We are traveling around Ireland from October 6 through the 17th and are planning on packing in a lot of sights. We don't have our itinerary completed yet, but would really like to spend a night in a real castle. Most of our trip will be Rick recommended B&B's, but we would splurge on an exciting castle experience. Any good suggestions?
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
135 posts
Hello
I've not stayed at any Irish castle, but this website lists a number of options as a starting point for your consideration:
Celtic Castles
Some of these (Ashford, for instance) are premier league hotels.
Please remember that the term 'castle' means different things to different folks - for instance all the castles listed are more like stately home / hotels as they have been improved over the centuries. You are unlikely to get an authentic medieval experience (think 'Robin Hood'!), but then again you probably don't really want to stay in a stone tower with no glass in the windows; only a smokey fire for warmth, and no running water or electricity!
Posted by
Denver, CO
18 posts
Molly,
I have researched a few of these castles on Ireland and they vary quite a bit in price range. Ashford and Dromoland castles (I believe both somewhat north of Galway) are both on the high end, but there are usually deals for midweek travelers.
I've found some nice deals for a one night stay for 2 people that includeds a fancy dinner and breakfast in the morning at both Waterford Castle and Ballyseede Castle (in Tralee, near Dingle). I think there were both in the $250-$300 range (midweek), so more than a B&B but they are nice resorts and properties, made for romantic evenings. Plus, the deals I saw came with a 4 course dinner for 2! To get the midweek deals, I think you'll need to go to the individual websites.
Posted by
TN, USA
2114 posts
Without a doubt, Ashford Castle.
Dromoland is also very nice, but Ashford is larger and more castle-like. Check the web site for specials, but email them if you don't find a deal for when you want to go...likely they will offer you some sort of special.
The memories will last you a lifetime. (Be sure to sign up for the Hawk Walk, too, thru their School of Falconry.)
Posted by
OP
Lowell
28 posts
Thank you for your suggestions...Ashford looks like what we were hoping to experience. In Rick's book, he talks about the grounds and the famous people that had stayed there, but did not indicate it was a place where us common folk could stay. We will check out the Celtic castles site too, because an open window, heated by fire, medieval experience would also be exciting!
Molly