If you are looking for the best castle hotels in Ireland, you have come to the right place! I firmly believe staying at one of the many romantic and stunning castle hotels in Ireland is the experience of a lifetime.
My list even includes castle hotels in Ireland near Dublin so you can get that fairytale feel while staying in the city.
Whether you are traveling with your significant other, bringing the whole family on a tour of Ireland, or simply looking to treat yourself, these 12 best castle hotels in Ireland have something that’s just right for you!
When checking prices and availability for these castle hotels in Ireland, please understand that prices do change depending on your dates. I always recommend double checking your dates for pricing and availability as Ireland is a very popular vacation destination.
12 Best Castle Hotels In Ireland
Ashford Castle
If you have ever seen photos of a stunning old castle in a sweeping Irish landscape—it’s very likely those photos were of Ashford Castle. This is the top hotel destination in Ireland, and definitely one of the best castles in Ireland that are hotels!
The castle was once the home of the Guinness family, and now, after updating and refurbishment, it is a luxurious destination point for anyone traveling to Ireland.
At Ashford Castle in County Mayo, the grounds are stunning, the cuisine is exquisite, the estate activities are lots of fun, and the state-of-the-art spa is not one to miss!
This is the best castle hotel near Galway if you are following our Ireland itinerary.
Check Rates: Hotels.com
Kilkea Castle Hotel
If you are looking for one of the best castle hotels in Ireland that is both old-fashioned and 21st-century luxurious, Kilkea Castle Hotel in County Kildare is IT!
The nearest airport, Dublin Airport, is 52 miles away from Kilkea Castle Hotel. However, the castle staff will help you arrange transport to and from the airport. This will help make your fairytale trip to this castle hotel in Ireland super easy!
There are great options for nearby towns to explore while at your stay at the resort. The town of Carlow is only 10 miles away from Kilkea Castle, and Kildare is only 17 miles away.
Not that you’ll even want to leave once you arrive in your gorgeous rooms fit for kings and queens of ages past—with a convenient modern twist!
Check Rates: Booking.com
Lough Rynn Castle
One of the things that makes Lough Rynn Castle one of the best castle hotels in Ireland is its gorgeous, slightly remote location.
Come stay on the shore of Lough Rynn in County Leitrim. This lovely 4-star hotel is set in over 300 acres of stunning forests and landscapes out of an old Irish ballad.
The castle is filled with antiquities like its old open fires, wood paneling, glasswork, decorative stonework, and furnishings.
Many of the old features of Lough Rynn Castle—such as the old stables and even a pheasantry—have been renovated into comfortable lodgings, while retaining their original charm.
Though the nearest airport—Ireland West Knock Airport—is 39.3 miles away, I personally think it’s always worth a drive to get to experience accommodation in Irish castles.
Check Rate: Booking.com
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Beautiful Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is an amazing castle in and of itself. It has been lovingly preserved down to the little details of the darling rooms and the quaint charm of the peaked roofs.
However, what makes Ballynahinch stand out among the other best castle hotels in Ireland is its exquisite backdrop of the 12 Bens Mountain Range.
Many of the rooms of Ballynahinch Castle Hotel have views of the mountains, the river, or the 450 acres of surrounding woodland.
When staying at this castle hotel in Ireland, you will want to leave your room to go explore the wilderness surrounding it!
Some of the castle hotel-hosted activities include hiking, game bird hunting, and pony riding.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Ballygally Castle Hotel
I learned that Ballygally Castle Hotel, was rumored to be haunted just days before my arrival!
Ballygally Castle Hotel is one of the best castle hotels in Northern Ireland if you love a bit of paranormal excitement as part of your luxury hotel experience. If you are into ghosts and the paranormal, make sure to visit the castle dungeon!
However, if all that isn’t for you this is also one of the best castle hotels in Ireland for coastal views and charming gardens.
Ballygally Castle Hotel is located right on the Antrim Coast. It offers breathtaking views of Ballygally Bay.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Belleek Castle Hotel
Co. Mayo is one of my favorite counties in all of Ireland and Ballina is such a cute town to visit.
Belleek Castle is one of the best castle hotels in Ireland for exploring County Mayo. There is so much to see and do in Co. Mayo, from coasteering to visiting national parks and stargazing.
The historic castle of Belleek itself sits within 1,000 acres of beautiful woodland.
Belleek Castle is near the beach. It offers stunning rooms with all the fun and romance of castle lodging in Ireland. The 1820’s neo-gothic hotel is the perfect castle hotel in Ireland to relax and unwind.
