Best Castle Hotels to Stay the Night in Ireland

Sleep Like Royalty: 14 Dreamy Castle Hotels for Your Next Irish Escape

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the luxurious life of a royal in a grand castle hotel? If so, you don’t have to turn to a time machine to make that dream come true. 

Ireland has a wide selection of stunning castle hotels that offer a unique and lavish escape. This article unveils 14 of Ireland’s most dreamy castle stays, ranging from historic fortresses to fairytale-like manors. 

So, why settle for an ordinary hotel room when you can sleep like royalty on your next Irish adventure? Let’s explore these castle retreats and discover where history meets luxury!

1. Ballynahinch Castle 

Website: https://www.ballynahinch-castle.com

Address: Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland

Contact details: +3539531006

Ballynahinch Castle was built in 1754 on even older castle grounds and boasts an illustrious past. Today, it is a member of Relais & Chateaux, a prestigious collection of luxury hotels known for their impeccable standards and unique character.

The castle is surrounded by 700 acres of private estate and the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range. Guests can unwind in beautifully appointed rooms or suites, many of which feature four-poster beds and mesmerizing river views. 

2. Dromoland Castle

Website: https://www.dromoland.ie/

Address: Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, V95 ATD3, Ireland

Contact details: +35361368144

Dromoland Castle is a luxurious five-star hotel initially built in the 16th century as the ancestral home of the O’Briens. Today, it offers guests a chance to experience the grandeur of a bygone era with all the modern comforts. 

The castle boasts lavish decor, opulent furnishings, and stunning views of the 500-acre estate. The elegant bedrooms at Dromoland Castle are fit for royalty, with some featuring four-poster beds and working fireplaces. 

3. Ashford Castle

Website: https://www.ashfordcastle.com/

Address: Ashford Castle Dr, Ashford Or Cappacorcoge, Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Contact details: +353949546003

Ashford Castle is a luxurious five-star hotel located in Ireland on the shores of Lough Corrib. Initially built in 1228, the castle has undergone restoration over the years, blending medieval and Victorian architectural styles.

The castle boasts intricate interiors adorned with tapestries and artwork, and the guest rooms are spacious and inviting. The castle’s lush gardens and 350-acre estate offer a serene environment for exploration.

4. Lough Eske Castle

Website: https://www.lougheskecastlehotel.com

Address: Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, F94 HX59, Ireland

Contact details: +353749725100

Lough Eske Castle Hotel is a 5-star haven transformed from a 17th-century castle. It is located in County Donegal, Ireland, on the shores of Lough Eske, with the Blue Stack Mountains as its backdrop.

The castle’s elegant interiors blend heritage with contemporary design, offering spacious rooms with stunning views and modern conveniences. Facilities include a luxurious spa amidst the castle gardens and a fine dining restaurant, Cedars. 

5. Cabra Castle 

Website: https://www.cabracastle.com/

Address: Carrickmacross Road, Cormey, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, A82 YT66, Ireland

Contact details: +353429667030

Cabra Castle is a luxurious hotel east of County Cavan, initially constructed in the early 19th century. It blends the architectural styles of Neo-Norman and Gothic design, creating a unique experience for guests. 

The hotel is surrounded by 100 acres of manicured parkland and gardens, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant blooms or unwind with a good book in one of many cozy corners. 

6. Kilkea Castle

Website: http://www.kilkeacastle.ie/

Address: Kilkea Castle, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97, Ireland

Contact details: +353599145600

Kilkea Castle was built in 1180 and was the stronghold of the Fitzgerald family, the Earls of Kildare. Today, the castle is a luxurious getaway with 140 bedrooms across the castle and converted carriage houses.

The estate of Kilkea Castle is spread across 180 acres of land, which includes landscaped gardens, ancient woodlands, and a meandering river. Visitors can enjoy exploring the castle grounds or take a peaceful walk in the tranquil nature. 

7. Kilronan Castle 

Website: https://www.kilronancastle.ie/

Address: Castletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 R867, Ireland

Contact details: +353719618000

Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa blends old-world charm with modern amenities, providing a unique and memorable stay. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views surrounded by lush green estate spanning 50 acres.

