Ashford Castle Spa Pool
CASTLE ISLAND
For a relatively small island, Ireland boasts an amazing abundance of 30,000+ castles and ruins for visitors to explore and enjoy. They range from splendid medieval masterpieces with luxury accommodations to medium castles full of history and heritage, as well as smaller castles dotting the landscape. These castles are part of an illustrious heritage and history that visitors to Ireland cherish. Here is just a selection of castles worth checking out on your next visit, and you can explore dozens of other castles at Ireland.com.
KILKEA CASTLE, KILDARE
A medieval fortress that fits the images of childhood storybook tales, Kilkea Castle sits on a magnificent 180 acre estate. This luxury property includes 11 Castle rooms, 24 carriage rooms, 33 lodges, an 18-hole golf course, meeting + events facilities and rose gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy tennis, fishing, archery, falconry and equestrian activities.
Kilkea Castle in the Fall
The resort closed in 2010 and was purchased by Boston's own Jay Cashman, who has spent the last decade restoring the Castle and the surrounding estate into a premium resort for visitors to enjoy. In October 2022, the Irish Hotel Awards named Kilkea Castle as 'Castle of the Year.'
ASHFORD CASTLE, CONG, MAYO
Built in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family, Ashford Castle is set upon a 350- acre estate with landscaped gardens, ancient woodland and an emerald lake. Formerly owned by the Guinness family, Ashford has hosted countless notables, including US President Ronald Reagan, and is considered one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe.
Ashford Castle, Oak Hall
Ashford Castle offers 83 traditional and elegant rooms and suites, along with 6 restaurants, 3 bars and a world renowned team of chefs and sommeliers, plus an award-winning spa, sauna and steam room. And there's a variety of outdoor activities, from falconry and fishing to archery and equestrian.
WATERFORD CASTLE, WATERFORD
Formerly the ancestral home of the Fitzgerald family, Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is a majestic property, located on its own 310-acre private Island on the River Suir. The Luxury Castle itself has just 19 rooms, and is ideal for an intimate getaway, or to take over exclusively for a special celebration.
Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
In addition to the Castle hotel, the Resort offers 45 three and four bedroom self-catering lodges, along with excellent restaurants and bars. Visitors can also enjoy the 18-hole champion golf course, croquet, clay-pigeon shooting, tennis and hiking.
KILLEAVY CASTLE ESTATE, NEWRY, ARMAGH
Built in the 19th century, Killeavy Castle was originally a Mill and Coach House, and has been lovingly transformed into a family-owned hotel that's full of charm and elegant comfort. Set on 350 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh's beautiful Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle is a perfect retreat to relax and unwind, with a premier spa, afternoon teas and exquisite dining in a serene setting.
KilleavyCastleEstate
Killeavy has been at the forefront of Ireland's green tourism movement, a world-class sustainable hotel and eco-tourism resort that grows its own food and is committed to protecting the local environment.
KING OF YOUR OWN CASTLE
THE BLACK CASTLE, COOLBAWN, TIPPERARY
Looking to sample life from the 16th century? Check in to The Black Castle, a unique Airbnb nestled among the rolling hills of North Tipperary. This majestic, four-story tower is surrounded by fields, forestry and ancient woods, and bordered by a crystal clear
stream.
The Black Castle
The secluded sanctuary is perfect for history and nature lovers, artists, writers, musicians or anyone looking to totally disconnect. Guests stay in the refurbished Great Hall, with an open fireplace, no television or electronics, but plenty of books, playing cards and a Celtic chess set.
2022 was fully booked, so make plans for 2023 early!
DAY VISIT
KILKENNY CASTLE, KILKENNY
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses for more than 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle welcomes visitors year-round to explore this grand country estate surrounded by fifty acres of rolling parkland filled with mature trees and wildlife.
Kilkenny Castle
A formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, added in the nineteenth century, evoke Victorian sensibility, and there is also a tea room, playground and orienteering trails for visitors to enjoy. Year round exhibits detail the rich history and heritage of the Castle and County Kilkenny.
Click here for more Ireland trip ideas.
ireland.com
Click here for more fun things to do in Ireland >>>>>