Located at the foot of the Twelve Bens mountain range is the bonny town of Clifden (‘An Clochán’ in Irish, which means ‘stepping stones’). As the capital of Connemara and its largest town, it is an excellent starting point if you want to tour the region. Sights worth checking out include the panoramic Sky Road west of town and the ruins of Clifden Castle, which used to be the home of the town’s founder, John D’Arcy. For a fun time, check out the old-fashioned Irish pubs or visit Lowry’s Music and Whiskey Bar, a traditional pub known for playing the region’s lively music.
No need to worry about a place to stay as there are plenty of accommodations from 5-star castle hotels to Airbnb vacation rentals. Scroll down for the best castle hotels in Clifden, Irelan.
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 April 13, 2024.
1. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel (from USD 98)
Tucked in the heart of Connemara, the fascinating Abbeyglen Castle Hotel dates back to 1832. It offers a picturesque view of the town and the Twelve Bens mountains. It’s also a great place to start if you plan to venture around the Connemara region. The hotel retains its old grandeur with its beautiful chandeliers and gorgeous drapes. You will also find traditional woodwork in parts of the property.
There are tennis courts if you feel like working up a sweat. You can even find a beauty and relaxation center for winding down after an exhausting day full of adventures – just be sure to book in advance to secure a spot! At night, you may dine at the award-winning restaurant, which serves international cuisine and features entertainment, including live music performances and storytelling sessions about the area’s history.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Address: Sky Road
Nearby castle hotel
2. Ashford Castle (from USD 668)
The 800-year-old Ashford Castle is set on a 350-acre (142-hectare) estate in the village of Cong, County Mayo. It is surrounded by well-kept gardens, ancient forests, and a beautiful lake.
The accommodation has six restaurants and three luxurious bars with world-class staff and a full selection of liqueurs and cocktails. Cullen’s at the Cottage lets you enjoy both local and international dishes. Their signature slow-cooked dish, ‘Chicken Peri Peri’, is a must-try! But be sure to book in advance as the restaurant has limited capacity. You can also dine or have a private wine tasting at the wine cellars in the mysterious nooks and alleys of the castle.
As a Forbes 5-Star hotel, the property’s mattresses and pillows are of outstanding quality and their rich linens are top-of-the-line in terms of softness to ensure you have the best sleep. The hotel also retains its grand chandeliers, exquisite paintings and figurines, and characterful wallpaper to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ashford Castle
Address: Ashford Castle
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
our room was very comfortable and cleanRead more reviewsHost:
the staff felt like family
Other castle accommodations near Clifden, Ireland
3. Carraigin Castle (from USD 316)
Perched gracefully on the serene shores of Lough Corrib, Carraigin Castle emerges as a captivating stronghold from the 13th century. This remarkable castle, painstakingly restored from ruins, seamlessly blends antiquity with modern comforts, providing an enchanting and peaceful retreat. Step into the Great Hall, adorned with tapestries and an impressive stone-arched fireplace, where history whispers its tales.
Ascend to the castle parapets and be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the glistening lake and majestic surrounding hills. This idyllic location is ideal for joyful family reunions, while the option to rent a fishing boat allows for unforgettable adventures on the water.
Headford, County Galway, IrelandSuperhost
Accommodates: 12
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
you are truly staying in a castle all to yourself beds to comfortably sleep 13 peoplethe medieval building is so picturesque and the interior is quite spacious well-decorated and very comfortablethe rooms were all very comfortableCleanliness:
the castle is so clean and comfortableHost:
lovely house hosted by lovely peoplegeraldine who let us in was extremely friendly and welcoming and made sure we were super comfortablethe host was very communicative the space was breathtaking and the area beautifulcommunication with the host annemarie was quick and helpfulcheck-in with geraldine was friendly and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
location was greatthe location is perfect for getting awayunreal location - beautiful lake and settingi highly recommend this locationit's also a great location if you want to take day trips
Experience a royal vacation in a castle hotel
There are many incredible sights to explore in the picturesque town of Clifden. To feel like royalty during your vacation in this town, book one of these castle hotels and enjoy an unforgettable stay.
If you would like to explore more accommodation options in this charming town, you can also check out these Vrbo vacation rentals in Clifden.
Frequently asked questions about best castle hotels in Clifden, Ireland
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to