15 Best Cheap Castles to Stay in Ireland
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Written by James Oliver
There are many accommodation options available when considering a vacation. From around 25 different types of hotel rooms to some unique spots on sites like Airbnb, you’re spoilt for choice especially when it comes to popular tourist destinations like Ireland.
There are villas, apartments, cottages, houseshares, timeshares, house sits, self-catering, camping sites, and more. But given that the old world is overflowing with medieval buildings, have you ever considered staying in a castle?
Who wouldn’t want to live like a king or queen for a holiday? Fulfill your childhood fantasies of being a Disney princess? Or imagine what it was like to be a lord and rule over your subjects in the surrounding countryside.
Well, now you can dream no more, as Irish castle hotels aren’t just for the super-rich and famous. Here is a selection of the best cheap castle hotels in Ireland so you can live in the lap of luxury on the Emerald Isle.
Affordable Castle Hotels in Ireland
1. Ballynahinch Castle
Address: Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in County Galway has the breathtaking backdrop of the Twelve Bens Mountain range, which is the biggest draw for this stunning Irish castle hotel.
This is a top spot for anyone looking to enjoy the Irish countryside. The hotel organizes hiking and biking excursions, fishing trips, and wildlife spotting walks. You can also head to the coast and enjoy this thrilling kayak tour around Mannin Bay.
Ballynahinch Castle rooms are cozy and handsomely decorated, complete with tea and coffee-making facilities. Beautifully tiled bathrooms come with complimentary toiletries. Guest reviews speak highly of the comfy beds.
The hotel has a lovely walled garden for guests to wander, and the bar has a delightful terrace with postcard-perfect views of the river outside. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel serves a buffet English and Irish breakfast from an award-winning restaurant that boasts 2 AA Rosettes.
24-hour room service is on hand to address your every need, and the hotel provides free parking to all its guests. This is one of the best castle hotels in Ireland, ideal for couples on a romantic retreat.
2. Clontarf Castle Hotel
Address: Castle Ave, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 W5NO, Ireland
Clontarf Castle Hotel is located in Dublin Bay, 10 minutes from Dublin city center, on an exclusive, gated estate in a medieval castle. It provides guests with a luxurious base of three or five-star accommodation with views of Dublin Bay.
This castle hotel has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and gym. There are also tennis courts and a putting green available for its guests to enjoy.
Rooms at the Clontarf Castle Hotel feature air-conditioning, TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There’s also 24-hour room service. The in-house Fahrenheit Grill serves fine cuisine, featuring traditional local beef and fish dishes.
If you’re eager to kick back with a drink, the cozy Knights Bar has traditional large open fireplaces and beautiful stained glass windows, while the chic Indigo Lounge serves morning coffee, afternoon tea, and a decent range of fine wines.
The property has spacious gardens with lawns and mature trees surrounding the castle, adding to the relaxing and elegant atmosphere. And since you’re in Dublin, get a ticket to the Guinness Storehouse to learn how the black stuff is made.
3. Cabra Castle Hotel
Address: Carrickmacross Rd, Mullantra, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, A82 EC64, Ireland
Located just over an hour from Dublin, the majestic Cabra Castle Hotel sits on 100 acres of green space. An 18th-century masterpiece, it dates back to 1760, and the jaw-dropping interior retains all the old-world charm and elegance of the period.
The hotel’s high ceilings, grand staircases, and regal hallways are gorgeous. Lavishly decorated, there is a range of elegant rooms, including medieval-style accommodations with four-poster beds.
Outside, the delightful patios and terraces overlook the hotel’s heavenly gardens amidst the beautiful Irish countryside. There is also an in-house bar and a restaurant, and the hotel offers free parking to all guests.
If you want to impress at corporate functions you’ve come to the right place with the Cabra Castle Hotel. With 110 bedrooms and a function suite that supports over 200 guests, your meetings can be held in epic grandeur that will help seal the deal.
One of the finest luxury castle hotels in Ireland, Cabra is a 4-star experience that will live long in the memory of anyone who stays here. And considering the level of decadence, it’s remarkably affordable.
4. Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa
Address: Castletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 R867, Ireland
Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa is a spectacular 18th-century building located on the shores of Lough Meelagh. Set in over 40 acres of greenery, this 4-star secluded retreat that’s perfect for getting away from it all.
