Castle Hotels in Ireland – from affordable to luxury options

If you’ve ever wanted to spend a night in a castle, sip whiskey by a grand fireplace, dine like royalty and wake up to breathtaking countryside views, then you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place, as we’ve lined up some of the best castle hotels in Ireland for you.

Anyone who has spent time in Ireland, will know that we are not short on castles! There are in the region of 30,000 castles dotted throughout the countryside. Many are ruined or long-abandoned and certainly not somewhere you’d want to spend the night.

At the other end of the spectrum are exquisitely restored castles that offer a luxurious and unforgettable experience. Want to overnight at a medieval castle with all the comforts of modern luxury? No problem. Or perhaps you’re drawn to the elegance of the Victorian era? Whatever your preference you’ll find something to suit.

Affordable Castle Hotels in Ireland

Let’s be real, accommodation in Ireland is pricey! However, you can still find castle hotels in Ireland at rates comparable to a standard hotel or only slightly higher. The prices do climb steeply though, particularly when it comes to five-star castle hotels. But if your heart is set on staying in a castle hotel in Ireland you do have options for a limited budget.

Many castle hotels in Ireland offer different accommodation options on site. While you may pay top prices to stay in castle rooms, there are usually more affordable rooms available. The majority of castle hotels have accommodation in courtyards, lodges and other renovated or added buildings onsite. You can usually enjoy all the same facilities, but at a lower price.

As always mid-week is a lot more affordable than weekend stays. So with a bit of flexibility you can get a better deal. Always check individual hotel websites for any offers too. These often include an evening meal or or spa treatment and can offer good savings.

Cabra Castle in Cavan

Located just an jour from Dublin airport, Cabra Castle offers an affordable option without skimping on charm. This 19th-century castle has an old-world feel with medieval-style interiors, grand staircases, and a resident ghost (a must for old castles, right!)

Cabra Castle is a favourite for weddings and special occasions. We stayed in one of the onsite cottages for my cousin’s wedding. They’re a great option for trips with other couples of family. There are 12 luxury bedrooms within the castle and also Courtyard Rooms.

While staying here you can explore nearby Dun a Rí Forest Park or enjoy leisurely strolls on the castle grounds. Alternatively you could venture a little further afield to explore the Boyne Valley or Carlingford.

Castle Leslie in Monaghan

Located in picturesque Glaslough village, Castle Leslie is a great choice for a romantic getaway or chilled escape. More aristocratic country estate than castle, it has been home to the Leslie family since the 1660s and is one of the few remaining Irish estates still owned by the founding family.

There are 20 castle rooms and many are named after family members. We stayed in Aggie’s Room, complete with plush red drapes, four poster bed and claw foot bath. Heaven! There are also lodge rooms and the Old Stable Mews.

Enjoy horseback riding across the estate, indulge in afternoon tea in the conservatory or unwind with a spa treatment. Foodies will enjoy locally sourced food at the award-winning Snaffles restaurant. Before leaving, be sure to take a wander through the village and sample the delights of Glaslough Chocolate Company.

Read more about our stay in Castle Leslie here.

Lough Eske Castle in Donegal

Tucked away in County Donegal, Lough Eske Castle is a dreamy mix of history and modern comfort. This five-star retreat is perfect for a romantic getaway, with cozy fireplaces, a luxurious spa, and stunning views of Lough Eske. If you’re looking for a castle that balances old-world charm with contemporary touches, this could be the one for you.

Explore the grounds on complimentary guest bikes or cozy up in a horse drawn carriage. If you’re feeling more adventurous spend the day exploring Donegal’s rugged landscapes, or take a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. The hotel’s spa offers a serene escape with therapeutic treatments and a heated indoor pool.

Abbeyglen Castle in Galway

Nestled in the heart of Connemara, Abbeyglen Castle is famous for its traditional Irish hospitality and lively atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a complimentary champagne by the fire while listening to tales of local history in the evenings.  There are also regular live music nights in the castle bar.

The castle was built in 1832 by John d’Arcy, who founded the town of Clifden and built Clifden Castle. The d’Arcy Monument is located on a hilltop just a short distance from the castle, with panoramic views over the town and surroundings.

Sleep like royalty in your four-poster bed and wake to the spectacular mountain scenery. Indulge in a little pampering in the treatment rooms or explore everything that Clifden and the magnificent Connemara region has to offer.

Waterford Castle in (you guessed it!) Waterford 

Located on a private island accessible only by ferry, Waterford Castle offers a truly secluded and magical stay. The castle’s luxurious interiors, exquisite dining and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect getaway for those looking to retreat from the madness for a while!

As well as castle rooms the island resort offers modern lodges. We booked one of the lodges for a family trip and with three double bedrooms it was perfect for a multi-day stay. The lodges are just a short walk from the castle and while we able to enjoy dinner at the castle, it also allowed us to self cater when preferred.

Enjoy a round of golf on the island’s championship course or a scenic walk through the private woodland trails. If you wish to venture further, the historic city of Waterford and it’s attractions are just a short drive away.

Clontarf Castle in Dublin

A blend of medieval charm and contemporary luxury, Clontarf Castle is perfect for visitors wanting to stay close to Dublin. There has been a castle on the site since 1172, though the building and its ownership has changed many times since. The castle has had a very colourful history and was once owned by the Knights Templar.

