Five Best Irish Castles
Ashford Castle
County Mayo
This 13th-century castle is set by scenic Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second-largest lake. Once the estate of Lord Ardilaun and the Guinness family, Ashford Castle opened as a hotel in 1939. It has become a favourite with a surprising spectrum of celebrities; former guests include Christina Ricci and Terry Wogan. Besides its comfortable, characterful rooms, there are several bars and restaurants within the grounds. The latest of these is a new gastropub, Cullens at the Cottage, just across the River Cong.
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo (00 353 94 954 6003; www.ashford. ie). Doubles from [euro]225 ([pound]161 room only.
Waterford Castle
County Waterford
Around three hours from Dublin, Waterford is one of Ireland’s smaller castle hotels, with only 19 rooms. It’s also one of the newest. The private island on which it stands served as the FitzGerald family seat, a fruit and flower business and a pedigree dairy farm before the castle opened as ideala hotel in 1988. The discreet retreat, it features a restaurant, 18-hole golf course and a huge log fire in the entrance hall. If you’re in the market for souvenirs, it’s also handily close to the Waterford Crystal factory.
Waterford Castle, The Island, Ballinakill, Waterford (00 353 51 878 203; www.waterfordcastlecom). Doubles start at [euro]160 ([pound]114).
Dromoland Castle
County Clare
This was recently voted one of the best hotels in Ireland by the readers of America’s Travel + Leisure magazine. The castle at the centre of this 375-acre estate was built in the 16th century but overhauled at the beginning of the 19th century. It has been operating as a hotel since 1962. While resolutely traditional, its heritage hasn’t put paid to some very contemporary amenities. Besides hunting, fishing and golf, guests can try treatments ranging from reiki to reflexology at the castle’s spa.
Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare (0800 056 7434; www.dromoland.ie). Doubles start at [euro]232 ([pound]166) room only.
Glin Castle
County Limerick
More like a grand country house than a castle, Glin has just 15 bedrooms. You can either check in on a hotel basis or rent the whole place, fully staffed. Officially, the castle is open only between March and November, but you can sometimes book for the winter months. Set within a 500-acre estate, the castle stands on the banks of the river Shannon. It is known for its food: fish is caught nearby, beef and lamb locally reared and many of the vegetables and fruit that are served are grown in the castle’s organic walled garden.
Glin Castle, Glin, County Limerick (00 353 68 34173; www.glincastlecom). Doubles from [euro]310 ([pound]221) room only.
Castle Leslie
County Monaghan
This is an excellent bet if you prefer quirky to stuffy. Rooms come with a detailed description of their heritage. According to a rather fanciful history, the family traces its lineage back to Attila the Hun via several eccentrics - including one Lady Constance who, unable to bear the sight of her husband, designed an enormous table ornament to hide him from her view at dinner. The rooms include a converted nursery, complete with en suite bathroom tucked - Alice in Wonderland-style - into a life-size dolls’ house. It also has a cookery school and equestrian centre.
Castle Leslie, Glaslough, County Monaghan (00 353 47 88100; www.castlelesliecom). Doubles start at [euro]110 ([pound]79) including breakfast and dinner.
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