From the stunning countryside of County Meath to the beautiful coastline of County Down, Ireland’s castle hotels are as diverse as they are enchanting. In this article, we’ll highlight the 20 best castle hotels in Ireland, each offering a unique experience and a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Clontarf Castle Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/clontarfcastlehotel.html
Just a short distance from Dublin’s city center, the hotel’s luxurious bedrooms boast air-conditioning, LCD satellite TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel offers several award-winning dining options, including the Fahrenheit Grill, renowned for its locally sourced beef and fish dishes. Guests can indulge in 24-hour room service and relax on pillow-top mattresses for ultimate comfort.
2. Kilkea Castle
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/the-lodges-at-kilkea-castle.html
Kilkea Castle, a property with a rich history dating back to 1180, is undoubtedly one of the best castle hotels in Ireland. The hotel boasts 140 bedrooms, including 11 uniquely designed Castle Bedrooms and Carriage Rooms that are located within the courtyard, offering interconnecting and wheelchair accessible options. With its stunning natural surroundings, excellent dining options, and range of activities, guests are sure to have an unforgettable experience at this charming hotel.
3. Cabra Castle Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/cabracastlehotel.html
The Cabra Castle Hotel is a 4-star hotel situated in a serene and secluded location, offering stunning views of the countryside. Originally built in the 18th century, the castle has retained its original character while incorporating modern luxury for a comfortable stay. Guests can choose to stay in either the castle or the 17th-century courtyard buildings.
4. Lough Rynn Castle
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/lough-rynn-castle.html
Lough Rynn Castle is a magnificent 4-star hotel that offers guests a serene and secluded setting on the shore of Lough Rynn. The Sandstone Restaurant at Lough Rynn Castle is a standout feature, offering an elegant fine-dining experience and having received an AA Rosette award. The castle is surrounded by over 300 acres of ancient forests and breathtaking scenery, boasting rich history and original charm.
5. Lough Eske Castle
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/lough-eske-castle-en-gb.en-gb.html
Nestled amidst a lush 43-acre forest at the base of the mountains, Lough Eske Castle is a stunning hotel that stands out as one of the best castle hotels in Ireland. The castle features expansive rooms with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and the luxurious spa set amid the enchanting gardens adds to the charm of this 5-star property. The hotel’s spa, nestled within the enchanting gardens, offers a range of indulgent treatments, including a steam room, sauna, and massage suites.
6. Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/kilronan-castle.en-gb.html
Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa is among the best castle hotels in Ireland, located just a short 45-minute drive from Sligo Airport. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a fine dining restaurant that serves dishes made with locally sourced produce. With its picturesque location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional dining options, Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa offers a memorable and unparalleled experience for travelers looking to discover the beauty and charm of Ireland.
7. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/fitzpatrickcastle.en-gb.html
The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is a premier castle hotel in Ireland, situated on Dublin Bay and just a 20-minute drive from the city. The hotel’s leisure centre includes a whirlpool spa, indoor heated swimming pool, Scandinavian wood sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym. They also have two highly regarded restaurants for guests to enjoy.
8. Wilton Castle
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/wilton-castle.en-gb.html
Wilton Castle is a top-rated castle hotel in Ireland located in Enniscorthy. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a beautiful garden with a terrace that provides stunning views of the river. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing. With its tranquil location, modern amenities, and nearby outdoor activities, Wilton Castle is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable castle hotel experience in Ireland.
9. Ballygally Castle Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/ballygally.en-gb.html
Ballygally Castle Hotel is known for its Ghost Room and atmospheric dungeon, adding to the castle’s character. Guests can enjoy the large garden, terrace, and lounge with an open fire and antique furniture. The Garden Restaurant, situated within the castle walls, offers modern British cuisine for lunch and evening dining, with morning coffee and afternoon tea also available.
10. Kinnitty Castle Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/kinnitty-castle.en-gb.html
Kinnitty Castle Hotel is situated at the base of Slieve Bloom Mountains, offering guests various trails and guided walks to explore the surrounding area’s natural beauty. The castle grounds also provide a chance for Clay Pigeon shooting, while Birr Castle is just a short drive away. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom that includes a bathtub, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. The public areas provide guests with complimentary tea and coffee.
