Best Former Castle Hotels in Ireland

Former Castle Hotel

The Castle has a 500 year history and behind its walls visitors can admire the carved stone and wood paneled Hall and the original tapestries. The decor of the 19 elegant bedrooms reflects the atmosphere of the castle as it used to be some hundred years ago, offering gracious yet modern comforts.

Former Castle Hotel

Step into the Lough Eske Castle and you step into an impressive Tudor-baronial castle, elegantly refurbished in 2007 to create the modern comforts of a world class boutique hotel. It used to be the ancestral seat of a 14th-century clans of Donegal.

Former Castle Hotel

Set in 30 acres of woodland, the castle has been beautifully transformed into a luxury hotel. It was originally built in 16th century and has been renovated over time. As you walk in from the door, you are greeted with Doric columns with an elegant oak staircase.

Former Castle Hotel

The original castle dates back to 1699 and features high ceilings, lavish staircases and historic hallways. Its ruins stood around the Wishing Well. Some historical accounts suggest that it belonged to O'Reilly family until it was confiscated under Cromwell's orders in 17th century. The castle was destroyed during the Cromwellian War. In 1813, Colonel James Pratt bought Cormy Castle and the 400 acres of land from Augustus Foster. He then moved "Cabra House" from the Wishing Well to the castle itself. In 1820, he renamed Cormy Castle to Cabra Castle.

Former Castle Hotel

In 1172 Hugh de Lacy built the Castle as an inner circle of defence sites protecting Dublin. With an expansive 900 year history, it was home to the Knights Templar of the Crusades and then to Knights Hospitaller in 1308. Close to the property is where the Battle of Clontarf happened in 1014, High King of Ireland driving the Norse-Irish Alliance and Viking forces out of Clontarf. The battle lasted from sunrise to sunset, but it's impact on Irish history lasts until today.

Former Castle Accommodation

The looming castle tower on the property was built in the 12th century. The furniture are original antiquities from Edwardian era, restored for the 21st century comfort. This castle hotel is highly rated by previous guests, known for its hospitality and comfort.

Former Castle Hotel

John D’Arcy of Clifden Castle built Abbeyglen Castle in 1832, nestled in the romantic setting of the Twelve Bens overlooking Clifden Bay. It was later used as a Protestant orphanage for the Irish Church Mission Society in 1854.

Former Castle Hotel

This 19th century castle was the ancestral home of the wealthy Clements Family and the Earl of Leitrim. The 3rd Earl of Leitrim was particularly famous for his ruthlessness as a resident and a politician. After his bitter end, Colonel Henry Theophilus Clements took the helm and restored the castle. Until 1970s, the Clements remained proud owners of Lough Rynn Castle. It stands proud in a 300 acres of lush land filled with natural beauty.

Former Castle Accommodation

The Cahir Castle was erected in 1599. In 1690, the castle was further fortified to repel the Danish troops of William II. The space was turned into a temporary prison in 1809 and was expanded using the design of the committee's chosen architect, Michael Bernard Mullins. It was further enlarged in 1850 during the Great Famine.

Former Castle Hotel

The original castle, Mount Mapas was built back in 1740 by Col. John Mapas, although some records show that a building stood here at a much earlier time. It was used by the IRA and the Black and Tans during the Irish Civil War.

Former Castle Hotel

The land was originally owned by the O'Flaherty Clan and the Lords of Connaught. In 1546 when Grace O'Malley was sixteen, she married Donal O’Flaherty. Their marriage united two of the most powerful families in the country. The castle of Ballynahinch was one of many castles they held. Grace O'Malley's legend is well known in history, she defied the English monarchy and was dubbed the "Queen". She thrived in a man's world, just like Queen Elizabeth I. In September 1593, the two met on equal terms as queen to queen. She was the first Gaelic woman to ever appear in court of an English monarch. For centuries, her story and skill was passed down in Irish folklore and poems.

Former Castle Hotel

Dating back to 1209, Kinnitty is an impressive Gothic castle set within a stunning 650 acres of forests and parkland. The first castle was destroyed and was rebuilt in 1213 by the Normans.

Former Castle Hotel

The castle was built in the early 19th century and belonged to Colonel King Tension. Its name has Gaelic roots, meaning "Ronan's Abbey", reminding of the close by Ronan Abbey ruins and Ronan's Holy Well and his hallow stone that served to baptize his followers. The Tensions fought with the Irish Brigade in France on behalf of Bonnie Prince Charlie and were also involved in the Peninsula Wars in Portugal and Spain. The history continues with their presence at the Battle of Waterloo, the Boer War and much more. This castle hides a long history with some of Ireland's most important historic milestones. If you love to step into the feet of the former royals and travel back in time, while getting pampered all around, than Kilronan Castle is your place to be!

Former Castle Hotel

The Castle was originally owned by the Leslie Family. Their ancestry can be traced back to Atilla the Hun. The first Leslie was a Hungarian Nobleman, he served as the chamberlain and protector of Margaret, the Queen of Scotland. He was known as the "Fighting Bishop" for defeating Cromwell forces in a battle. His son John, inherited the estate at the age of 26.

Former Castle Accommodation

The castle was built in 15th Century. The 50ft high tower dates back to 1470, built by Thomas Hay, a descendent of Richard. In 1641, the owner, George Cheevers was involved in the siege of Duncannon and Confederation of Kilkenny. He was then dispossessed by Cromwell after the Sacking of Wexford. The castle was given to Cromwell's soldier, Colonel Bunbury, as payment of service.

Former Castle Hotel

Markree Castle was built around 14th Century. In 1663, Edward Cooper, who served under Cromwell when defeated by the O'Brien Clan, was given the castle. It became the ancestral seat of the Cooper Family for the following generations. The castle possessed its private observatory, housing the largest telescope in the world in the 19th century. As one of Ireland's greatest houses, it was restored by Charles Cooper in 1989. After 10 generations of the Cooper Family, it was finally given to Irish hoteliers in 2015, the Corscaddens.

Former Castle Hotel

The property was an original castle up until 1720, when it was renovated into a Georgian manor house, rivaling the splendour of the French châteaux. You can stroll around 840 acres of pristine land or play golf on the courses. Today, this Neo-Gothic manor is a hotel offering self-catering villas and townhouses.

Former Castle Accommodation

Originally built as a stronghold, it was surrendered to King Henry VIII and was rebuilt shortly after. Approached by a long drive that winds through acres of beautiful lawns, Dromoland Castle was at first home to the few families of Gaelic Royalty. The first building was built in 15th Century, the present building was completed in 1835.