7 Amazing Castles to Stay at in Ireland

Step through ancient halls. Sink into four-poster beds. And feel like royalty for a night (or two). In Ireland, that’s not just a fantasy – it’s your next getaway.

This guide to the best castles to stay in Ireland will whisk you through Gothic mansions, grand estates and 12th-century fortresses. Some have spas tucked into their grounds. Others have falconry, whiskey cellars, or horse-drawn carriages. And each one has been transformed into a luxurious escape.

Ready to find your castle in Ireland? Let’s take a peek inside.

• Uncover tales of the country’s past on an Irish castle tour

Aerial view of Lough Eske Castle.

1. Clontarf Castle Hotel

Location: County Dublin, East Ireland

A castle with battle scars and a flair for music, Clontarf Castle has seen it all. This 12th-century fortress stands near the site of the famous Battle of Clontarf in 1014, where High King Brian Boru secured his place in Irish legend.

Centuries later, the area swapped battle cries for music when composer George Frideric Handel stayed here during the debut of Messiah.

Settle into the Knights Bar for a drink. Find a leather armchair by an open fire. It’s the kind of atmosphere where you expect knights to walk in at any moment. (They won’t. But that’s the vibe.)

You’ll find Clontarf just 15 minutes from Dublin’s city centre. Yes, you can stay in a castle in Ireland and still slip into the capital for music-filled pubs, restaurants, and Guinness whenever the mood strikes.

If you’re a Dracula fan, Bram Stoker’s childhood home is a short walk away. You can trace the author’s early years through the neighbourhood streets.

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2. Cabra Castle Hotel

Location: County Cavan, Northwest Ireland

Tucked into the lush countryside of County Cavan, Cabra Castle has sat here since the 18th century. Once home to nobility, this Irish castle hotel now welcomes you for a romantic, old-world stay.

The castle itself is grand without being stuffy. Inside, you’ll find cosy fireplaces crackling with open fires, sweeping staircases and antique furniture. But the rooms themselves balance history with modern comforts. Think soft beds, proper showers, and windows that frame garden views.

If you’re up for outdoor adventures, Dún A Rí Forest Park is just a short drive away. Its woodland trails wind past waterfalls, bridges, and along the River Cabra. The kind of walk where you lose track of time in the best possible way.

Or follow the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, a scenic cycling and walking route that traces old railway lines through peaceful countryside.

And if whiskey’s your thing, the Old Carrick Mill Whiskey Experience is close by. Sample a dram in a restored 18th-century flour mill and learn how Irish whiskey gets its character. Spoiler: it takes time, patience, and very good water.

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Cabra Castle Hotel.

3. Culloden Estate and Spa

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

This Gothic mansion was built in 1876 by a Belfast stockbroker and later became the official palace for the Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore.

These days, it welcomes travellers instead of clergy – and does so in serious style. As Northern Ireland’s first 5-star hotel, it’s been setting the standard for luxury ever since.

You’ll find it perched above Belfast Lough, sheltered by the Holywood Hills. The winds soften here, and the air feels a few degrees warmer than in the city. Maybe that’s why everything seems to bloom just a bit longer.

The spa is a real draw. There’s an indoor pool where you can do slow, lazy laps. Sauna, steam room, jacuzzi – the full works. Plus, treatment rooms where you can relax after a day of exploring.

And there’s plenty to explore. Step outside, and Belfast’s attractions are a short drive away. Uncover the unsinkable ship’s story at Titanic Belfast, step onto real-life film sets on Game of Thrones tours, or trace local heritage at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

Culloden also sits close to the North Down Coastal Path, a scenic trail that hugs the shoreline between Holywood and Bangor. It’s perfect for a morning stroll or a breezy cycle, with ocean views, seabirds and the occasional lighthouse to keep you company.

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Aerial view of Culloden Estate.

4. Lough Eske Castle

Location: County Donegal, Northwest Ireland

Carved piece by piece from local stone in the 1470s. Passed through noble hands. Fell into romantic ruin.

Now? It’s one of Ireland’s most awarded castle hotels. It’s been named “Best Luxury Hotel in Ireland” by The Times (UK) and regularly featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Ireland”.

Take a complimentary guided castle history tour to hear about feuds, families, and the famous guests who’ve walked these halls (hello, Oscar Wilde). Then, wander the lakeside woodland trails on foot or borrow one of the hotel’s bicycles.

