Is that this a golden age for Irish castles? Which may sound loopy, with a pandemic raging and tourism in tatters.
ut take a look at it one other approach. These centuries-old constructions have seen a disaster or two earlier than — from storms to recessions and Civil Conflict. They’re nonetheless right here, and so they look extra attractive than ever.
Look again over the 21st century. Ashford Citadel has a $75m refurb, Dromoland a €20m spruce-up. The Romantic Castles of Eire assortment has taken castles like Cabra and Markree to the highest finish of four-star stays, as has the Hanly Citadel Group with Lough Rynn and Kilronan. Killeavy Property has gotten a brand new lease of life in Co Armagh, Luttrellstown a glowing refurb in Dublin.
“There’s a definite transfer available in the market,” Aidan O’Sullivan of Kilkea Citadel instructed us earlier this yr. “Each Irish and People have seen the step up and wish to go go to them.”
Superstar guests, like Taylor Swift at Glin Citadel, or Ed Sheeran at Luttrellstown, have added stardust. Airbnb has given privately-run tower homes a brand new platform.
Advances in tech haven’t seen castles tossed away like previous telephones, however allowed them to combine higher spas, wi-fi, heating, kitchens and sustainability plans (Ashford Citadel, for instance, plans to remove single-use plastics by 2022).
But nonetheless, they provide “the romance that comes with the actual true construct of a citadel”, as O’Sullivan put it.
Castles are hero pictures of Eire; they appeal to rich abroad company. However locals love them for weddings, particular events and stayovers too.
Covid-19 restrictions cling over us now, however they’ll be ready once we journey once more.
1. Ashford Citadel, Co Mayo
Ashford Citadel, Cong, Co. Mayo.
Finest for: Pure citadel luxurious
Why: In case your concept of a dream citadel has turrets, doormen, fits of armour, previous portraits, antiques and crackling fires, Ashford Citadel will match the invoice. In addition to the beautiful ambiance, you’ll be pampered with five-star luxurious. Among the citadel itself dates again 800 years and there are many authentic options inside and outside. There’s tons to do too — have afternoon tea beside the fireplace, loosen up within the spa or personal cinema (added in a latest multi-million-euro improve), go strolling within the woods with two Irish wolfhounds, take a ship journey on Lough Corrib or take one of many lodge’s bikes to discover the grounds and native village of Cong. — YG
Particulars: Doubles from €415 per evening; ashfordcastle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Lease the West Wing of Crom Citadel in Co Fermanagh, with bonus four-poster beds; cromcastle.com
2. Dromoland Citadel, Co Clare
Finest for: Stately romance
Why: Every part about this five-star oozes romance, from first glimpse to the old-world ambiance inside. A latest €20m refurb now underpins the antiques, work, stained-glass home windows and fits of armour, and cosy drinks within the plush, octagonal Cocktail Bar or afternoon tea beside the drawing-room fireplace are quintessential experiences. Exterior there’s fishing, boat journeys, falconry walks, horse-riding and a golf course, plus a spa and leisure centre with pool to loosen up in. Choose of the rooms? Strive the Thomond Suite, set over two flooring within the turret, full with four-poster mattress. — YG
Particulars: Doubles from €310; dromoland.ie
If you happen to like this, strive: Adare Manor isn’t a citadel, however together with Dromoland and Ashford Citadel, it completes a trilogy of iconic Irish stays within the west. adaremanor.com
three. Glin Citadel
Glin Citadel, Glin, Co Limerick
Finest for: Unique use
Why: Dwell the lifetime of a knight at Glin Citadel, the ancestral residence of the FitzGerald household, Knights of Glin. The home itself was constructed within the 1800s for entertaining, with a big light-filled drawing room, a library with two secret doorways, plus a eating room, all with open fires. The 15 bedrooms are adorned in interval type, and a few have four-poster beds. Exterior, there are stunning gardens to discover on the 400-acre wooded demesne which overlooks the River Shannon. Take a look at the close by Knight’s Stroll which results in a hill with very good Shannon views. — YG
Particulars: Lease your entire home (a Blue E-book property) from €three,500 to €7,000 per evening; glin-castle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Lough Cutra in Co Galway has 9 bedrooms plus 10 courtyard rooms; loughcutra.com
four. Killeavy Citadel, Co Armagh
Kileavy Citadel Property, Co Armagh
Finest for: A boutique cut price