Kilronan Castle boasts elegant interiors adorned with period décor, creating a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. Each guest room is individually designed, ensuring comfort and tranquility during your stay. 

8. Ballyseede Castle

Website: http://www.ballyseedecastle.com/

Address: Tralee, Ballyseede, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Contact details: +353667125799

Ballyseede Castle has been transformed into a luxurious 4-star hotel that seamlessly blends old-world charm and modern comfort. It is set on 30 acres of picturesque grounds in County Kerry, which feature manicured gardens and ancient woodlands.

The castle’s grand entrance features Doric columns that lead to an elegant oak staircase. The castle’s 45 bedrooms range from cozy castle rooms to extravagant suites, many of which feature four-poster beds and offer idyllic garden views.

9. Castle Leslie Estate 

Website: https://www.castleleslie.com/

Address: Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, Ireland

Contact details: +3534788100

Castle Leslie Estate is a historic Irish castle located amidst 1,000 acres of picturesque countryside. The estate offers two types of accommodation, the Grand Castle and the Contemporary Lodge, each with unique charm.

The Castle features 21 distinct bedrooms with original interiors that glimpse the past. In contrast, the Lodge offers 50 guestrooms and a welcoming bar, creating a more social atmosphere where guests can mingle with locals and fellow travelers.

10. Glenlo Abbey Hotel 

Website: https://www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie/

Address: Bushypark, Galway, H91 XD8K

Contact details: +35391519600

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate in County Galway combines an 18th-century abbey with a Georgian manor house. The elegant furnishings, plush fabrics, and marble bathrooms create a luxurious ambiance perfect for a fairytale-like escape. 

Glenlo Abbey also offers a range of dining options, from afternoon tea at the River Room Restaurant to award-winning meals aboard the authentic Orient Express carriages of the Pullman Restaurant, where guests can indulge in the best Irish cuisine.

11. Lough Rynn Castle 

Website: https://www.loughrynn.ie/

Address: Lough Rynn Castle & Estate & Gardens, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, N41 WE16

Contact details: +353719632700

Lough Rynn Castle is a castle hotel located in County Leitrim, Ireland, nestled on the shores of Lough Rynn. The castle seamlessly blends old-world elegance with modern comfort, allowing guests to experience a bygone era in style.

The meticulously restored interiors boast original features such as ornate fireplaces and grand staircases. Guest rooms are individually decorated, with some retaining period features, offering a charming and comfortable haven.

12. Ballygally Castle 

Website: https://www.ballygallycastlehotel.com/

Address: Coast Rd, Ballygalley, Larne BT40 2QZ, United Kingdom

Contact details: +442828581066

Ballygally Castle is the only castle still functioning as a residence in Northern Ireland. With a rich history and breathtaking views of Ballygally Bay, it offers a unique experience unlike any other hotel stay.

Today, Ballygally Castle is a luxurious escape with 54 tastefully decorated bedrooms. Some rooms feature original beamed ceilings, while others showcase stunning sea and mountain vistas. 

13. Waterford Castle Hotel

Website: https://www.waterfordcastleresort.com/

Address: The Island, Little Island, Ballinakill, Co. Waterford, X91 Y722

Contact details: +35351878203

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers a luxurious escape steeped in history, with the 16th-century castle combining old-world charm with modern comforts, boasting just 19 exquisite bedrooms, ideal for an intimate and exclusive stay.

The resort features 45 self-catering lodges, perfect for families or groups, sprawled across the island beyond the castle walls. Guests can explore the island’s rich history, which dates back to the 6th century or tee off on the championship 18-hole golf course. 

14. Wilton Castle

Website: http://wiltoncastleireland.com/

Address: Wilton Castle, Wilton, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 V9P9

Contact details: +353539247738

Wilton Castle was initially built in the 13th century as a fortified tower but underwent a 19th-century renovation that gave it its current appearance, with elegant turrets and soaring chimney stacks.

Today, Wilton Castle is a unique and intimate lodging option with four self-contained suites named after families who once lived there. Each suite is luxuriously appointed with timeless decor, working fireplaces, and fully-equipped kitchens.