

Castle hotel stays in Ireland
With countless castles dotted like time capsules all across the island, why not step right into Ireland’s history and spend the night?






City hotels may be heavenly and B&Bs the homeliest havens around – but can anything really beat a castle hotel in Ireland? Whether you grew up dreaming of dragon-slaying adventures or envying tower-bound princesses, there’s something about a castle that just captures the imagination.
Perhaps that’s why Ireland remains so full of them today. 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.
But an afternoon visit can only give you so much of a feeling for the enduring magic within these invincible walls. So, why not spend a night or two and make your childhood dreams come true?
Castles are a feature of the Irish landscape. With 3,000 or so spread across the country, there’s no shortage of history and grandeur on display.
Lonely Planet
Castles around the island of Ireland
L-R: Castle Leslie, County Monaghan; Ballygally Castle, County Antrim; Ballynahinch Castle, County Galway; Waterford Castle Hotel, County Waterford
A castle for everyone
Each of Ireland’s castles has its own history—and a unique offering for visitors. If you’re a lover of life’s finer things, the next-level luxury of Dromoland Castle, Lough Eske Castle and Ashford Castle will hit the spot, promising gourmet dining, award-winning spa treatments, afternoon tea, and five-star standards across the board.
At the other end of the spectrum is Black Castle: heated by a roaring fireplace, with no WiFi or electricity in the Great Hall, this is authentic medieval living.
Then there are the castles where guests can spend a romantic getaway rubbing shoulders with the owners. Master of Wilton Castle, Sean Windsor, delights in sharing its story with visitors; while the 7th Earl of Erne has opened the doors of County Fermanagh’s Crom Castle for years.
Or you can always go one step further and rent a whole place to yourself! Clomantagh Castle’s four-poster beds, antique furniture, wood panelling, and spiral staircases are the stuff of storybooks—and you won’t have to share them with anyone. Unlike at Ballygally Castle, where the ghost haunts the tower room…


Relax in Castle Leslie, County Monaghan
Castle pastimes
While simply being in a castle will be enough to satisfy some excited travellers, there’s a whole lot more to these historic piles than the ambience alone. Activities such as fishing, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting are common on the acres of grounds and woodlands of many estates.
Wandering the grounds can be a delight in itself, too. Natural beauty is overflowing here, especially in the walled gardens. Many castles hide mysterious follies, like the Ballysaggartmore Towers at Lismore Castle, or the towers at Johnstown Castle. 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.


Crom Castle, County Fermanagh
Where to find luxury
This restored tower dates back to the Victorian period and is now a unique, cosy stay in the Drogheda countryside fit for a king.
Ireland's exceptional castles
Discover some of the island's most enticing places to stay




Ballygally Castle Hotel
The Ballygally Castle Hotel faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay. 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. Hotel availability for The Open 2025 | 16–21 July.
Ballygally
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Bansha Castle
A beautiful, old country house of considerable historic interest, Bansha Castle is a truly unique self-catering accommodation in County Tipperary. The house boasts a tranquil, secluded setting adjacent to forest and mountain walks.
Tipperary
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Ballyseede Castle Hotel
As Kerry’s only castle hotel, the magnificent Ballyseede Castle offers an authentic castle experience. The perfect base for touring the south-west of Ireland, Ballyseede Castle is close to the famous Ring of Kerry. Voted Munster favourite place to stay in 2018 and 2019.
Kerry
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Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels. Set in a private 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful 12 Bens Mountain range. Authentic, professional yet friendly and unpretentious, hosts will help guests make the most of the visit.
Galway
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Crom Estate
Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas.
Newtownbutler
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Huntington Castle
Huntington Castle in County Carlow was built in 1625 as a garrison on the historically important Wexford to Dublin route. Today, it is a unique visitor attraction and accommodation boasting beautiful gardens, guided tours and family events.
Carlow
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Fanningstown Castle
Fanningstown Castle is a beautifully restored, romantic, Gothic style castle, dating from the 12th Century. It is located among dairy farms in the heart of Ireland's Golden Vale region, 5km from the picturesque village of Adare, in County Limerick.
Limerick
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Barberstown Castle
Barberstown Castle, County Kildare, is a four star Castle and Country House Hotel. Visitors to Barberstown will experience a relaxing and welcoming Castle while enjoying great food and wine, open log fires, luxury and exceptional personal service.
Kildare
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Cabra Castle Hotel
Step back in time at the extraordinary Cabra Castle in the heart of County Cavan’s beautiful countryside. The luxurious four-star Castle Hotel provides exemplary levels of service, with genuine attention to detail. There is great beauty in its period furnishings, antique paintings and the breath-taking 100 acres of gardens and parklands that surround the castle.
Cavan
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