The Picturesque Castles in Ireland You Can Actually Stay In
The antiquated castles peppering the Irish landscape are no less enchanting for being plentiful, and sometimes a view from outside or a guided tour isn’t enough. If you want to be immersed in the powerful feeling of centuries of history living within their stone walls overnight, the following seven castles in Ireland have been converted into luxury hotels or private residences available to rent for short stays.
1. Hatch’s Castle, County Louth
Hotel
2. Adare Manor, County Limerick
Resort, Hotel
3. Bartra Martello Tower, County Dublin
Hotel
4. Trim Castle, County Meath
Hotel, Luxury
The castle at Trim is the biggest Norman castle in the country at 30,000 square metres. It was built by Hugh de Lancy – Lord of Meath – in the 12th century, and later became one of the primary filming locations for the 1995 film Braveheart. Perched on a high vantage point overlooking the River Boyne, Trim Castle was the site of a number of meetings of the Irish Parliament during the 15th century. It was restored by Ireland’s Office of Public Works during the 1990s at a price of €6 million. Though you can’t actually stay inside the castle itself, the next-door Trim Castle Hotel affords spectacular views of the three-story keep.
5. Helen’s Tower, County Down
Hotel
6. Lough Cutra Castle, County Galway
Hotel
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