Additionaly, I love the Armada Bar here, which was built from the 400-year-old, salvaged wood of shipwrecked Spanish ships! Altogether, Belleek is an Irish castle full of beauty and history.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Fitzpatrick Castle
A castle hotel near Dublin at the seaside? What a perfect spot for a vacation.
Whether you want to spend your days watching the waves in Dublin Bay or catching the DART train right into downtown Dublin, this castle hotel gives you options! That is why it is one of the best castles to stay in Ireland near Dublin.
With its whirlpool spa, steam room, sauna, and indoor swimming pool, Fitzpatrick Castle is the perfect place to relax and unwind on your holiday.
This Dublin Castle hotel is highly rated by guests for both its beautiful location as well as its supremely comfy beds. You must come experience this entry on our list of the best castle hotels in Ireland for yourself!
Check Rates: Booking.com
Lough Eske Castle Hotel
A 5-star hotel situated at the foot of mountains on 43 acres of forest, Lough Eske Castle is definitely one of the best castle hotels in County Donegal, Ireland!
Lough Eske Castle offers more amazing features beyond its idyllic guest rooms. If you visit Oak Bar you will find a pool table and fun events featuring traditional Irish music!
Beyond the food and bar, there is a steam room, sauna, massage suits, and a fitness center. You must visit the stunning swimming pool tucked inside a glass atrium that provides lovely views of the castle grounds.
Lough Eske is definitely the best castle hotel in Ireland for people who love fishing. You can fish right on Lough Eske! Additionally, there is a golf club only a fifteen-minute drive away, as well as a surf school just thirty minutes away.
Lough Eske really has something for everybody.
Dunboyne Castle Hotel
If you’re looking for one of the best castle hotels in Dublin, Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect castle for you!
Only 14 miles from Dublin city center, Dunboyne Castle is located amongst 21 acres of beautiful County Meath countryside. And the Dublin Airport is only 16 miles away, making this castle a very easily accessible hotel to stay at.
The famous Hill of Tara and Trim Castle are only a 30-minute drive from Dunboyne Castle. Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne are only 45 minutes away. This Dublin castle makes an amazing home base for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Kilronan Castle Hotel
Kilronan Castle sits on the shore of Lough Meelagh in County Roscommon, near the village of Ballyfarnon.
This massive castle oversees 40 acres of beautiful parkland. It is without a doubt one of the most stunning and best castle hotels in Ireland!
Originally built around 1820, Kilronan Castle was then expanded in the 1880s to what it looks like today, complete with its stately baronial tower.
The indoor swimming pool, spa, and dining area are all so luxurious I think you won’t be able to get enough of the experience. This is hands down some of the best castle accommodation in Ireland.
If you choose to venture beyond the castle I highly recommend a visit to the important Irish archeological site Rathcroghan. Home to the birthplace of Halloween, this Irish cultural center should not be missed!
Check Rates: Booking.com
Ballyseede Castle Hotel
If you are looking for the best castle hotels in Kerry, Ballyseede Castle is the hotel for you. Ballyseede Castle is actually the only castle hotel in Kerry!
It is a four-star luxury property situated on 30 acres of woodlands and gardens that are hundreds of years old.
Inside the lobby, the Doric columns lead to a grand oak staircase. Throughout the cozy castle you will find beautiful parlors with marble fireplaces where you can enjoy your afternoon tea.
This is one of the best castle hotels in Ireland. Additionally, it is the only one that is located near the Ring Of Kerry, Killarney, Slea Head Drive, and the Dingle Peninsula. It is a standout option out of all the castle hotels in Southern Ireland.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Looking for hotel castles in Dublin to stay at? This epic 11th-century castle hotel is located in picturesque North Dublin.
The bus stop out front offers regular service to the Dublin city center. Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a dramatic castle to stay in AND being able to soak in the bustling sights and sounds of Dublin city.
This hotel is the perfect place to stay during the initial days of jetlag when you arrive in Ireland. This is because it offers 24-hour room service and is highly rated for its extremely comfy beds!
Clontarf Castle is one of the best Dublin castle hotels for any Ireland itinerary.
Check Rates: Booking.com
There are many fantastic castles for rent in Ireland that you can visit. The only challenge is deciding which castle stay in Ireland to choose.
Remember, each castle’s nightly rate depends on which room you book and at what time of year you visit. Be sure to double-check your booking dates so that you know the correct pricing for your trip.
The best castle hotels in Ireland are spread out all over the country. No matter where you want to visit, there is an Irish castle hotel just waiting for you to visit!
Which one sounds the most amazing to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Have a fun and safe trip enjoying the best castle hotels in Ireland!
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