The grand castle rooms all feature a luxurious en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TVs, gorgeous antique furniture, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel if you still need to stay in touch with the world.
One of the best castle hotels in Ireland, Kilronan features perhaps the coolest indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and spa in the whole country. The modern lighting and ambiance are quite a contradiction to the castle’s exterior.
For eats, the superb in-house Douglas Hyde Restaurant comes highly reviewed and offers fine dining with dishes made using locally sourced produce.
This stunning castle hotel also has a sizable gym on-site and is a very popular location to hold business retreats and fairytale weddings. No surprise, considering Ireland is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
5. Lough Rynn Castle
Address: Lough Rynn Castle & Estate & Gardens, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, N41 WE16, Ireland
Gleaming white against a verdant, green landscape, Lough Rynn Castle is a marvelous old mansion, perfect for romantic getaways. Today, the hotel combines traditional sophistication with all the trimmings of a modern hotel.
The common areas are particularly lovely, giving off a warm, welcoming feel. Adorned with antique wood furniture, paneling, and stunning glasswork, there are several large fireplaces to keep out autumn and winter chills.
The opulent bedrooms feature air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi and are brightly decorated. Bathrooms are spacious and feature luxurious soaker tubs and complimentary toiletries.
The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Sandstone, serves haute cuisine for lunch and dinner as well as bumper full English and Irish breakfasts to start your day right.
Lough Rynn Castle is situated on over 300 acres of stunning scenery and is surrounded by freshwater lakes. There are also several stylish self-catering apartments located on the estate grounds. So, if you don’t want to stay in a castle, you can still enjoy this beautiful retreat.
6. Ballyseede Castle
Address: Tralee, Ballyseede, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
A 16th-century castle, Ballyseede is a historic 4-star hotel set within 30 acres of private grounds. Step into its spectacular halls, and you’ll think you’ve wandered into the pages of Alice in Wonderland.
Each individually decorated room, more beautiful and enchanting than the last, features modern conveniences. There are flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms come with additional sitting areas and plush four-poster beds.
Dining options at Ballyseede Castle Hotel include a restaurant with stone walls where guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Sparkling chandeliers are suspended from exposed wooden beams, allowing you to enjoy romantic dinners made from fresh local ingredients.
After dinner, grab a nightcap at the library bar or chill in one of the hotel’s luxurious lounges, some featuring fireplaces or even pianos for those inclined to tinkle the ivories.
The hotel is located just outside of Tralee and the famous Dingle Peninsula. You can take a private tour of the region which picks you up and drops you off at your hotel.
7. Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
Address: The Island, Ballinakill, Co. Waterford, X91 Y722, Ireland
The 16th-century Waterford Castle can be found on a private island by the beautiful River Suir. Located close to the town of the same name, it’s the perfect escape when you need to get away from the rat race and/or get some serious golfing in.
Waterford Castle Hotel and Resort is a golfer’s heaven, with an 18-hole golf course, putting green, and driving range. The island can only be accessed by a private car ferry which is arranged by contacting the hotel’s front desk. When booking, be sure to give them 72 hours notice of your arrival.
The individually designed rooms include flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, living areas, and luxuriously soft beds. Bathrooms come with standalone antique claw-foot bathtubs.
Convenience and relaxation are key here. There’s free parking, a beautiful wood-paneled restaurant, and an on-site bar that also offers an afternoon tea service.
When you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal factory. This guided tour will take you behind the scenes to show you how these gorgeous artworks are created. And Waterford is one of the best coastal towns in Ireland.
8. Lough Eske Castle
Address: Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, F94 HX59, Ireland
Set against the mountains of County Donegal, Lough Eske Castle Hotel is one of the best castles in Ireland to stay in. Nestled in 43 acres of woodland, it’s a five-star experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The luxury rooms feature large flat-screen TVs, and antique oak furniture, adding to the regal air. In the stunning marble bathrooms, comforting bathrobes and slippers are provided.
Lough Eske Castle Hotel also has a spa, complete with a steam room, sauna, and indoor swimming pool. The pool offers wonderful views of the castle’s serene grounds from large windows that let in a lot of light.
The choices for in-house dining are excellent, with three eateries on site. Cedars Restaurant has a terrace and specializes in traditional seafood dishes.
