How to choose the most amazing castle hotels to visit in Ireland

A visit to one of Ireland’s many stunning castle hotels is at the top of many travelers’ lists. A stay at a castle hotel is an ornate trip back to the glory and decadence of times gone by. Within a stony castle hotel in Ireland, you’ll find a warm Irish welcome, surrounded by idyllic Irish scenery, enveloped in stately luxury, and offering superb cuisine. Castle hotels are authentic and unique to Ireland and offer the utmost in elegance and serenity.

Once you’ve decided on how you’d like to fly to Ireland among our low fare and Business Class flight options, we’ll help you decide which type of castle hotel is perfect for your visit.

If authenticity is what you’re after, visit Ballyhannon Castle in Quin, County Clare.  The castle dates back to the 15th century and is one of the last medieval Irish castles that remains intact.  The original internal and external design of the castle has been preserved, and the estate, with its significant history, architecture and aesthetic, is registered as a “Listed/Protected” property with the Irish government.  Although the original features of the castle have been preserved in every way, modern amenities and appliances have been discreetly incorporated, so guests can enjoy modern-day comforts while experiencing life within the castle as it was six hundred years ago.  The castle is located in the heart of what’s considered “traditional” Ireland, adjacent to the attractions of authentic Ireland and located conveniently close to Shannon Airport.

If luxury is what you’re looking for, stay at Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo.  The castle dates back to 1228 and has been fully restored to its historic splendor.  Once the home of the famous Guinness brewing family, it’s now one of the grandest dream wedding destinations in Ireland and is a regular host to royalty, celebrities and state officials.  The estate offers exceptional Irish cuisine and even serves guests in its dungeon! If you visit in November, you can enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner at the nearby Lodge at Ashford Castle. A range of leisure activities is also available for guests to enjoy, such as the ancient art of falconry, as well as clay shooting and archery.

If a quirky castle experience is what you crave, visit the bed and breakfast at Carrigeen Castle in Cahir, County Tipperary. Carrigeen Castle was once the town’s bridewell – a nineteenth-century jail to hold the town’s prisoners.  Although the castle has since been renovated, guests may stay in bedrooms that were formerly jail cells and rooms of the prison’s keepers.  Many of the castle’s original features have been preserved, including a cut-limestone spiral staircase in its main tower.

As you can see, each venue has something different to offer. We hope you have the opportunity to experience one of these amazing castle hotels on your next vacation!

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