11 Best Castles to Stay in Ireland (2025)
Want to make your Ireland vacation extra magical? If yes then there is no better way to make it happen than staying in an Irish castle!
Ireland is home to around 30,000 castles that represent the country’s tumultuous history and the architectural prowess of bygone eras.
These stunning castles not only offer great views but modern comforts too. You can book a luxury room to stay in these castles and enjoy cozy beds, delicious food, and a mesmerizing atmosphere.
In this blog, we are going to unveil the top 11 best castles to stay in Ireland, and the good thing is that most of them are actually quite affordable. So, let’s begin.
Is It Worth It to Stay in a Castle in Ireland?
Staying in a castle in Ireland is indeed a truly unique and memorable experience. It offers you an opportunity to experience Irish history and culture closely and in a luxurious way.
Many castles in Ireland have been meticulously restored and offer luxurious amenities while preserving their historical charm.
Castles in Ireland are often located in stunning landscapes, from coastal cliffs to rolling hills and lush gardens. The views and natural beauty surrounding these castles are truly breathtaking.
Moreover, the historic ambiance and grandeur of these castles create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, making them the best choice for couples to celebrate special occasions or honeymoons.
However, staying in an Irish castle hotel can be quite expensive, with nightly rates often ranging from a few hundred euros to over a thousand, depending on the luxury amenities they offer.
Some castles are even located in remote areas, which can be inconvenient if you plan to explore other parts of Ireland during your stay.
However, if you appreciate history and have the budget to stay in luxurious destinations, staying in an Irish castle is definitely worth it. But, it’s important to consider your budget, travel plans, and priorities.
Top 11 Best Castles to Stay in Ireland
1. Ashford Castle, Mayo
Google Rating: 4.7
Ashford Castle is a stunning 13th-century castle hotel in Mayo, Ireland. It sits on 350 acres of beautiful land next to Lough Corrib Lake. The castle is very fancy and has 83 rooms and suites.
The rooms are really nice, with old-fashioned furniture and high-quality bedding. Some even have four-poster beds. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. If you need anything, you can even order room service.
Talking about activities, there’s a lot to do at Ashford Castle. You can eat at the fancy restaurant or the more casual bistro. There’s also a bar with oak walls and a pub that looks like it’s from medieval times. For a special treat, you can have afternoon tea in a room that looks like it’s from the 1800s.
The castle has impressive facilities too. There’s an indoor pool, a spa where you can relax, and even a movie theater. If you like golf, there’s a 9-hole course. And for something really unique, you can learn about falconry at their falconry school.
2. Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Donegal
Google Rating: 4.7
At number 2, on our best castles in Ireland list, we have Lough Eske Castle. It’s a beautiful 5-star castle hotel in Donegal that is surrounded by 43 acres of woodland.
The castle has been upgraded to keep its old charm while offering modern comforts. Moreover, the castle is from the 15th century, making it one of the oldest castles in Ireland.
The rooms at Lough Eske are big and comfortable. There’s even a great restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food. If you want to relax, you can swim in the indoor pool or treat yourself to a spa day.
The castle is great for special events too. You can have a wedding or a business meeting here. If you like outdoor activities, you can go hiking, golfing, fishing, or horse riding nearby.
In addition, the castle hotel offers lots of helpful services. There’s free Wi-Fi and parking, a 24-hour front desk, and even childcare if you need it. There’s also a fitness center that’s open all day and night and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
3. Luttrellstown Castle, Dublin
Google Rating: 4.6
Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin is arguably one of the biggest castles in Ireland. It’s perfect for big parties, weddings, and business events. Even though it’s 600 years old, it still feels like a luxurious place for entertaining guests.
The castle is close to Dublin city, but it feels like it’s in its own world. It sits on 567 acres of beautiful parkland. There’s a great golf course where you can spend a few hours enjoying the scenery. After your game, you can relax in the modern clubhouse that looks like an Alpine lodge.