Why: It’s excellent for social distancing, dahling. The small Killeavy Citadel, after which this lodge property is called, could be booked solely from €1,920 an evening. That’s some huge cash, sure, however it gives a four-bed area sleeping eight for lower than the worth of a collection at Ashford or Dromoland. Courting from 1836, its restoration is the cherry on the cake at this formidable property close to Slieve Gullion, just lately rebooted by Robin and Mick Boyle. Wander by way of a servants’ tunnel to the lodge, eat farm-to-fork specials on the restaurant or take a spa remedy earlier than retiring to your quarters. — PÓC
Particulars: Unique rent of the four-bed citadel from €1,920. B&B and dinner within the lodge from €220; killeavycastle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Fanningstown Citadel in Co Limerick gives self-catering for teams of 10. fanningstowncastle.com
5. Helen’s Tower, Co Down
Finest for: Splendid isolation
Why: This distinctive three-storey tower within the woods of Clandeboye Property in Co Down is ideal for an remoted escape. There’s an open fireplace within the cosy sitting room, a double bed room, a wood-panelled octagonal studying room and better of all, no TV or wi-fi. Climb the stone steps for panoramic views stretching over the encompassing countryside from the roof terrace. If you happen to do enterprise out, there are many native walks on the Clandeboye Approach, and Strangford Lough and its surrounds are only a few minutes away by automotive. — YG
Particulars: Two nights from €332 approx; irishlandmark.com
If you happen to like this, strive: The three-bed Tubbrid Citadel, Co Kilkenny, is an genuine rural Irish tower home; tubbridcastle.com
6. Waterford Citadel Resort
Finest for: Non-public island stays
Why: If you happen to like the thought of a citadel with the peace and quiet of an island setting, the gorgeous 16th-century Waterford Citadel is ready by itself personal island, reached by a brief ferry crossing; 19 bedrooms embody suites with interval décor, and there are island lodges too. There’s a stunning quantity to do on the island’s 310 acres, with walks and nature trails, an 18-hole golf course, croquet, tennis and clay pigeon taking pictures. Afterwards, gown up for dinner within the oak-panelled, two-AA rosette Munster Room, or go informal within the extra casual clubhouse. — YG
Particulars: Rooms from €179; waterfordcastleresort.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Belle Isle Citadel is a 470-acre property unfold over eight islands on Lough Erne; belle-isle.com
7. Citadel Leslie, Co Monaghan
The restored West Wing at Citadel Leslie
Finest for: Weddings
Why: A citadel setting is among the most romantic choices for a marriage, and Citadel Leslie has all the things from a church, St Salvator’s, to stunning picture ops round 1,000 acres of woodland property. The citadel is not any stranger to celebrities (Paul McCartney and Heather Mills married right here in 2002) and just lately added a brand new two-storey suite — The West Wing — with four-poster mattress, terrace and personal remedy room. Underneath present guidelines, you may have drinks within the citadel, and meals are served within the Pavilion (and might seat as much as 260 company in ‘non-Covid’ occasions). You may even use the Citadel Leslie Property sword to chop the marriage cake. — YG
Particulars: E-book all 21 citadel rooms for a marriage get together, from €220 per room per evening (Covid restrictions dependent, in fact). Keep within the Lodge from €250. castleleslie.com
If you happen to like this, strive: The 17th-century Bellingham Citadel in Co Louth has a non-public marriage ceremony suite, formal gardens, and you may ebook all out all 19 rooms; bellinghamcastle.ie
eight. Ballyportry Citadel, Co Clare
Finest for: A medieval tower home keep
Why: This 15th-century Gaelic tower home has a dramatic setting within the rocky Burren. The tower is simply stuffed with character, inside and outside. Limestone flooring and partitions and curved stone staircases are made cosy with turf-burning stoves, candles, wood cabinets stuffed with books, rugs and woolly blankets (although it additionally has underfloor heating). The tower home is fantastically furnished to replicate the type of the 15th century, and the inside (with six bedrooms) is ready over six totally different flooring. Dwell it up for meals on the eating desk within the Nice Corridor on the highest ground. — YG
Particulars: The citadel sleeps as much as eight company and prices from €2,043 for a keep of 1 to 3 nights; ballyportry.ie
If you happen to like this strive: Ballytarsna-Hackett, a restored 15th-century tower home in Co Tipperary, sleeps eight; airbnb.ie
9. Lismore Citadel, Co Waterford
Lismore Citadel’s Butler, Denis Nevin. Picture: Patrick Browne
Finest for: Previous-world class
