we will be traveling to ireland with our 14 yr old son. We are traveling from Dublin around the south to the west up to Galway and back to Dublin. We are interested in staying at least one night in a castle. We would prefer a triple rather than two rooms. Any suggestions???
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Ashford Castle in Cong (north of Galway). It's not cheap, but it is very nice and the grounds are incredible. Your son might really enjoy a falconry lesson at the Castle. You can walk around the grounds with the birds - they also have an equestrian center, archery and fishing. www.ashford.ie (click on estate activities to see what other things you can do with your family).
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
When are you going? Ashford has a great "B&B" price special going on right now that we booked, with breakfast for about 1/2 price! :)
Sadly, Glin Castle closed for the year, after being named top castle stay in Europe. :(
Posted by
Spokane Valley, Washington, USA
9 posts
I stayed in the Clontarf Castle Hotel on the outskirts of Dublin because I wanted to stay in a castle. They have really reasonable prices and even offer movie night specials where they provide popcorn and pay per view movies. I would check out their website. The nice thing is Clontarf is only a short DART ride away from Dublin so there is a lot to do.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2715 posts
I stayed in Clontarf Castle Hotel too. I thought it was nice, but I don't think it seemed anything like a castle. There is just a small section that is from the original castle. It's neat, but most of the building is newer. I doubt this is what your son has in mind.
Posted by
Land of La
8682 posts
http://www.celticcastles.com/map_ireland.asp
This link has some great spots. Looks like it's going to be pricey but a once in a lifetime experience I'm sure the 14 year will like.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Jeff,
I was also going to suggest Ashford Castle (used to be the "summer cabin" for Arthur Guinness). The Castle is incredible and the grounds and surrounding area very beautiful.
One note of interest is that the village of Cong is where John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara filmed The Quiet Man back in about 1952, and it's a really interesting Irish village to explore. If you decide to visit there, you might want to rent the movie, as your son might enjoy it.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Newbury, VT, USA
75 posts
We stayed in a triple at Creg Castle just north of Galway. It was delightful, with grounds to explore, woods that looked like leprechans lived there and even a ruined chapel and graveyard up on a hill. Breakfast was great. And of course, the peat fire.....have a great trip!
Posted by
New Hampshire
182 posts
I'll add another vote for Ashford. Yes it is pricey, but worth it if you can afford it. Watch out for Dromoland Castle. Did not feel it was as advertised.