One of the best things about Luttrellstown Castle is its food. They serve all kinds of meals, from Sunday lunch to afternoon tea. The chefs use local ingredients to make delicious food for the visitors. You can enjoy your meal in different beautiful spots around the castle.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy stay, a round of golf, or just a nice meal, Luttrellstown Castle offers a grandeur experience not far from Dublin.
4. Ballynahinch Castle, Galway
Google Rating: 4.7
For the number 4th spot, we’ve picked Ballynahinch Castle, which is a beautiful luxury castle hotel in a stunning 450-acre estate in Galway. Built in 1756, it overlooks a salmon fishery on the Owenmore River, surrounded by forests and rugged landscapes.
The rooms are cozy and elegant, with a country-chic style theme. You can choose to stay in the original castle or in the wings with river views. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Some fancier rooms even have sitting areas, dressing rooms, and even four-poster beds.
For food, there’s a fancy restaurant and a nice bar. If you like outdoor activities, you can enjoy tennis, fishing, hiking, and shooting on the grounds. It’s a great place to experience luxury in a historic setting while enjoying nature.
5. Lough Rynn Castle, Leitrim
Google Rating: 4.6
Lough Rynn Castle is one of the best luxury castle hotels to stay in County Leitrim, Ireland. The place was once the home of the Clements family and Lord Leitrim, it’s now a place where old-world charm meets modern luxury.
The castle sits on a huge 300-acre estate with beautiful gardens and a lake. You can take romantic walks in the walled gardens or relax in the castle’s elegant rooms like the Baronial Hall or the John McGahern Library.
The rooms are super fancy, with antique furniture and modern comforts like free Wi-Fi and heated floors. Some rooms even have four-poster beds and fancy bathtubs.
There’s also a great restaurant, a stylish cocktail bar, and a piano room. You can even have afternoon tea in the reception lounge.
Also Read: Best Pubs in Ireland
6. Waterford Castle Hotel, Waterford
Google Rating: 4.7
Waterford Castle Hotel is one of the best castle hotels in Ireland that is set on a private 310-acre private island. You can get there by taking a short ferry ride, which makes it feel like a real adventure.
The castle is from the 16th century and has only 19 bedrooms, so it feels very exclusive. If you need more space, there are also 45 self-catering lodges on the island, perfect for families or golf groups.
The food here is to die for. The Munster Room Restaurant there has won several awards for its fine dining. You can also enjoy drinks in the Fitzgerald Bar, which has a great collection of Irish whiskeys.
For fun, there’s an 18-hole golf course, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, and nice walks around the island. It’s only 10 minutes from Waterford City and about 90 minutes from Dublin and Cork airports, making it a great base for exploring Ireland.
7. Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin
Google Rating: 4.5
Clontarf Castle Hotel offers a perfect blend of history and modern comfort. Located just a 10-minute drive from Dublin’s city center, it is one of the most famous castles in Ireland that provides a peaceful retreat while keeping you close to Irish heritage.
The castle’s location is ideal for those who enjoy nature. A short 5-minute walk takes you to a coastal promenade, perfect for seaside strolls. If you prefer green spaces, the beautiful St Anne’s Park is only a 15-minute walk away.
One of the best things you will like about Clontarf Castle is its impressive art collection. The hotel has a private gallery with artwork everywhere. Don’t miss the quirky “Owls With Hats” piece on the fourth floor!
The rooms are spacious and full of character. You’ll find both traditional “heritage” style rooms and rooms with modern settings. All rooms offer great views, with higher floors offering scenic views of Dublin and the nearby mountains.
If you are a food lover, go to the Fahrenheit restaurant that serves up tasty contemporary dishes using local Irish ingredients. On weekends, you can enjoy your meal with live jazz music. The breakfast is a treat, featuring homemade jams, muesli, and breads, along with Irish honeycomb.
