Best Castle Vacations in Ireland
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Best 5 All-Inclusive Ireland Castle Vacations

If you dream of living an early mediaeval or early Victorian life in this day and age and think it’s impossible, you’re in luck! There are packages for the best all-inclusive Ireland castle vacations that you might want to try. 

We’re going to list down the castles that offer such tours and stays so you won’t have a hard time looking for them. We’ll also discuss the services they offer so you’ll have an idea of what you’re getting.

Let’s begin!

The cost depends on several factors such as the castle itself, the packages, the location, and the demand. We recommend contacting the castle directly so you can have more comprehensive package information.

To give you an estimate of the average rates, the packages usually start at €700.00–€900.00 per night. This can go as high as €4,000.00–5,000.00 per night.

The castle vacation packages usually include the following:

  • A 3 to 5-course dinner
  • A full Irish breakfast
  • An overnight stay
  • Complimentary access to amenities and sports facilities
  • Access to castle activities and self-guided walks

We’re listing down the top all-inclusive Ireland castle vacations using the following:

Amenities evaluate the convenience. Ease of access to well-maintained facilities contributes to the overall experience of the guests.
Activities talk about other leisure inclusions like a self-guided tour, sports tournaments, and wellness activities among others.
Location evaluates the ambience, the vicinity, and the view. 
Guest testimonials give us reviews straight from the guests who were able to experience the vacation package. The insights will help potential guests decide if it’s worth splurging money on.
Staff services evaluate the overall treatment of the guests by the castle personnel. 

1. Lough Eske Castle

Lough Eske Castle
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.lougheskecastlehotel.com/
ADDRESSLough Eske Castle Hotel, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, F94 HX59, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 74 972 5100

OPERATING HOURSCheck-in time: 3:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Lough Eske Castle is a family-friendly vacation spot, so if you love bringing your family to weekend getaways, this is the place for you. When you go to the website, you can easily see several all-inclusive vacation packages available for you.

What we love the most about it is that there are several options—and they’re themed! No vacation package is the same because each of them has a different focus.

Activities depend on the vacation package—there are wellness packages, tour packages, romantic proposal packages, Christmas packages, and spa packages. They all include food and overnight stays, but the themes determine the inclusive activities.

The food is great, but the service is slow. Some guests mentioned to us that it sometimes took 30 minutes to 1 hour before their food was served, so just a little heads up regarding this!

But at least the rooms are amazing—spacious and elegantly decorated! We also love how cosy the beds are—we think you’ll get your best sleep yet!

Speaking of rooms, we think you’ll love that Lough Castle has connecting rooms for families. It’ll be easier for you especially if you have kids.

We think some conveniences need replacement though. Some guests complain about defective shower heaters, and that’s one of the most important bathroom features.

The view is amazing as well—the castle itself is really majestic and the grounds are well-kept. It’s nice to take a walk around just to appreciate nature, especially during the mornings—though we assure you, the castle still looks majestic at night!

Pros

  • Large rooms
  • Pleasant and professional staff
  • Peaceful and picturesque vicinity
  • Has connecting rooms for families
  • Great amenities
  • Comfortable beds
  • Amazing day and night views of the castle and its grounds
  • Great value for money
  • Various all-inclusive themed packages
  • Spacious common rooms

Cons

  • Some rooms have defective heaters and need replacements
  • Slow food service during meal times

Has connecting rooms perfect for families

They had two connecting rooms for our family of 5, which can be a difficult amenity to find. Kids loved the indoor pool (you have to buy a hair cap per person at €3 each, but the pool was otherwise included). My wife loved her spa treatment. The downstairs bar was great for pizza and drinks one night, great vibe, and very relaxing chairs. The Cedars restaurant for breakfast and dinner was great. The gallery bar was beautiful for pre-dinner drinks. Public spaces are so cosy and have lots of comfortable options. Overall such an impressive property and great, warm Irish hospitality. Highly highly recommend.—Mack, Trip Advisor

Great value for money

This is a very memorable location to stay at! From the first sight of the castle to every employee being genuinely kind and helpful, this place is top-notch. The employees do not care who you are, they treat everyone like royalty! The courtyard room we stayed in was very spacious and luxurious without being gaudy. The bed was extremely comfortable leading to one of the best nights of sleep I can remember. Walking the castle grounds was relaxing. The view of the castle at night was equally as impressive as the daytime. Some things are worth the price, this is one of them.—Brent B, Google Reviews

2. Luttrellstown Castle Resort

Luttrellstown Castle Resort
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.luttrellstowncastle.com/
ADDRESSKellystown, Castleknock, Co. Dublin, D15 RH92, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 1 860 9600

OPERATING HOURSCheck-in time: 3:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Luttrellstown Castle Resort is about a 20-minute drive away from the city centre, making it an ideal venue for large gatherings. In fact, you can find the place fully booked almost all year round because it’s a popular vacation spot and events place for the locals!

For one, the castle’s location is beautiful—it’s really perfect for memorable events if you want to have amazing pictures to go with it. The castle itself is beautiful, and the grounds and the surrounding vicinity will take your breath away.