You could also explore the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage, clip-clopping through the estate. In the evening, head down to the cellars for a tasting with a local expert who’ll walk you through Donegal’s finest.

While you’re here, enjoy some well-deserved R&R at the Cara Organic Spa. Melt into the outdoor hot tubs and watch the mist slowly roll in over the Bluestack Mountains.

When you’re ready to roam, Donegal’s wild beauty lies on your doorstep. Scenic drives, golf courses, distilleries and charming Donegal Town are all easy to reach.

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Lough Eske Castle.

5. Ashford Castle

Location: County Mayo, West Ireland

Set on the peaceful shores of Lough Corrib, this 13th-century fortress was once the grand home of the Guinness family. Over time, it’s hosted royalty and film stars, including King George V and John Lennon. Now, it’s your turn to get the royal treatment.

Featured on the BBC’s Amazing Hotels and in Vogue, Ashford is one of the most prestigious Irish castles to stay in.

Start your day in the spa, a regular winner of “Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa” title. It’s as breathtaking as it is relaxing. Seashell chandeliers shimmer above you, and a hand-painted tree of life mural stretches above the pool. You’ll spend more time staring up than swimming.

Then the fun begins. Ride horseback through the woods. Try clay shooting or archery. Glide across the lough in a kayak. Or try falconry – learn to handle birds of prey and feel briefly like a character from a fantasy novel.

For a true taste of the west, join one of Ashford’s immersive Irish experiences. Head out with a 4th-generation fisherman to explore the harbours and islands nearby, then tap your foot through a music-filled pub session.

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Ashford Castle.

6. Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa

Location: County Roscommon, West Ireland

This 18th-century Gothic manor beside Lough Meelagh was once home to the Tenison family and Colonel King Tenison. Now it’s where you come for a luxurious stay in Ireland.

Outside, natural woodland stretches as far as you can see. Gnarled trees tower overhead. Moss covers the paths. Mist hangs between the branches on quiet mornings.

In the afternoon, settle in the cosy drawing room for a traditional afternoon tea. Indulge in scones still warm from the oven, cakes almost too pretty to eat, and tea poured from fine china.

Then slip into the on-site spa and try the Wild Atlantic seaweed bath – a popular Irish practice that sounds unusual but feels incredible. Hand-harvested Atlantic seaweed helps purify skin, ease muscle tension, and feels like a gentle reset.

There’s plenty to experience nearby, too. Tee off at some of Ireland’s best golf courses within an hour’s drive. Ride horses through the countryside. Or use Kilronan as your base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way’s dramatic coast.

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Aerial view of Kilronan Castle Estate.

7. Ballyseede Castle

Location: County Kerry, Southwest Ireland

Built in the 15th century, Ballyseede was once a fortress for the Fitzgerald family. Over the centuries, it’s been expanded, restored, and reimagined – but the original character is still intact.

You can hear its stories on a Living History Tour, led by the castle historian. They’ll share the legends that shaped the walls, from noble families to forgotten duels, as you wander through grand halls.

Inside, oak staircases twist upward, marble fireplaces glow in the drawing rooms, and ornate dining halls sparkle with candlelight.

When you’re ready to wander beyond the gates, head to the Skellig Islands, those dramatic rocks that rise off the coast like jagged teeth. Once, sheltered monks in tiny stone huts. More recently, appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

You could also drive the legendary Ring of Kerry, where winding roads hug cliffs and tumble through mountain passes. Out here, you’ll find beaches, villages and more sheep than people.

And don’t miss the Dingle Peninsula, where colourful harbour towns dot the coastline and locals greet you with a smile.

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Experience Ireland’s castle hotels for yourself

There’s something special about spending the night in a castle. The turrets that touch the clouds, the cosy fires, and the stories lingering in every corner.

Whether you dream of wandering grand estates or waking up to lakeside views, there’s no shortage of castles in Ireland that are hotels.

Ready to see them for yourself? When you book a castle tour of Ireland with us, you won’t just visit these incredible castles – you’ll have the chance to stay in one too.

Choose a self-drive trip, join a guided small group, or let a private guide lead the way. However you travel, a royal welcome awaits.

Contact our Dublin-based experts to plan your Irish escape.