Why: This can be a correct old-world citadel, courting from 1185 with a number of interval furnishings, artwork and a formidable historical past (it was as soon as owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, and company have included JFK and Prince Charles). The citadel is residence to the Duke of Devonshire’s household, however accessible for personal rent at varied occasions within the yr. It sleeps as much as 27, with two sitting rooms, a eating room, grand corridor, library, video games room, playroom, drawing room and banqueting corridor for particular events. Better of all, it’s totally staffed and even has its personal butler who has been there for 35 years. — YG
Particulars: 15 bedrooms together with chef, butler, housekeeping and meals from €10,000 per evening; lismorecastle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: The 13th-century Cloghan Citadel in Co Galway has a formidable banquet room; cloghancastle.ie
10. Ballynahinch Citadel, Connemara
Finest for: Outside pursuits and cosy pints
Why: “Genuine and unpretentious” is how this Connemara citadel payments itself, perched by itself salmon and sea trout fishery on the Ballynahinch River. Outside actions embody fishing with knowledgeable ghillies, taking pictures, strolling and biking. 20 citadel rooms had been just lately restored and have been joined by two luxurious self-catering choices — Owenmore Cottage and Lettery Lodge. The citadel was famously owned by Indian prince the Maharaja Ranjitsinhji, in addition to the Irish Tourism Board from 1949-52 (the primary signature in a visitor ebook from the interval belongs to Éamon de Valera).A drink and dinner by the fireplace within the Fisherman’s bar is among the cosiest citadel spots within the land. — PÓC
Particulars: B&B from €230 per evening; ballynahinch-castle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Abbeyglen Citadel is one other basic Connemara citadel keep in Clifden. abbeyglen.ie
11. Luttrellstown Citadel, Co Dublin
Finest for: Golf… and afternoon tea
Why: Whereas a number of Irish castles have golf programs, the 18-hole championship course at Luttrellstown goes additional, from links-style bunkers and water hazards to mature parklands, all set on a 567-acre property. The clubhouse is designed like an alpine lodge, and there’s a driving vary, placing inexperienced, quick course and professional store. The 600-year-old citadel itself has gotten a glowing refurb, and is on the market for unique rent, with a number of period-style rooms with four-posters and free-standing baths, although non-residents can ebook afternoon tea. Keep in mind when David and Victoria Beckham received married right here? — YG
Particulars: Inexperienced charges from €50, citadel rent (20 bedrooms) from €12,150 an evening; luttrellstowncastle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Ashford Citadel, Dromoland, Kilkea Citadel and Waterford Citadel even have golf accessible.
12. Cabra Citadel, Co Cavan
Finest for: Ghost looking
Why: This was as soon as rated the second scariest lodge on this planet by TripAdvisor. Tales of ghostly crying return to the story of Sarah, a servant woman from the 1780s, whereas company have additionally reported seeing a person in navy gown, and a horse and carriage within the courtyard. The unique citadel dates again to 1699, and whether or not the tales have any reality (apparently the house owners and employees have by no means seen something), this can be a gorgeous citadel lodge to remain in, with loads of old-world ambiance, a number of nooks and crannies plus 100 acres of parklands and gardens to discover. It’s been neatly restored by the Corscadden household, whose Romantic Castles of Eire assortment consists of Markree Citadel in Sligo, Bellingham in Co Louth and Ballyseede in Co Kerry. — YG
Particulars: Courtyard rooms from €220 and cottage rooms from €145 (enquire about citadel rooms); cabracastle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Ghostly goings-on have additionally been reported at Kinnitty Citadel in Co Offaly; kinnittycastlehotel.com
13. Kilkea Citadel, Co Kildare
Kilkea Citadel, Co Kildare
Finest for: Historical past lovers; golfers
Why: Right here’s a choose for citadel purists. Kilkea Citadel dates from 1180 and has gotten a delicate reboot due to Boston-based house owners Jay and Christy Cashman. “As of late when you have a squiggly piece of roof, persons are calling it a citadel,” Reamonn McDonnell from the lodge instructed me this yr. “That is the actual deal.” Keep in one in all 11 citadel rooms for ambiance (the Fitzgerald Suite has a rest room in a round tower; the Wizard Earl’s Room has a view of a Hogwarts-worthy ‘wizard’s workshop’). A blazing fireplace within the baronial corridor, beautiful stonemasonry and a sprawling property that features a new spa and 18-hole golf course full the image. That is top-end, four-star citadel luxurious, a brief sprint from Dublin, and by no means feels too stuffy. — PÓC
