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after wedding venues on the Emerald Isle.
Set on 350-acres of parkland, forest paths, and manicured lawns, this enchanting property offers a 13th-century castle experience, with all the modern comforts one could wish for!
Prices: Average €245 per night
Address: Ashford Castle Estate, Cong, Co. Mayo, F31 CA48, Ireland
3. Ballynahinch Castle
This castle in Galway is perfect for a romantic getaway or an intimate wedding. Set in the mystic surroundings of Connemara, this newly renovated hotel was voted number one luxury castle in Ireland, by readers of Condé Nast magazine.
Located by the riverside, this castle stands on an impressive 700-acres of natural woodlands, forests & lawns, with fishing, clay shooting, and hiking opportunities aplenty. This is an absolute fantastic Irish castle hotel!
Prices: Average €360 per night
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Address: Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland
2. Dromoland Castle
Set in picturesque County Clare, Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate is a 5-star experience worth saving for. With stately, executive and presidential quality accommodation to suit each level of luxury, this castle certainly doesn’t scrimp on style.
With a range of exclusive dining opportunities, a world-class spa and challenging golf course, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Not to mention the endless array of activities including tennis, fishing, archery, horse riding, falconry, and clay pigeon shooting (just to mention a few!).
Prices: Average €472 per night
Address: Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, V95 ATD3, Ireland
1. Waterford Castle – Our Favourite Irish Castle Hotel!
Welcome to the Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, a 4-star resort that promises utter relaxation and luxury at every turn. Set on an enchanted 310-acre private island just off Waterford, this is the ultimate escape from everyday life.
Set in this terrifically renovated 16th-century castle, guests will get lost in the magic of their surroundings while taking part in activities such as forest walking, golf, archery, croquet and more.
Bonus points go for its critically acclaimed Michelin-star Munster Room Restaurant!
Prices: Average €202 per night
Address: The Island, Ballinakill, Co. Waterford, X91 Y722, Ireland
