After a tiring day, wouldn’t it be nice to escape into a fairytale that allows you to forget your troubles? Fortunately, Ireland is a great way to experience that escape. Ireland, a country in western Europe, is famous for Guinness, rugby, and being the birthplace of Oscar Wilde. However, tourists come here with a list of places featuring stunning landscapes and majestic castles. There are approximately 30,000 castles scattered across the country— many of which are now left in ruins. Some castles have fortunately been restored into luxury hotels to keep some of their rich history and heritage alive for everyone to see. Since these hotels were once home to the rich and powerful, you can explore places like labyrinthine gardens, lakes, and woodland grounds within their vicinity. If you’re looking into an Irish getaway into royalty, check out the top castle hotels in Southern Ireland.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 26, 2024.
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1. Dromoland Castle (from USD 906)
Fine dining with exceptional breakfast, though some inconsistencies in dinner quality.
Luxurious retreat with premium pricing, but worth the experience.
Stunning castle setting with beautiful grounds and historic parkland estate.
450 acres of unspoiled land, falconer tour, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Have a relaxing vacation in this dreamy 5-star castle hotel in Ireland. The castle has been catering to guests since the 16th century and had previously been home to the O'Briens of Dromoland. Take a stroll around the 500-acre (202.34-hectare) property surrounding the castle or witness the beauty of the garden. Or simply look at the surroundings from the hotel terrace while sipping your morning coffee.
The property boasts a lot of things to do such as taking a refreshing dive in the pool or trying your hand at the hotel’s world-class golf course. You can even go fishing!
Dromoland Castle
Address: newmarket on fergus
8.96 km (5.6 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
2. Wilton Castle (from USD 201)
Wilton Castle is one of the best castles to stay in Ireland, with suites featuring heavy drapes, plump sofas, wooden floorboards, and plush carpets. There are only four suites, all named after a family that had once resided in the castle: Butler, Furlong, Alcock, and Thornhill. Each of the suites is self-catering with the hotel offering only breakfast for a fee of 15 EUR (16.40 USD) per person. The suites have their own kitchen and a living room with a fireplace.
Surrounded by parkland, you’re guaranteed a beautiful view wherever you look and a very expansive open land.
Wilton Castle
Address: Bree
151.05 km (93.9 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
3. Lough Eske Castle (from USD 358)
Next to the famous Lough Eske, a lake in Donegal, is a castle hotel that is perfect for a royal type of relaxation. Lough Eske Castle is a five-star hotel that has earned many awards over the years. Its restaurant and luxury spa have also won various awards from renowned magazines. Try Cedars Restaurant for a dining experience with stunning views. The Father Browne Bar, meanwhile, offers a cozy setting for a drink. As for accommodations, this northern getaway offers contemporary garden suites and charming courtyard rooms.
Lough Eske Castle
Address: Lough Eske Castle Road
226.65 km (140.9 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
4. Castlemartyr Resort, Cork
Castlemartyr Resort traces its roots way back to the Knights Templar, which was one of the most famous of the Christian military orders. This castle hotel in Cork has been reconstructed since then but many pieces of history can still be found within the area, such as a Templar Cross and the tomb of the third Earl of Cork.
This 5-star hotel offers guests a luxurious experience with its 103 guest rooms and suites. Here, you may also enjoy other amenities like the spa and the golf course. There are a lot of things to do in Cork. Visit the Old English Market or gaze at the stars at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory.
Castlemartyr Resort Hotel
Address: Main Street
101.36 km (63.0 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
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5. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney (from USD 172)
Ever dreamed of staying in a castle by the sea? Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is a castle hotel in Dublin, Ireland that can turn your dream into reality. Perched on Killiney Hill, this four-star luxury hotel overlooks a breathtaking view of Dublin Bay. It is a family-run hotel that combines luxury and comfort with its 113 boutique bedrooms. It is the ideal castle hotel for those seeking leisurely adventures as you can enjoy long walks along the hill, a swim on the beach or the indoor pool, and many more fun recreational activities.