The Gallery Bar serves light bites. Finally, you can grab a snack at the warm and welcoming Father Browne Bar.
Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and parking at this stunning Irish castle hotel. Once you’ve recharged, you can try this exciting and informative Ebike tour of nearby Donegal.
9. Kinnitty Castle Hotel
Address: Birr, Kinnitty, Co. Offaly, Ireland
Built at the dawn of the 13th century, Kinnity Castle Hotel is one of the oldest castle hotels in the world. This impressive Gothic building sits at the base of the romantic Slieve Bloom Mountains, close to the village of Kinnity.
Rooms at Kinnitty Castle Hotel are individually decorated, featuring classic colorful decor and unique, original antique furniture. The antique oak beds are fit for royalty. The bathrooms are a little on the smaller side, but all feature a bathtub, toiletries, and a hairdryer as standard.
Complimentary tea and coffee are offered to guests in common areas, but if you’re looking for something a little stiffer, there’s the Library Bar. You can enjoy draught beers and light bites in this delightfully cozy bolthole.
For fine dining, check out the in-house Sli Dala Restaurant which serves traditional Irish and innovative continental dishes, and features an excellent wine list to tickle your fancy.
The property features hiking trails running through 650 acres of woodland. Guided walks are available, and clay pigeon shooting is on offer on the castle grounds. This is one of the best castles to stay in if you’re looking for your history fix.
10. Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
Address: Castle View, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97, Ireland
With a foundation date of 1180, this might be the oldest castle hotel in Ireland. Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers 140 bedrooms and other accommodation options set in 180 acres of woodland and a golf course.
All the rooms are decorated in a trendy blend of vintage and modern, featuring Hi-Def TVs, luxury bathrooms with complimentary amenities, and free Wi-Fi.
Keen golfers will flock to Kilkea Castle for the 18-hole championship golf course, but there are also tennis courts, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, falconry lessons, archery, and fishing on offer. Guests can stroll the castle’s beautiful grounds to their heart’s content.
It’s also one of the best castles to stay in if you’re a foodie. Restaurant 1180 serves traditional Irish cuisine with a twist in a regal setting. In the golf course’s clubhouse, you can also get fantastic meals at The Bistro, as well as Hermione’s Restaurant. The Keep is the aptly named castle bar and boasts an extensive wine and whiskey list.
After a day of sport and activity, you can visit the on-site spa. You’ll find five treatment rooms, a pool, and a beauty salon. The Irish capital is 52 miles away, which can make a great day trip if you want to do a Dublin walking tour.
11. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Address: Sky Rd, Church Hill, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, H71 NX28, Ireland
Built in the 19th century and surrounded by woods and rolling green hills, the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel has the Twelve Bens Mountains as its backdrop. Located a short distance from the stunning Connemara National Park, it’s the ideal base for exploring the area.
The rooms are brightly decorated with lots of warm accents and antique furniture. All rooms have a TV, DVD player, and free Wi-Fi internet as standard. Upgraded suites add four-poster beds and real fireplaces, while some feature hot tubs.
The hotel’s award-winning gourmet restaurant serves international cuisine in an elegant setting, as well as a full English or Irish breakfast. Guests can also enjoy a live piano bar, afternoon tea in the lounge, and the beautifully landscaped gardens Abbeyglen Castle is famous for.
Other top facilities include a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a games room with billiards, and a spa complete with beauty and health treatments.
The hotel is located on Sky Road, which is a part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. One of the world’s best scenic drives, the 1600-mile route snakes its way around Ireland’s rugged west coasts. Abbeyglen is a great place to stay if you’re exploring all or part of it.
12. Markree Castle
Address: Clooneenroe, Collooney, Co. Sligo, F91 AE81, Ireland
Makree Castle is a family-run hotel housed in a stunning 17th-century Irish castle overflowing with old-world charm. Just 17 minutes from Sligo, the castle offers a pleasant retreat without ever falling off the map.
Rooms have period furnishings, including many with vintage claw-foot bathtubs. The beds are comfortable and finished with goose-down duvets. TVs and tea and coffee-making equipment come as standard.
In colder climes, a roaring fire will greet you in the great hall, as you relax amidst the rich decor and vintage ambiance. When venturing outside, the 500-acre estate offers plenty of green space to explore.
