Once centers of power and wealth in Ireland, castles are now among the most popular attractions in the country. Historic and architecturally fascinating, castles are found in virtually every county on the island. Many castles in Ireland now house hotels and inns, giving travelers the opportunity to stay in one of these historic structures. Updated and modern, Ireland's castle inns provide ample amenities while still maintaining the distinctive historical elements of the structures.
Situated on a 450-acre wooded estate in County Galway, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a 40-room accommodation housed in a 15th-century castle. Featuring an award-winning restaurant, the hotel provides access to salmon fishing, horseback riding and trekking, as well as excursions to local cultural and historical sites like the Aran Islands and Kylemore Abbey.
Rooms are housed in the original portion of the castle, as well as the newly built wing and feature views of the woods and river. Classic, superior and luxury rooms are available, as well as suites. All include a choice of bed sizes, private bathrooms, entertainment suites and complimentary toiletries, as well as bathrobes. Breakfast is included in the cost of booking.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Recess, Connemara
County Galway
Ireland
011-353-95-31006
ballynahinch-castle.com
Located a 6-minute walk from Clifden, the cultural capital of Connemara, the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is housed in a 19th-century Gothic-style castle. A full-service spa offering facials, massage, nail treatments and spray tanning is available for guest use.
Awarded a two-rosette designation from the Automobile Association (AA), the hotel restaurant serves a variety of local seafood and produce prepared in traditional Irish and European fashion. Rooms come equipped with central heating, cable television with DVD player, coffee and tea making facilities and complimentary spa toiletries.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Sky Road
Clifden, Connemara
County Connemara, Galway
Ireland
011-353-95-21201
abbeyglen.ie
Housed in a 12th century castle, the Clontarf Castle Hotel holds numerous awards, such as the Green Hospitality Award and the 2009 Award of Excellence by CIE Tours International. Located 10 minutes from Dublin City Center, the hotel is close to shopping, dining and attractions like Trinity College.
Guest amenities include a fitness center, concierge service, spa and a restaurant and bar. Featuring 111 guest rooms and suites, each accommodation is equipped with a flat-screen television, pillow-top mattress, free internet, a minibar, in-room coffee and complimentary laundry service. All areas of the hotel are wheelchair accessible.
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Castle Avenue
Clontarf, Dublin 3
011-353-01-8332321
clontarfcastle.ie
Ballinalacken Castle Hotel is a 12-room accommodation located near Lisdoonvarna in County Clare. Offering views of the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay, the hotel is housed in a 15th century castle on the west coast of Ireland.
Close to attractions like the spa village of Lisdoonvarna and the Burren National Park, excursions can be arranged through the hotel's concierge service. Reviewed in Bon Appetit magazine, the hotel restaurant has garnered several awards for its traditional Irish and European cuisine.
Rooms feature antique furnishings, deep bathtubs, fireplaces and views, as well as a full Irish breakfast served every morning.
Ballinalacken Castle Hotel
Doolin
County Clare
Ireland
011-353-65-7074025
ballinalackencastle.com