8. Kilkea Castle Hotel, Kildare
Google Rating: 4.6
At number 8, we have Kilkea Castle Hotel, which is not only one of the top castle hotels in Ireland but will also transport you back in time. This 12th-century Irish castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a peaceful and romantic setting.
The rooms at Kilkea are sophisticated and well-equipped. They come with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs while maintaining a classic charm. Some rooms even feature claw-foot bathtubs for a touch of luxury.
For those seeking more space, the hotel offers cottages with stunning views of the golf course or gardens. These come with their own kitchens and living rooms, perfect for a longer stay.
Kilkea Castle Hotel isn’t just about luxury accommodation. It offers a range of activities to keep guests entertained. You can play a round of golf on their course, take horseback riding lessons, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment.
The hotel’s elegant restaurant serves a delicious breakfast, included in your stay. After a day of exploring, you can relax in the bar or lounge.
9. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Galway
Google Rating: 4.6
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, set in a 19th-century castle, offers a royal experience in the heart of Connemara. Located just 1 km from Clifden town center, it’s a great base for exploring the wild beauty of Galway.
The hotel prides itself on making guests feel like royalty. The rooms, especially in the historical part of the castle built in 1832, are beautifully styled with a classic feel. For an extra special stay, book one of the 9 luxury suites, some of which come with four-poster beds and open fireplaces.
The food and entertainment you will get at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel are also quite impressive. The restaurant serves gourmet meals, and you can enjoy live piano music in the adjacent bar. For a relaxing afternoon, try their traditional afternoon tea in the lounge.
Abbeyglen also offers plenty of activities. You can play a round on their 9-hole golf course, hit the tennis court, or treat yourself to a spa day. For those who want to arrive in style, the hotel even has two helipads!
10. Springfield Castle, Limerick
Google Rating: 4.8
Located in the west part of County Limerick, Springfield Castle is named one of the top 10 castles in Ireland by the Irish Times. This ancient fortress, dating back to 1280, offers visitors a unique chance to step into the past while enjoying luxury amenities.
The castle sits on a vast 200-acre wooded estate, providing a sense of privacy and connection with nature. For those who love to explore, Springfield Castle is ideally located. It’s a great base for discovering the Wild Atlantic Way.
Springfield Castle isn’t just for looking at – it’s a place to live in and enjoy. With room for up to 25 guests, it’s perfect for family gatherings, special celebrations, or even intimate weddings.
The castle offers plenty of ways to relax and have fun. You can sweat it out in the sauna, challenge friends to a game of snooker or table tennis, or try your hand at archery. For a real treat, you can take a dip in the newly installed hot tubs.
As a food lover, you will appreciate the castle’s commitment to fresh, local produce. Many ingredients come straight from the castle’s own garden, ensuring delicious and wholesome meals. Most dining happens in the cozy Green Room restaurant, adding to the special atmosphere.
11. Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Kerry
Google Rating: 4.7
Ballyseede Castle Hotel is located in Tralee which is a town in County Kerry. This grand castle hotel and wedding venue offers guests a chance to live like royalty while living through Irish culture.
The castle sits on 30 acres of lush gardens and woodland. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, with nature all around you. The building itself is full of old-world charm, taking you back to a time of kings and queens.
When you walk in, you’ll see big stone columns leading to a fancy wooden staircase. This sets the tone for the whole place – it’s fancy, but in a cozy way.
The rooms where guests can relax are beautiful, with detailed ceilings and fireplaces made of marble. It’s perfect for having a cup of tea or coffee and feeling like you’re in a period drama.
There are 45 rooms to choose from, ranging from normal castle rooms to extra-special suites. No matter which room you pick, you’ll feel like royalty. The food is great too, serving traditional Irish dishes that will make your taste buds dance.
For couples dreaming of a fairy tale wedding, Ballyseede has a special place called the “Beautiful Belfry.” It looks like a little church and makes for a magical spot to say “I do.”
