Ireland's castles number in the thousands and include the likes of the famous Bunratty and Blarney alongside a host of smaller structures scattered throughout the landscape. And while an Ireland getaway offers so much more than just these ancient fortifications, castles tend to linger in the minds of Ireland's travelers as a source of wonder and fantastical daydreams.
History saturates a castle's stone walls so thoroughly that a brief tour is never enough. But what if you didn't have to leave at the end of the day? What if you could spend the night in an Irish castle? Ireland's luxury castle hotels offer just this opportunity. And since choosing just one castle is so difficult, the wealth of castle hotels across the country means one can tour Ireland while hopping from castle to castle.
Begin just an hour and a half from Dublin at Cabra Castle Hotel, deep in the Cavan countryside, where 80 historical and luxuriously furnished rooms include medieval-style castle rooms and spacious cottages with panoramic forest views. The castle grounds of Cabra encompass 100 acres of parkland and garden and a lush nine-hole golf course set against Dun a Ri Forest Park.
Head south to the romantic countryside in Sligo County where poet William Butler Yeats drew inspiration. Here Markree Castle Hotel stands amid a secluded 500-acre spread. In addition to rooms styled and furnished in keeping with the castle's medieval history, guests will enjoy horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting and archery before adjourning to the stately dining room for produce sourced from the castle's garden.
Mayo County is home to one of Ireland's finest castle hotels-Ashford Castle Hotel. This massive structure dates back to the early 13th century and sits on a 350-acre private estate overlooking picturesque Lough Corrib. Ashford offers 83 luxurious rooms, a state-of-the-art spa, creative Irish cuisine and an extensive wine collection. The estate's outdoor ventures include some of the county's best salmon and trout fishing.
Continue south along the Wild Atlantic Way where Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, nestled against the 12 Bens Mountain Range, offers 48 guestrooms with spectacular views and superior luxury. Guests enjoy boating on Roundstone Bay to Inishlacken Island and guided fly-fishing trips.
From there it's on to Clare County where 16th century Dromoland Castle Hotel stands with splendid woodcarvings, glittering chandeliers, and fine antique furnishings. Explore the more than 400-acre estate or venture out to the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren before dining at the Earl of Thomond's Restaurant and enjoying cocktails at the Library Bar.
Onward to Adare Village in Limerick County, discover the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort. This architectural sensation stands proud with towers and turrets, amid magnificent gardens and intriguing ruins dating back more than 800 years. The 840-acre riverside estate includes an 18-hole championship golf course.
Farther south in Kerry County, beyond a stately entrance gateway and at the end of a winding carriage drive, sits Ballyseede Castle dating back to the late 16th century. With 23 elegant rooms and common areas occupied by marble fireplaces and cornices of ornamental foliage, Ballyseede is an intimate 30-acre slice of Ireland. Stay on the lookout for Ballyseede's rumored resident friendly ghost.
And finally, rounding out this castle hopping tour is Waterford Castle Hotel in Waterford County. Located on a private 310-acre island on the River Suir, Waterford Castle offers 19 individually decorated guestrooms, an award-winning restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, breathtaking gardens and a lively collection of wildlife including the resident deer that frequent the castle grounds.
So whether you go to Ireland to play the emerald fairways, enjoy a pint of Guinness and a bowl of Irish stew or simply kiss the Blarney Stone, there's no better way to experience this fairytale landscape than spending your nights in an authentic castle hotel.