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
Address: Killiney Hill Road
191.42 km (119.0 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
6. Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Tralee (from USD 208)
Step back in time to a garden wonderland and an elegant European castle at Ballyseede Castle Hotel. This four-star hotel can be found in a 30-acre (12-hectare) private garden and woodland. It features grand decorations throughout the hotel and an elegant oak staircase right in its lobby. All its rooms offer an authentic castle stay that is spacious and well-decorated. It is an ideal place to enjoy some refreshing afternoon tea and traditional Irish cuisine. For those planning a destination wedding, Ballyseede Castle has been the venue of many enchanting weddings and events, so book it for your special day.
Ballyseede Castle
Address: Ballyseede
74.97 km (46.6 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
7. Clontarf Castle Hotel (from USD 232)
Like most castles, Clontarf Castle Hotel holds many pieces of history within its walls. It has housed the likes of renowned Baroque Era composer George Frideric Handel and painter Joseph Mallord William Turner. It showcases its magical history through art and illustrations. It is one of Dublin’s most unique hotels, giving guests an immersive trail of artworks in its contemporary art gallery and all throughout the hotel as well. What’s more, its bedrooms feature heritage and contemporary schemes to make your stay luxurious and comfortable.
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Address: Castle Avenue, Clontarf
189.24 km (117.6 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
8. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Connemara (from USD 185)
Located in the lush landscape of Connemara is a hearty castle hotel that gives the warmest royal welcome. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is a place of comfort and companionship. Built in 1832, it has charming rooms and suites that are tastefully decorated using a classic motif. For an upgraded stay, choose a castle suite that comes with a hot tub and fireplace. The hotel also has a restaurant with a piano, allowing you to enjoy good music from local bands with friends and family while tucking into Irish food.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: Sky Road
119.68 km (74.4 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
9. Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa, Ballyfarnon (from USD 216)
Imagine entering a tall medieval gate and going through an ancient forest to find a magnificent castle next to a glittering lough. This is the exact fairytale feeling that Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa offers its guest. Located in a secluded corner of west Ireland, it is a four-star hotel with rooms that feature four-poster beds and antique furniture. It also offers guests a blissful spa experience complete with an indoor pool. Overall, this accommodation is a sophisticated getaway for those looking for calm and relaxation.
Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa
Address: Castletenison Demesne
157.32 km (97.8 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
10. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess
If you’re planning a sea and mountain trail adventure around Ireland, this hotel is the perfect place to spend the night. Perched near a salmon fishery and located within a background of mountain ranges, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is one of Ireland’s finest luxury hotels. It is an award-winning castle hotel that has 48 well-appointed guest rooms and suites that are decorated with classic furnishings. After a scrumptious breakfast, you can take a guided walk around the 700-acre (283-hectare) estate.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Address: Recess
109.92 km (68.3 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
11. The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough (from USD 205)
Unlike most castle hotels that have been passed down from numerous families, Castle Leslie Estate still belongs to the hands of its founding family. Even after major restorations and renovations, the family kept many of its authentic original interiors and offers old-style hospitality. Within its estate are various accommodation options, such as castle rooms, lodge bedrooms, and old stable mews. For guests who love horses or would like to try riding one, within the estate is also a world-class equestrian. There is also a Victorian spa on the premises.
The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate
Address: Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough
220.26 km (136.9 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
12. Finnstown Castle Hotel, Lucan (from USD 96)
Regarded as one of Dublin’s most beautiful period estates, Finnstown Castle is a conveniently-placed four-star hotel that is a favorite among tourists. Located minutes away from Dublin International Airport, it has 94 spacious rooms that are furnished to the highest standard. However, the hotel takes the most pride in its opulent Drawing Room, where guests can enjoy coffee with delectable pastries. Afternoon tea is a tradition in the castle hotel, as well.
Finnstown Castle Hotel
Address: Newcastle Road, Lucan
172.58 km (107.3 mi) from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Get ready for a royal getaway
Balancing a historic atmosphere and modern amenities, castle hotels are a great way to explore Irish architecture and design. Guests can enjoy opulent interiors and picturesque landscapes even for a brief yet memorable period of time. Get an Ireland trip straight from a storybook by booking a castle hotel today.
Aside from hotels, Southern Ireland also has a variety of Vrbo and Airbnb vacation rentals you can check out.
Frequently asked questions about castle hotels in Southern Ireland
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