Particulars: Keep in a single day within the citadel with dinner from €240. Lodge or carriage rooms are cheaper. kilkeacastle.ie
If you happen to like that, strive: The Blue E-book’s Belleek Citadel in Ballina, Co Mayo, is a treasure chest; belleekcastle.com
14. Anne’s Grove, Co Cork
Finest for: Memento-sized stays
Why: This miniature citadel was inbuilt 1853 in Gothic type as a gatelodge for Annesgrove Home, however it’s an enthralling and peaceable hideaway in itself, due to a setting on a quiet nation highway. Picket flooring and ceilings, stone options and cosy rooms add a number of character. There’s a sitting room with a wood-burning range, plus a bed room reached by a winding stone stairs, and a small backyard with a patio for outside eating. There’s no TV or wi-fi, however there’s a radio, board video games and loads of native walks. — YG
Particulars: It sleeps two, and one canine is allowed; from €340 for 2 nights; irishlandmark.com
If you happen to like this, strive: The Barbican is a miniature citadel entrance lodge to Glenarm, Co Antrim; irishlandmark.com
15. Cahercastle, Co Galway
The principle bed room with its ‘tree mattress’ and mezzanine
Finest for: Kings and queens of Airbnb
Why: For self-catering, try this medieval citadel from the 1400s, with genuine options like winding staircases and open fireplaces. The rental is for the 2 flooring on the high of the citadel, which embody the master suite with entry to the turret and an additional double mattress in a mezzanine space. The citadel has been painstakingly restored by its proprietor Peter Hayes over a few years, with conventional supplies like native stone and oak beam combined with fashionable luxuries like underfloor heating. — YG
Particulars: From €160 per evening; airbnb.ie
If you happen to like this, strive: The Black Citadel close to Lough Derg, Co Tipperary, has one bed room sleeping two. airbnb.ie
16. Lough Rynn Citadel, Co Leitrim
The Bridal Suite at Lough Rynn Citadel, Co. Leitrim
Finest for: Walks and gardens
Why: Among the finest elements of staying in a lot of Eire’s castles are the grounds, with all the things from forests to formal or walled gardens to take pleasure in. The walled gardens at Lough Rynn are among the many focal factors of the 300 acres of land and gardens, well-liked for romantic strolls and marriage ceremony photographs (as Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman will inform you). When the Hanly Group bought the citadel in 2001, they restored them to their former glory. Now the fruit, vegetable and herb gardens present recent produce for the citadel kitchen and restaurant. — YG
Particulars: Rooms from €95; loughrynn.ie
If you happen to like this, strive: Ballyseede Citadel in Co Kerry has an orangery and 30 acres; ballyseedecastle.com
17. Clontarf Citadel, Dublin
Simply 10 minutes from Dublin metropolis, Clontarf Citadel is the right romantic getaway for historical past lovers.
Finest for: A citadel keep within the metropolis
Why: The best place to relaxation your head if you need a citadel expertise close to Dublin metropolis (simply 10 minutes away) and the airport. Clontarf Citadel dates from 1837 and the four-star’s rooms have a heritage theme, with a smattering of four-posters within the suites. We advocate grabbing a comfortable nook in Knights Bar, which has a number of character with interval options and open fireplaces, for a cocktail, bites from the gastro bar menu and a sup of the Citadel’s personal pale ale, Cluain Tarbh (Clontarf’s authentic title in Irish). — YG
Particulars: Rooms from €109; clontarfcastle.ie
If you happen to like this, strive: Fitzpatrick Citadel Lodge in Killiney has pretty views of Dublin Bay; fitzpatrickcastle.com
18. Springfield Citadel, Co Limerick
Finest for: Renting a citadel tower
Why: Springfield Citadel is steeped in historical past, with simply the right combination of household residence and historic property. The citadel is ready on a 200-acre property and the primary constructing has eight bedrooms, or you may lease your entire East Tower which sleeps 10 (in 5 bedrooms). The tower has its personal personal courtyard and there’s a patio with barbecue, fireplace pit and herb backyard, and a big eating area and basement room for enjoyable in when the climate’s not so good. — YG
Particulars: From €2,500 an evening; springfieldcastle.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Flats in Slender Water Citadel, Co Down overlook Carlingford Bay; narrowwatercastle.co.uk
19. The Citadel, Co Cork
Finest for: Waterside stays
