Ireland has well-earned its nickname of the Emerald Isle. The lush, rolling green hills and majestic forests will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval fairytale – all before you get to see the castles!
With more than 30,000 castles dotting the countryside, it’s impossible to visit Ireland without seeing some of them. But have you ever considered finding accommodation in one of the best castles in Ireland?
Well, you’re in luck, because there are actually loads of options to stay in a castle if you’re interested in finding unique accommodation in Ireland! In our list of Irish castles, we’ve selected some of the most beautiful, best budget, and all-around awesome places to stay.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Ireland for One Night
Drummond Tower
With all the charm a real, historical castle in Ireland should have and a reasonable price, Drummond Tower is your fantasy vacation waiting to happen! You’ll have the entire castle to yourself, including a full kitchen, large book collection, and even a washer and dryer.
- Local restaurants in Monasterboice
- Oldbridge and Battle of the Boyne
- Mellifont Abbey
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Staying in a Castle in Ireland
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In a word, it’s amazing! If you’ve ever had a childhood fantasy of living in your own fairytale kingdom, you now have your chance when you stay in one of Ireland’s breathtaking castles.
If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no need to fret. While some travellers consider Ireland an expensive destination, there are actually a lot of great budget castles in Ireland to pick from. Yep, you read that correctly – staying at a castle in Ireland is totally manageable on a small travel budget!
Since most of these castles are refinished historic buildings, they can have their quirks and nuances – like creaky stairs or poor heat circulation – that you wouldn’t find in a hotel room. However, the experience of staying in an actual castle instead of a boring hotel definitely outweighs these small drawbacks.
In many castles, you’ll be renting one room or a section of rooms within the building. There may be guests occupying other areas of the castle, but you’ll always have your own private space. In some cases, you can rent the entire castle for yourself for ultimate peace and privacy during your trip!
What to Look for in a Castle
Many vacation rentals in Ireland have a unique charm, but none quite like a castle. Choosing the right castle has a lot to do with what kind of castle experience you want to have. Many of the castles in Ireland available as accommodation are very old and historic buildings; this gives them a unique charm, but also means they weren’t built with heating, plumbing, or modern electricity in mind.
In every castle, you’ll find some combination of a unique historical atmosphere and modern comforts. However, stairs are usually the only way to reach rooms, and sometimes bathrooms and showers are only located on the ground floor.
Location is another important factor when considering where to stay in Ireland. Castles are often located slightly outside of major cities, so it may be a good idea to have your own form of transportation. Some castles are close enough to public transport routes, so you won’t necessarily need your own vehicle.
Since accommodation can range from a single private room to an entire castle, it’s easy to find spots suitable for solo travelers or huge families. And, while it may be a bit surprising, a lot of castles are reasonably priced in comparison to what you’d be spending for a hotel room!
To look at options for castles in Ireland in more detail, you can check out search platforms like Airbnb. This is a great way to compare all the possibilities for unique accommodation in Ireland and refine your search to fit your price range, travel dates, and specific preferences.
Drummond Tower
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Fully equipped kitchen
- > Outdoor patio
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Gardens onsite
Annes Grove Miniature Castle
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Indoor fireplace
- > Patio and outdoor furniture
The Spires
- > $$$
- > 7 Guests
- > Indoor fireplace
- > Nearby scenic trails
Fanningstown Castle
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Restored gothic architecture
- > Beautiful views
Cregg Castle
- > $
- > 5 Guests
- > Kitchen and laundry
- > Beautiful views
Medieval Durhamstown Castle
- > $
- > 5 Guests
- > Meals on request
- > Close to Dublin
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Ireland!
The Top 10 Castles in Ireland
Ready to begin your own fantasy adventure? After you’re done looking through this list of Ireland’s best castles for accommodation, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and venture off on a unique and spectacular vacation!
The Overall Best Castle in Ireland – Drummond Tower
Not too expensive, and with all the charm a real, historical castle in Ireland should have, Drummond Tower is your fantasy vacation waiting to happen! You’ll have the entire castle to yourself, including a full kitchen, a large book collection, and even a washer and dryer.
No matter which window you gaze out of, you’ll get a beautiful view of the Irish countryside. It’s only about a five-minute drive to the nearest town, but you might be perfectly content to enjoy your castle in peace and quiet during your stay.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
The Best Budget Castle in Ireland – Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Who said anything about budget travelers not being able to have the experience of staying in a castle? The economy rooms at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel are the perfect solution: you can experience the luxury of a castle stay without an exorbitant price tag.
