Antique Castle Hotels of Ireland

Castle hotels dot the Irish countryside.

Ireland is a fantastic country to visit. It has friendly residents, great-tasting beers, cultural tourist attractions and centuries of history for visitors to experience. The rolling hills of the Irish countryside are dotted with ancient castles. Some of them are several hundred years old. While some castles have been abandoned, others have been preserved and are open to visitors. For those who want to enjoy a more intimate castle experience, there are castle hotels.

Waterford Castle

Waterford, Ireland, isn't just the home of famous Waterford crystal. It is also home of one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Waterford Castle is on an island; guests arrive via a short ferry ride. Waterford Castle's 800-year history becomes evident as soon as you walk inside the door. The entrance hallways are carefully decorated with original carved stone, wood panels and tapestries. The castle has 19 uniquely decorated guest bedrooms. The Munster Room is Waterford Castle's award-winning restaurant. You and your travel companions are welcome to dine here during your stay. If you like, you can have afternoon tea in The Grand Entrance Hall. Light fare is served in the Fitzgerald Room. For those who are looking for an active vacation, golf, clay target shooting, tennis and archery are among some of the sports in which you can participate.

Waterford Castle
The Island
Waterford, Ireland
[phone]
waterfordcastle.com

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle dates all the way to the year 1228, and it is one of the finest castle hotels in all of Ireland. It is located on a 350-acre estate in County Mayo. Each guest room is individually furnished and includes all of the modern amenities that you would expect of any upscale hotel. You can enjoy freshly prepared, gourmet meals at one of two on-site restaurants, sip tea in the Drawing Room or have cocktails in the Prince of Wales Cocktail Lounge. There is a variety of activities in which you can participate during your stay. These include golf, horseback riding, and fishing. John Lennon, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan and Ted Kennedy have all stayed at the Ashford. If you're looking for a quality castle hotel in Ireland, look no further.

Ashford Castle
Cong
County Mayo, Ireland
800-346-7007
ashford.ie

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle is on a 375-acre private estate in County Clare. It dates to the 16th century and is one of the few remaining castles that can be traced to the native Gaelic royal families of Ireland. Here, you'll be surrounded by original woodcarvings, stone statues, oil paintings and antique furniture. Each room is individually decorated and has stunning views of the Irish countryside. Enjoy fine dining at the five-star Castle Restaurant or, for a more unique experience, ask the chef to prepare a picnic basket for you to take with you on a leisurely lunchtime stroll around the estate. Activities at Dromoland include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, tennis and golf.

Dromoland Castle and Country Estate
Newmarket-On-Fergus
County Clare, Ireland
800-346-7007
dromoland.ie

References

• Hotel Ireland: Irish Castle Hotels