A full English or Irish breakfast is provided at the on-site restaurant, which also offers a fabulous dinner service. For light bites, there’s a bar serving an all-day menu and afternoon tea. Other amenities at Makree Castle include free parking, free Wi-Fi, and tours of the castle and grounds.
Nearby, energetic guests can enjoy a surfing experience in Sligo or a self-guided bike tour to get to know this famous corner of Ireland.
13. Belleek Castle
Address: Belleek, Ballina, Ireland
Not many castles in Ireland can claim they have a restaurant made from the remains of a 17th-century Spanish galleon. Belleek Castle breaks the decor mold and goes above and beyond regarding historic furnishings and features.
This Irish castle hotel opened in 1970, but the building dates back to the mid-1800s. Rooms are elegant, spacious, and tastefully decorated. Lavish beds are to be found in the larger suites, while every room comes with modern conveniences.
For fine dining in style, the Granuailes Candlelight Grill Room has a country menu featuring fresh produce from the region. The Tween Decks is decorated in a nautical theme, while the aptly named Armada Bar is adorned with the wood of Spanish shipwrecks.
Elsewhere, the castle features a 13th-century Norman fireplace and plenty of other hearths scattered throughout the property.
When it comes to affordable castle hotels in Ireland, this is one of the very best. It also has an on-site museum with a collection of medieval armor. Even if you don’t stay at this Irish castle hotel, tours of the castle and grounds are available to non-residents.
14. The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Address: Ashford Castle Dr, Leaf Island, Cong, Co. Galway, Ireland
Ashford Castle is one of Ireland’s most popular castle hotels. But given the fact that it’s a five-star service, it’s not exactly one of the most affordable castles to stay in. However, The Lodge is located next to Ashford on a 10-acre estate and offers distinct character and charm.
Located on the shores of Lough Corrib, just outside Cong, Co. Galway, the Lodge at Ashford Castle is a beautiful 19th-century manor house surrounded by a landscaped garden and woodlands.
Rooms are individually styled and beautifully decorated, with luxurious deep pile carpets that will feel great between your toes. Bathrooms have underfloor heating so you don’t shock yourself awake if you get up at night. Modern and vintage rooms are available, but all are equipped with mod-cons.
The in-house Wilde’s restaurant serves fresh local and seasonal ingredients and offers six-course dinner menus to boot. There’s also a bar to wet your whistle with some of Ireland’s finest whiskeys.
Close by, the charming village of Cong is well worth a visit, with its many historical points of interest. Further afield, you can enjoy this popular walking tour in Galway, which is just under an hour away.
Castle Hotels in Northern Ireland
15. Ballygally Castle Hotel
Address: Coast Rd, Ballygalley, Larne BT40 2QZ, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Staying in luxurious castle hotels is one thing, but staying in a haunted castle takes it to the next level. Ballygally Castle is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to spend the night with some supernatural company.
Built in 1625, Ballygally is in Northern Ireland rather than the Republic of Ireland (or Eire) but is certainly no less Irish, nor in want of a storied history. It has a Ghost Room and spooky dungeon, which are said to be frequented by restless spirits.
But you won’t be restless when you stay in the castle’s elegant, individually decorated rooms. Most offer stunning sea views right on the Antrim coast.
There are also beautiful walled gardens and a terrace, as well as a lounge with antique furnishings and a roaring fire in the colder months.
The incredible Garden Restaurant is a big hit, serving a blend of contemporary British and classic Irish fare for lunch and dinner. Morning coffee and an afternoon tea service are also available, as well as free parking.
Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction is a little over an hour away. Giant’s Causeway tours are available from Belfast, or you can rent a car and make your way there on a scenic coastal drive.
FAQs
Is it worth staying in a castle in Ireland?
If you’re booking a place to stay in Ireland, a castle might not be at the top of your list. But for a one-of-a-kind memorable experience, I would say it’s worth it.
Especially when considering that some castle hotels in Ireland are more affordable than you might think. Go on, treat yourself.
Can you rent an entire castle in Ireland?
If you’re willing to pay the room rates, it is possible to fully book out castle hotels in Ireland if you’re having a private party or corporate event. Alternatively, you can try websites like VRBO for smaller, unique places to stay that still manage an old-world feel.
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