A free breakfast is provided every morning, and there are gardens onsite to enjoy the outdoors. It’s walking distance from the Clifden town center, so no need for a car if you don’t have one. Clifden has great music venues and restaurants, and the bar and restaurant at Abbeyglen are open for onsite dining on select nights.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Ireland start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Castle for Couples – Annes Grove Miniature Castle
Imagine having your own little private castle for a romantic vacation in Ireland! Annes Grove is Gothic-style castle has modern comforts while preserving a unique medieval atmosphere.
Located on a quiet country road, it’s just a short drive to reach shops and restaurants, unless you want to spend all your time at the castle. Relax next to the fireplace, enjoy the view from the outdoor patio, or cook a romantic meal together and enjoy each other’s company.
Best Castle for a Group of Friends – The Spires
A group trip to Ireland just got way more interesting! Staying at The Spires you’ll have a secluded spot all to yourselves – plus, you’ll be close to the attractions of Letterkenny. Since it’s situated right along the Wild Atlantic Way touring route, it’s a perfect stopping point during your journey.
Other activities nearby include scenic trails, golf courses and some great local dining options, like the famous Brownes on the Green Restaurant. The building dates all the way back to 1838, but it’s been renovated to provide modern comforts like onsite laundry and an equipped kitchen.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-the-Top Luxury Castle – Fanningstown Castle
This 12th-century Gothic castle is the place to stay if price isn’t an issue when looking for unique accommodation in Ireland! Located in the Golden Vale just three miles outside of Adare, you’ll be treated to some of the best views of the Irish countryside during your stay.
Although the property certainly maintains an air of historic majesty, you can still count on having good modern amenities thanks to the renovations. On colder days, you can stay cozy next to the indoor fireplace – or when the weather is warmer, there’s a great outdoor patio to relax and take in the scenery.
The Best Castle for Families visiting Ireland – Cregg Castle
Not only does Cregg Castle have spectacular views and unique medieval flair, but it also comes at a very budget-friendly price! Families will enjoy strolling the nearby walking trails or exploring around the castle, which is a work-in-progress restored historic building.
There are a few local restaurants and shops just a few minutes’ drive from the property. Just a 15 minute drive and you’ll be able to explore Galway City, which makes for some great excursions. If you don’t have your own vehicle, cab rides are an easy way to get around the area.
Best Castle for Backpackers – Medieval Durhamstown Castle
Even though the Durhamstown Castle has a remote, historic atmosphere, it’s only a 15-minute ride into Dublin using local public transportation. The convenient location and great budget-friendly price make this castle a top pick for anyone backpacking in Ireland.
During your stay you’ll have total privacy in the Bolt-hole of the castle, as well as access to the front garden. Nearby, there are lots of fun activities, like horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and historical tours of the area.
Best Castle for a Weekend in Ireland – Galway’s CastleHacket House
If you only have a short time to spend in Ireland, stay in Galway. You can make it a special time worth remembering at the CastleHacket House here. Built in 1703, the castle has a truly majestic atmosphere, complete with a library, large garden and woods, and a sunroom to relax.
Light breakfast items and snacks are offered in the dining area, and you can reach other great local restaurants in just 15 minutes by car. It’s also walking distance from the famous Knockma Hill. Other top attractions like the Kylemore Abbey and Claregalway Castle are a short drive away.
Best Castle for Views – Carraigin Castle
To really soak in the beauty of the Irish landscape, stay on the shores of Lough Corrib in the majestic Carraigin Castle. You’ll have the entire property to yourself, as well as access to the seven private acres surrounding the castle!
For a fun bonus activity, you can rent a fishing boat to go out on the lake. Even though it’s a historic building dating back to the 13th century, the castle has been renovated to have central heating and an equipped kitchen while preserving original features and historic charm.
Most Traditional Castle in Ireland – Cahercastle
From the winding staircases to the original stonework walls, Cahercastle is the real deal! Be prepared to trek up and down flights of stairs, but it’s hard to get any more authentic than this when it comes to staying at a castle in Ireland.
The property is about two miles from the nearest public transportation, so it’s helpful to have your own vehicle to get around and explore nearby historic sites. If you want some suggestions about cool places to visit, the hosts have lived in the castle for 20 years and can give you good recommendations.
FAQ about Castles in Ireland
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Ireland.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Castles in Ireland
Whether you’re a long-term backpacker exploring Europe or just traveling for a short summer family vacation, there is nothing quite like having the experience of staying in one of Ireland’s castles.
It’s a chance for you to see the amazing history of the country first-hand, not to mention some great bragging rights with all your friends and family! In terms of unique holiday rentals in Ireland, castles definitely take the gold medal in terms of authenticity and fantasy appeal.
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