Hi all:
I'm traveling to Ireland with a friend in early September this year. We are hoping to hit the following areas - Dublin, Wartford, Dingle, Galway. We are driving. Does anyone know of any castles in any of those areas we could stay in that don't break the bank? I looked at Ashford, beautiful yet really expensive. Willing to pay a decent amount... so any suggestions?
Thanks! Kelly
Greetings from Ireland,
Ashford Castle is undoubtedly beautiful. If you're willing to pay a 'decent amount' then just stay there. you wont be disappointed, I as there yesterday. Spectacular.
Waterford Castle is also excellent and if still operating as a hotel, will likely be less expensive. But there tons of others which you can find online.
Le meas/with respect
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland tour-guide
Dingle & Derry
We found that our image of a castle stay tuned out to be more of a hotel stay. These castle/hotels are still old, have history, and many are lovely. We stayed in one such castle/hotel called Abbeyglen Castle Hotel located in Clifton north of Galway. It was a great experience once we realized it wasn't the castle we had pictured. We were welcomed by the most friendly people! Ireland's customer service is excellent and the staff at Abbeyglen did not disappoint. There are many areas in the hotel to relax, there was a great view, and the food wonderful. I believe dinner was included in the price.
At dinner the host talks to the diners, done in a humorous manner. Each table had the flag of your nationality on the table. Since it was so close to July 4th, the host made a few positive comments about that holiday. I am a vegetarian and the staff made sure I had a meal that would be satisfactory. (it was wonderful)
There are actual castles in Ireland where others have stayed and possibly they can share that information with you.
Barbara
Thanks everyone! I looked at Ashford and just may not be interpreting the site correctly. It looked to be over $1000 US, is that correct?
We are staying at the Lodge at Ashford castle.. on the grounds but not in the castle. Like you, I could not justify the $$$$ that Ashford was asking.( and the $1000 is right)
We are doing many of the onsite activities so are very excited to get to experience the grounds
OK, so I am getting that a Junior Stateroom in mid-September is a lowly $1414 for one night at Ashford Castle. First of all-that's a pretty good "decent amount". Secondly, I would have to stay up all night, because once you turn out the lights and go to sleep, the ambience tends to fade a bit. Thirdly, I am not at all sure that I'd have anything in common with someone who spends that for one night, so I'd better not stay there with .
Well if you got that kinda money, you could just a well rent this entire castle for a week! http://turincastle.com ;-)
Its intriguing to see everyone in shock over the prices at Ashford Castle in September. You're missing the point. They have many rooms that don't cost $1000, but they have all been booked up by travellers (and coach tours) way in advance. Lets face it, September is only 3 months away.
If you want a good deal in an Irish castle, then Im afraid reserving 3 months in advance of arrival is too late to get it.
So all that is left now in Ashford Castle are junior staterooms which would be fit for a Saudi Prince or someone of that ilk.
As mentioned there are tons of other castles, that one just happens to be in the top 3, in my humble but expert opinion.
Incidentally, I got charged $540 for a non oceanview at the Fez Parker in Santa Barbara (sister city of Dingle) in September. Is it worth that? absolutely not. Would a junior stateroom in 12th century Ashford Castle be worth twice as much as a night overlooking the 1980's courtyard in the Santa Barbara Hotel? Absolutely.
Its all relative.
Rant over :)
Oh except, one other contributor made a good point. Don't be fooled by the marketing and spin which often sells you an Irish Castle experience, and then you arrive and find its a stately home from the late 1700's built in the Scottish baronial style. Thats not a castle! or at least not the type most Americans are yearning for. Go into Connemara and find a decent castle hotel, ideally 12th century, complete with murder hole above the front door and a dungeon. If it doesn't have a 'murder hole' then don't book!
Stephen, thank you for that insight. It's not really expressed on the castle website that there are less expensive alternatives and it is a very good point about September being pretty close for something you really want to see that has limited availability.
Hotel prices are usually insane-everywhere I have traveled. Thankfully there are now some pretty good online resources to find suitable B and B's and smaller places-and, of course, the RS Guides-but I wasn't aware the was a RS California! :)