Why: This picturesque citadel overlooks Castlehaven Harbour in West Cork, a really perfect spot for exploring the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Approach. The Citadel’s most important half was constructed round 1650 and the citadel nonetheless has an old-world really feel, with oak-panelled hallways plus some authentic furnishings and portraits. Rooms are fundamental, and every room is exclusive, many with sea views. The citadel has a small waterside cafe open from April to September. — YG
Particulars: Rooms from €100-€200 per evening, with self-catering cottages from €350 per week; castle-townshend.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Ballygally Citadel Lodge in Co Antrim (it has a ghost room, too); hastingshotels.com
20. Lough Eske Citadel, Co Donegal
Lough Eske Citadel, Donegal
Finest for: Rapunzel fantasies
Why: The Tower Suite is probably the choose of the lodging at this five-star, contained throughout the citadel’s turret, however you’ll additionally discover bigger citadel suites, junior suites and courtyard in addition to citadel rooms. A brand new bar launches subsequent summer time, there are 43 acres of woodland throughout, and there’s a newly revamped lake lodge, too. — PÓC
Particulars: Winter getaways from €189 per room, together with prosecco and a €20 eating credit score. lougheskecastlehotel.com
If you happen to like this, strive: Co. Roscommon’s Kilronan Citadel gives a fairytale four-star expertise. kilronancastle.ie
NB: Costs are per room, until in any other case said, and topic to vary/availability and Covid laws. Verify cancellation insurance policies earlier than reserving.
Six of one of the best citadel day journeys
Glenveagh Nationwide Park. Picture: Gardiner Mitchell/Fáílte Eire
Gardiner Mitchell/Fáílte Eire
Glenveagh Citadel, Co Donegal
Set in Glenveagh Nationwide Park, a 16,000-hectare wilderness with forests, lakes, mountains, bogs and even its personal herd of pink deer, Glenveagh Citadel is at present closed for excursions, however the tea rooms and gardens are open for exploring. Stroll or cycle 4km from the primary automotive park to the citadel after which hit one of many quieter trails additional into the valley. glenveaghnationalpark.ie
Bunratty Citadel, Co Clare
A tour of this iconic 15th-century citadel provides an incredible perception into the ups and downs of life inside a citadel, in addition to the battles and energy struggles between the world’s warring households and clans. The people park is a captivating place to discover several types of homes from the 19th century, from replicas of rural cottages and farmhouses to Georgian dwellings, and even a avenue with actual retailers and a pub. E-book excursions prematurely. bunrattycastle.ie
Kilkenny Citadel, Kilkenny
There was a citadel right here on the River Nore since 1195 and this huge pile has a wealthy historical past, notably with the Butler dynasty, who dominated the world for hundreds of years. The citadel was famously bought to the individuals of Kilkenny for £50 in 1967. Since then it has been lovingly restored, with most of the authentic items retrieved and proudly displayed. The citadel is open for excursions (some rooms are at present closed), however ebook prematurely. kilkennycastle.ie
Trim Citadel, Co Meath
With its lengthy curtain wall, spectacular stone towers and gateways, this magnificent fortress appears like a typical fairytale citadel from the skin, particularly lit up at evening. Constructed over 30 years within the 12th century, proper on the River Boyne, that is Eire’s largest Norman citadel, although largely now a destroy. The Nice Corridor, hold and chapel are at present closed, however the grounds are open at weekends. heritageireland.ie
King John’s Citadel, Limerick
Fireplace a mock cannon, step right into a blacksmith’s forge and ‘converse’ to a blacksmith or coin maker — a go to to St John’s Citadel is a enjoyable solution to study its 800 years of turbulent historical past. The Vikings arrange camp right here, adopted by the Normans, after which King John, brother of Richard the Lionheart. The customer centre brings the historical past to life by way of all the things from touch-screens (sanitised) and exercise drawers to 3D fashions and audio-visual reveals. kingjohnscastle.com
Blarney Citadel, Co Cork
In addition to exploring the destroy of this tower home and climbing the battlements to kiss the well-known ‘stone of eloquence’ (sanitised between every particular person), you may as well discover Blarney Citadel’s 60 acres of grounds and gardens, with woodlands, a fern backyard and ice home. Don’t miss the ethereal Rock Shut, with its set of bizarre caves and wishing steps — which could encourage some eloquent phrases when you’ve already kissed the stone. blarneycastle.ie