The interior is lovely and elegant, adding to the relaxed ambience of the place. The rooms are cosy and have modern facilities, making you want to never leave!

There are several activities you can enjoy that are included in the package like golf, archery, historical tours, and nature walks. You can even rent the whole castle if you have extra money to spare.

Organising events is sometimes part of the package, and we love how the staff truly knows how to do events. We love how they really meticulously set up and decorate the venue for the guests. 

In addition to this, we also love how accommodating they are. You can make last-minute requests and they’ll do everything they can to include it in your package. 

There are only a couple of minor complaints we heard from guests we talked to. One of those is that the food included in the package that was served during mealtimes was in small portions.

Also, expect to splurge when you avail any of the castle’s all-inclusive packages. We think the amenities, the services, and the rooms are still worth the money, but it can still be too much for some who have a limit in their budgets.

Pros

  • Picturesque location
  • Ideal for large gatherings
  • Immaculate grounds
  • Lovely interior
  • Top-notch customer service
  • Well-designed rooms
  • Relaxing atmosphere
  • Well-functioning amenities
  • Organized functions
  • Accessible

Cons

  • Quite pricey
  • Small portions of food

Magical place

I work closely with Luttrellstown Castle as we incorporate them as part of 5-star incentive travel. The venue is just stunningly beautiful. From the horse and hound welcome (on request) to the staff who will go above and beyond for you …it’s all just magical. Nothing is a problem, no request is too outlandish, the team here will go out of their way to make it work for you and bring your vision to life. I love this place, in fact, it is probably one of my favourite venues in Ireland.—Milly, Trip Advisor

Amazing castle grounds

I just got back today from an extended family vacation with over 30+ relatives staying together for six days over the Christmas holidays. As I stated above, I challenge anyone to find a better place for an extended family vacation. The castle was amazing. It was beautiful and spacious. The bedrooms were magnificent and needless to say, “palatial”. The common rooms were unmatched. There are over 500 acres attached to the property as well as a beautiful golf club that we managed to play the day after Christmas. Despite the fact that there were over 30 people being fed at least twice daily, the food was tremendous, and a great added value to the whole vacation. But best of all was the service. The staff was so delightful and couldn’t seem to help us enough. . They did little things that only a few people noted but were nevertheless special.—Richard, Trip Advisor

3. Adare Manor

Adare Manor
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.adaremanor.com/
ADDRESSAdare, Co. Limerick, V94 W8WR, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 61 605 200

OPERATING HOURSCheck-in time: 3:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

If you’re into lavish weekend getaways, Adare Manor is the perfect vacation castle for you! Everything about it screams luxury—so it’s definitely not going to be budget-friendly!

Still, we think it’s worth splurging your money on. For one, the manor itself is probably one of the most beautiful and well-preserved manors in Ireland—the grounds are well-kept and pristine, and the castle looks majestic even from afar.

You can also enjoy all the amenities as part of the all-inclusive package. The castle has activity packages that allow you to enjoy horseback riding, fishing, archery, falconry, tennis, golf, and swimming.

The package already includes overnight stays in well-decorated and cosy rooms. It also includes breakfast in The Gallery, a Michelin-starred restaurant which is one of the best experiences for the guests!

But other than the activities included in the package, we also love that you can just simply walk around or cycle around the grounds. Adare Manor is located inside an 840-acre land—there’s just so much to see and experience!

Every area is picture-worthy as well! And what we love the most about the view—sunsets and sunrise, which you don’t want to miss!

Just a couple of complaints from guests, one of which is about the car park. The car park is far from the manor, and you’ll have to walk a few meters to reach it.

Also, staying at Adare Manor is really expensive. There’s no budget room or package—everything is luxurious, elegant, and pricey.

Pros

  • Lavish, spacious rooms
  • Very clean and organised
  • Lovely staff
  • Beautiful grounds
  • Great food
  • Cosy rooms
  • Elegant atmosphere
  • Magnificent amenities

Cons

  • The car park is far from the manor
  • Booking is strictly required

Perfect for special occasions

Incredible experience, perfect for a special occasion. The hotel is immaculate, the staff are unbelievably friendly and the food is divine. Afternoon tea in the long room was such a treat as well as a relaxing massage in the spa. Would highly recommend—Leony, Trip Advisor

Accommodating staff

The attention to detail all over the hotel is amazing and the staff cannot do enough for you, nothing is a problem. We had a beautiful room with a fab view overlooking the golf course and river. Dinner in The carriagehouse was perfect. The breakfast was in the long gallery and again the staff couldn’t be more attentive—Daydream, Trip Advisor

4. Dromoland Castle Hotel

Dromoland Castle Hotel
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.dromoland.ie/
ADDRESSDromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, V95 ATD3, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 61 368 144

OPERATING HOURSCheck-in time: 2:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Dromoland Castle Hotel boasts that whatever season you visit, you’ll enjoy your vacation. If you want to experience a stay fit for royalty, this is one of the places we recommend booking.

