Top 5 Luxury Castle Hotels in Ireland

Ireland’s rich history also provides some of the classiest castles ever built by man. Many of these castles were homes to kings, lords, and many esteemed charter nobles of the Middle-Ages. Some of these great homes have been turned into exquisitely beautiful hotels, making them tourist attractions and comfortable residences for all. If you are planning to stay in one, consider the top five choices listed below:

Ashford Castle Hotel

No list of high-quality castle hotels can be complete without mentioning the Ashford Castle Hotel. This luxury establishment covers 350 acres of land, all suitable for numerous forestry and grassland events like tennis and gold. Its main attraction, however, is the castle interior design.

The bathrooms are fitted with high polished marble flooring, there are two multi-award winning restaurants, and some of the furnishing and fabrics date all the way back to the early years of the castle, some 700 years in the past.

The Ashford Castle Hotel is one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world. Time truly does seem to stand still within its walls.

Adare Manor Hotel

Adare is one of Ireland’s most beautiful villages and the Adare Manor Hotel is the pinnacle structure tying it all together. It was once home to the Earl of Dunraven and now sports some of the most illustrious events such as a competitive golf course, horse riding, and clay-pigeon shooting. There is also a luxury spa.

An 18th century structure, it still retains many of its original features and antique furniture. The Manor’s capability of seamlessly merging old and new has garnered it a number one spot on many luxury hotel listings.

Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel

This magnificent hotel was built back in the 1400s, with most of its structure completed in 1474. There is even a date stone that goes all the way back to 1621.

It is surrounded by several hundred acres of woodland and the castle itself was only recently renovated in 2007 to be used as a luxury hotel. However recent, this castle is now one of the premier luxury hotel castles in Ireland.

Waterford Castle

Tired of the sweeping grasslands and Renaissance castles of old? The Waterford Castle will offer something different but equally beautiful and jaw-dropping. For one thing, this castle is built on its own private stone island. Its main keep began to crumble during the mid 15th century and was replaced with a new structure, the current main keep of the Waterford Castle.

Built primarily as a defensive castle, it retains most of its thick walls and gigantic structures, making it a wonder to walk through.

Dromoland Castle Hotel

This castle, former residence of the O’Brien family of nobles, was initially constructed in the 16th century with its main keep finished in the 19th century.

It was refurbished into a luxury hotel during the early 1960s.

Despite these changes however, the look and feel of the castle has remained the same. Many of the features of the original castle are still there, including the O’Brien arms, the structure’s four, irregular turrets, antique furniture, 375 acres of land, and guest bedrooms that each have their own personality and design.

Guests can enjoy the beautiful view of the nearby lake, go hunting, fishing, or play tennis in the castle yard. The castle has also adapted many modern amenities so optimal comfort and leisure is a guarantee here.

Best of all, the Dromoland Castle Hotel is only fifteen minutes off from the Shannon Airport, making it one of the easiest five star luxury castle hotels to reach.

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