The Top Castles to Stay in Ireland

Featured Journeys: Irish Castle Adventure showcasing the best castles to stay in Ireland 

Known for fields of green and fences crafted with stones, the Emerald Isle is a popular destination for ancestral trips, history buffs, and those seeking to discover nature's beauty. In this edition of Featured Journeys, we're highlighting three of the country's top castles turned luxury hotels. From grand architecture to storied pasts, these castle hotels in Ireland offer championship golf, world-class dining, spas, and all the amenities of the finest five star hotels. 

Our journey begins at Adare Manor in County Limerick, about 35 minutes south of the Shannon Airport. Then we head north to Dromoland Castle in County Clare, just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher, and finally we venture to Ashford Castle with special perks for Five Star Alliance guests in County Mayo. 

Here are 3 of the best castles to stay in Ireland:

Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort

Deluxe West Wing Guest Room at Adare Manor Hotel

Reopened in the fall of 2017 following a full restoration, the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort combines historic elegance with a heritage of hospitality. Designed to make guests feel at home, guestrooms and suites are perfectly appointed with elegant furnishings, Irish details, and modern conveniences like marble bathrooms with rainfall showers and fully-stocked minibars. Amidst the 840 acres of parkland that surround the property there is golf, horseback riding, Irish Gundog experiences, game shooting, and cycling. There's also a spa, indoor swimming pool, and fitness center, plus a cinema showing a variety of movies throughout the day. 

Check availability at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle
One of the top castles to stay in Ireland, Dromoland Castle has an idyllic setting in County Clare. Once the ancestral home of the O'Brien of Dromoland, whose lineage goes back 1,000 years to the only High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1960s and recently refreshed, the property offers ornate fireplaces with cozy wood fires, gleaming chandeliers, and Irish elegance. The Earl of Thomond's Restaurant has award-winning fine dining, and the Library Bar has a one-of-a-kind setting for evening cocktails. There's also championship golf, spa, and an on-site falconry. 

Check availability at Dromoland Castle

Ashford Castle

Oak Hall at Ashford Castle
Close to Galway in County Mayo, Ashford Castle rates as one of the top castles to stay in Ireland. The 800-year-old castle is the former home of the Guinness family. From exquisite interiors to a state-of-the-art spa, the property provides guests with a royal experience. For a unique view of the surrounding woodlands there is zip lining and tree climbing, plus the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland, golf, tennis, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. Along with boat trips on Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake, and a private cinema with velvet chairs and movie screenings throughout the week. Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests receive full Irish breakfast for two daily, plus an additional 85 Euro food and beverage credit and complimentary green fees daily. Also, based on availability at the time of check-in/departure: a room upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out.

Check availability at Ashford Castle

This Featured Journeys: Irish Castle Adventure features three of the top castles to stay in Ireland. In addition to properties featured, we offer a curated collection of the best castles in Ireland transformed into luxury hotels with world-class services and amenities.