Dromoland Castle has existed since the 16th Century. It was the home of O’Briens of Dromoland, so the castle itself has a rich history and culture.

It’s probably the reason why the owners made sure to maintain the castle well. It retains its Middle Ages vibe, but the amenities are modern and all-functional. 

The rooms are spacious, cosy, and have all the updated comforts you’ll look for in a room. We love that you can also enjoy the view from your windows, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the place.

Speaking of atmosphere, the castle is located on a 500-acre land so there’s so much to explore! There’s even a huge lake in front of the castle, which adds to the majestic feel of the place.

Activities included in the package you can enjoy: estate walks, fishing, archery, clay shooting, golf, hiking, leisure centre, woodland fairy trail, and history tour. Yes, you’ll never run out of things to enjoy if you stay at Dromoland Castle!

We also love that there are several activities for you to enjoy depending on the season. So other than the basic inclusions in the packages, expect to enjoy other activities exclusive to winter, spring, summer, and autumn!

An all-inclusive stay at Dromoland Castle is very expensive though, so it’s not for those who aren’t willing to splurge. And if you are, make sure to book months in advance because it’s a popular place despite the rates, and is always fully booked!

Pros

  • Well-preserved castle
  • Majestic grounds including a lake
  • Top-notch staff service
  • Elegant and relaxing vibe
  • Various activities
  • Seasonal packages

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Difficult to book

Top-notch service

Just returned from the most amazing 2-night break in Dromoland Castle.

I have stayed in many 5-star hotels in Ireland, but this place is simply the best.

The moment you arrive you are met by the friendly porters. Your car is parked for you and your luggage is delivered to your room – and what a room. Everything you would ever need is there and beds are so comfy.—Sightsee, Trip Advisor

Beautiful grounds

A beautiful atmosphere and grounds hosted by equally wonderful people. The shower in the room is amazing. Great water pressure and comfy robes. Chocolates, biscuits and bottled water every evening with turn-down service. A lovely perfume sampler in the room. Dinner in the main dining was worth it. Again, friendly wonderful service. Sophisticated but not pretentious. The Hawk Walk was a great experience. A highlight for us. Lots of interaction with the birds and great information about them—Janet D, Trip Advisor

5. Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://ashfordcastle.com/
ADDRESSAshford Castle Dr, Ashford Or Cappacorcoge, Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 94 954 6003

OPERATING HOURSCheck-in time: 3:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Ashford Castle gives you all the mediaeval feels, and we think it’s an unforgettable experience you’ll never forget! From the castle grounds to the interior, everything reminds you of how it was to live luxuriously during the Middle Ages, and it’s perfect!

Some of the guests we’re able to talk to told us that staying at Ashford Castle felt like travelling back in time. There’s that relaxing mediaeval feel because of how the castle looks inside and out, but the modern conveniences make the stay more amazing.

Some of the activities you can enjoy are horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, and estate walks. The grounds are too majestic not to explore, so we recommend exploring the trails as much as you can!

The staff are professional and very accommodating–some guests even said they felt like they were treated like royalty the moment they stepped into the castle. If you need assistance, they’re always available and ready to help.

Another thing—we think the architecture will amaze you as much as it amazes us! There are a lot of Instagram-worthy areas you’d love to take a photo of.

We also love that the castle is near a town, so you can explore what it offers as well. It’s also just a 9-minute walk from Cong Abbey, which is a historical site.

Even during the night, the castle looks majestic. It’s being lit up by multi-coloured lights, making it look more magical than it already is.

We advise booking in advance though. You’ll be surprised that even for an expensive all-inclusive vacation, Ashford Castle gets fully booked!

Pros

  • Mediaeval aesthetics
  • Relaxing atmosphere
  • Well-maintained castle
  • Lavish grounds
  • Well-functioning amenities
  • Amazing architecture
  • Various activities
  • Professional service
  • A 9-minute walk from the Gothic Cong Abbey
  • Near a small village

Cons

  • Not for the budget-friendly people
  • Always fully booked

Feels like travelling back in time

Drilling service, cordial reception. Rich activities and ancient history are deposited in every corner of the castle…all of which make people feel more comfortable and relaxed. Going to Ashford Castle Hotel is not to enjoy its luxury (it is not luxurious) but to enjoy time travel, experience the architectural art, decorative art, art of life, extreme service, and the beautiful surroundings of Ireland 800 years ago. natural scenery.—Guest User, Trip Reviews

Royal treatment by the staff

Our stay at the Ashford Castle was truly amazing! Our first time there was memorable. Upon entering, we were greeted with such style and made us feel like we were royalty. Accommodations were breathtaking too. If you are planning a trip, make sure to book afternoon tea and the hawk walks at the falconry school. The only miss was that we stayed for one night, way too short to enjoy all that they had to offer. We will definitely be coming back.—Michael, Trip Reviews


And this is where our article ends! We hope we’re able to convince you to try castle tour packages in Ireland. If you’re more into wellness vacations, try the Top Spa Hotels in Ireland.