Eventually the castle was demolished and entirely rebuilt in 1836-7. Now Clontarf Castle’s boutique hotel experience offers stylish rooms with gourmet dining and is located only 15 minutes from Dublin’s vibrant city centre.

Spend the day exploring all the city has to offer, visit the Guinness Storehouse, or stay local and take a stroll along Clontarf’s coastal promenade. The castle’s Knights Bar offers an elegant setting for afternoon tea or an evening cocktail.

Huntington Castle in Carlow

Located in the historical village of Clonegal, Huntington Castle has been home to the Esmonde family since 1625. The current owners, the Durdin Robertsons, are descendants of the first Lord Esmonde. Though the family still live here, they offer castle tours and overnight stays. There are B&B and self-catering options within the castle and on the grounds.

So if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Ireland’s past and enjoy a truly authentic castle stay in Ireland, look no further. Even if you don’t stay overnight, I would still recommend that you visit Huntington Castle to enjoy the beautiful gardens and tour.

One of the highlights of the gardens is the ancient Yew walk, while the castle tour includes a visit the the Temple of the Goddess. Located in the castle’s old dungeon, the Temple of the Goddess celebrates the Devine Feminine. It contains a sacred well dedicated to St Brigid which is believed to date back to medieval monastic times.

Ashford Castle in Mayo

Once home to the Guinness family, today Ashford Castle is one of the most renowned luxury castle hotels in Ireland. Built in 1228 and located on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle has hosted royalty, celebrities and anyone looking for five-star luxury.

With 83 lavishly decorated rooms, locally sourced fine dining, a world-class spa and a 350-acre estate, Ashford Castle is truly something special. It doesn’t come cheap but if you’re after the ultimate one-in-a-lifetime castle experience this is the place to splurge! Alternatively, The Lodge at Ashford Castle is located within the estate and offers a more affordable option.

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lough Corrib, try your hand at traditional Irish falconry, or take a guided historical tour of the estate. Spend some time exploring nearby village of Cong where scenes from The Quiet Man (1952) were filmed. There is a statue dedicated to it’s stars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Scenes were also filmed on the grounds of Ashford castle and the film is regularly shown in their cinema room.

Dromoland Castle in Clare

Once the ancestral home of the O’Briens and connected to Ireland’s most powerful High King, Brian Boru, Dromoland Castle is as regal as they come.  Steeped in over a thousand years of Irish history and surrounded by five hundred acres of unspoiled greenery, Dromoland offers the ultimate five-star luxury escape.

You can choose from a variety of castle rooms with original architectural features, antique style furnishings and every modern comfort.  Enjoy the sanctuary of The Castle Spa or one of the many castle experiences on offer. Choose from falconry, golfing, archery, clay shooting and more. Then later, feast on fine dining in sumptuous surroundings.

The Inn at Dromoland is a separate hotel on the estate, which allows you to enjoy the stunning surroundings at a more affordable rate. Nearby attractions include the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park or you can explore the beautiful Burren region.

Ballynahinch Castle

Set in the heart of Connemara with the 12 Bens mountains as its backdrop, Ballynahinch Castle enjoys some of the most breathtaking scenery Ireland has to offer. Add to that a 700 acre estate including beautiful woodland and river walks and it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Like many of the castle hotels in Ireland, Ballynahinch has a fascinating history dating back to the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Grainneuaile). Her husband Donal O’Flaherty built a small castle on Ballyhahinch lake in the mid 16th century. The present house was built in 1756 and extended in more recent times.

There are a number of room options within the castle, as well as lodges and cottage accommodation. Relax by the open log fires, enjoy a woodland sauna experience of try fly-fishing in the castle’s salmon-rich river. Spend a day exploring Connemara National Park, or go horseback riding along the coastline. In other words, you can be as active or as still as you wish!

Belleek Castle

Belleek Castle was built between 1825 and 1831 in the Neo-Gothic style. It has a mix of medieval and Victorian features including turrets, ornate vaulted ceilings and intricate wood panelling. Its more unique features include the Armada Bar, built from wood salvaged from the wreckage of the Spanish Armada and a fascinating museum.

While we haven’t stayed in the castle (yet!), we took the castle tour and the museum was a definite highlight. It features a large variety of incredible artefacts collected by Marshall Doran, a merchant navy officer who purchased the estate in 1961. From jurassic fossils to medieval artefacts and even the bed of “Pirate Queen” Grace O’Malley, there is a lot to see. I would highly recommend it whether you are staying or are just in the area.

If you want to stay in one of the more authentic Castle Hotels in Ireland, Belleek Castle could be the one for you. The spacious castle rooms feature ornate four-poster beds, chandeliers antique furnishings. During your stay, stroll the Belleek Woods nature trail, dine in the award-winning Library Restaurant and explore nearby Ballina.

Have you found your perfect castle?

Ireland has no shortage of beautiful places to stay but castle hotels take the experience to another level. Whether you’re after ultimate five-star luxury, or fancy something a bit more intimate and charming, we hope you’ve found something to suit in our list of castle hotels in Ireland.