11. Slieve Donard
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/slievedonard.en-gb.html
The Slieve Donard is a highly regarded castle hotel in Ireland, offering luxurious accommodation in a beautiful setting. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the County Down coastline and the Irish Sea from the hotel’s six-acre grounds. The hotel’s spa facilities are a major attraction, featuring a 20-meter pool, sauna, steam room, aerobics studio, and gym. The grand Oak Restaurant serves exquisite cuisine made from local Irish produce, while a bar and pub-style bistro are also available on the grounds.
12. Ballyseede Castle Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/ballyseede-castle.en-gb.html
Nestled within 30 acres of private gardens and woodland, the hotel provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for guests. The lobby features impressive Doric columns and an elegant oak staircase, indicative of the grand decoration throughout the hotel. The drawing rooms boast ornate cornices and marble fireplaces, providing the perfect ambiance for enjoying morning coffee or afternoon tea. The hotel’s accommodation is equally elegant and tells a story of the past. Guests can indulge in traditional Irish cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients, in a beautiful and historic setting.
13. Dromoland Castle
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/dromoland-castle-co-clare.en-gb.html
Regarded as one of the best castle hotels in Ireland, Dromoland Castle provides a luxurious stay for guests in Newmarket on Fergus. The hotel is located 3.1 km from Dromoland Castle and offers a range of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and sauna. Guests can start their day with a delicious à la carte or Full English/Irish breakfast, setting the tone for a perfect day ahead.
14. Belleek Castle and Museum
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/belleek-castle
This hotel’s dining options are equally impressive, with the Granuailes Candlelight Grill Room serving fresh country house cuisine, including Connemara lamb and flambeed steak. Guests can enjoy a range of historic features, including 13th-century Norman fireplaces, suits of armor, and antiques. Set within 1,000 acres of woodland on the banks of the River Moy, the castle boasts stunning views of the forest and castle garden.
15. Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/marriott-kkyak-mount-juliet-estate-autograph-collection.en-gb.html
Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection is considered one of the best castle hotels in Ireland, offering a luxurious and historic experience to its guests. The Michelin-starred Lady Helen restaurant provides fine dining in the Manor House, while the Hound Restaurant in Hunters Yard offers quality dining in a relaxed setting. The championship 18-hole golf course is a major attraction, considered one of the world’s finest parkland courses and having hosted numerous tournaments.
16. Crover House Hotel & Golf Club
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/crover-house-golf-club.en-gb.html
This hotel is housed in a charming country house surrounded by mature gardens, featuring a 9-hole golf course, which adds to its allure. The on-site restaurant serves home-cooked dishes and features a lakeside terrace, while The Sailor’s Bar and Lakeside Bar offer a cozy setting to enjoy a drink with picturesque views. Also, its surrounding Cavan countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, and horse riding
17. Galgorm
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/galgorm-resort-amp-spa.en-gb.html
One of the highlights of Galgorm is the Thermal Village and Spa – the only one of its kind in Ireland. It boasts riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms, and saunas, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation experience. The resort features a selection of restaurants and bars, offering a diverse range of culinary delights. It also has extensive conference and banqueting facilities, making it an excellent choice for corporate events or special occasions.
18. Abbey Hotel Roscommon
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/manorhouseabbeyhotel.en-gb.html
The Abbey Hotel Roscommon provides guests with a comfortable and peaceful stay in a beautiful castle hotel setting. The hotel’s amenities, including its leisure centre and award-winning restaurant, make it one of the best castle hotels in Ireland, and its convenient location makes it a perfect base for exploring the region.
19. Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/dunboyne-castle-spa.en-gb.htm
Approached by a magnificent tree-lined avenue, the Georgian mansion exudes charm and character, providing guests with a glimpse of the country’s rich history. The hotel’s convenient location allows for easy access to popular tourist attractions. The hotel’s amenities, including its spa and award-winning restaurant, coupled with its convenient location and rich history, make it one of the best castle hotels in the country.
20. Breaffy House Hotel and Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/great-national-breaffy-house-hotel-and-spa.en-gb.html
Breaffy House Hotel and Spa is an excellent choice for visitors seeking a peaceful and comfortable stay in a castle hotel in Ireland. The hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, hot tub, and water therapy features in the fitness center and spa, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation experience. The hotel’s rooms are spacious and comfortable, with satellite TV channels, free tea/coffee facilities, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
Final Thoughts
These properties combine rich history with modern luxury, providing guests with a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring the country’s stunning countryside or taking in the bustling cities, these castle hotels offer the perfect base for your adventures. From fine dining to spa treatments and everything in between, Ireland’s castle hotels have it all.