RENT A CASTLE IN IRELAND

Ireland is rich in history, natural beauty and cultural heritage.  Folklore meets rugged coastlines and rolling hills.  When staying in an Irish castle, guests experience more than just grand architecture; private estate tours through ancient grounds, private whiskey tastings and guided experiences to historic Irish landmarks, beaches and moutains.  Irish hospitality has to be experienced to be understood and staying in an Irish castle will take you on a journey of storytelling and hospitality unlike anywhere else in the world.

Exclusive Experiences for Castle Guests

Staying in an Irish castle allows guests to enjoy access to a host of unique, invitation only experiences.  Each activity is created for exclusivity and refinement whether it is a private falconry display or a wildlife safari across the dramatic Irish countryside.  Expert guides give private tours of historic houses and gardens revealing hidden chambers, ancient stories and treasures.  Outdoor adventures can involve private fishing trips, guided hiking into the mountains and golf on some of Ireland’s best golf courses.  With Loyd & Townsend Rose, we think of every detail and transform an Irish castle stay into a seamless journey of adventure, heritage, hospitality and luxury.

Food, Whiskey & Authentic Irish Hospitality

A stay in an Irish castle revolves around food, drink and the legendary Irish hospitality as much as the grandeur of the castle.  Castle guests can enjoy exceptional cuisine created with Ireland’s finest local ingredients.  Freshly caught Atlantic seafood, artisan cheeses and estate grown produce.  Private whiskey tastings offers an insight into age-old traditions and gives guests the opportunity to experience the character of Ireland’s distilleries.  However, the warmth of the Irish people, the genuine welcome and charm is what really makes an Irish castle stay totally unforgettable.  Why not visit some of Dublin’s Michelin Star restaurants during your stay?

Plan your Irish Adventure with Loyd & Townsend Rose

From the long sandy beaches of Donegal and the Giants Causeway in Antrim to the Silver Strands in Mayo and the Ring of Kerry, Ireland encompasses a fantastically wide variety of countryside, cultures, and sites of historical and religious importance.  Its eastern capital, Dublin, is the birthplace of writers including Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, and is the home of Guinness beer.  Nicknamed the ‘Emerald Isle’ for its lush landscape of rolling green hills, it is dotted with castles and ancient sites.

Whatever you choose to do, whenever you choose to go and wherever you choose to go in Ireland, you will be tripping over the historical and cultural past such as:

• Prehistoric Irish remains, Brú na Bóinne
• Evidence of the country’s monastic past such as Glendalough and Clonmacnoise overlooking the River Shannon
• The Titanic Museum in Cobh with it’s brightly colored houses

LTR has some beautiful Irish country houses to rent at its finger tips and they each have their own special characteristics.  There are several stately homes and castles in Ireland that are open to the public and have magnificent gardens to explore and enjoy during your Ireland luxury vacation. 

Ready to experience the magic of staying in an Irish castle?  Contact us today for expert guidance on your luxury escape.

Ireland has castles stays for every type of vacation.  We only have a sample of these historic castles on our website with many more we can offer for vacations to suit all groups sizes, desired location and requirements.

Historic Irish Castles

Staying in a historic Irish castle is a treat reserved for the discerning traveler wishing to get away from it all and take life at a slower pace.  Fully staffed and catered, these castles and stately homes offer their guests true comfort and privacy from which to experience a luxury Ireland vacation and explore the wonders that the country has to offer.  LTR’s relationships with the families that own such special places mean we can organize the most wonderful luxury travel in Ireland.  Have a look at the best castles near Cork here.

Irish Castles for Large Groups

Most castles in Ireland to rent are large in size and cater for big groups of family or friends.  Lismore Castle in Co. Waterford, is a great example of this being one of the largest castle rentals, it can sleep up to 27 people in bedrooms all with their own bathrooms.  Another example of a castle rental for large groups is Lough Cutra Castle in Co. Galway.  It sleeps 17 people in 9 beautifully refurbished bedrooms in the castle itself, with additional accommodation for 23 guests in three recently renovated cottages on the estate.

Irish Castles for Families

In Northern Ireland, Crom Castle sits majestically above Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh.  Perfect for family groups, you can either take just the West Wing on a self-catered basis or you can take the whole castle which sleeps 24 guests in 12 double and twin bedrooms all with their own bathrooms.  Renting the whole castle it is staffed and catered and guests will have exclusive use of the state drawing and dining rooms for entertaining.  Also ideal for families is Quintin Castle in Co. Down in Northern Ireland.  This Irish castle provides accommodation for up to 24 people in 10 bedrooms with modern, ensuite bathrooms.

Irish Castles for Celebrations

Castles in Ireland were built for entertaining which makes them ideal for celebrations, birthdays and anniversary milestones.  Just one hours drive from Dublin, Ballinlough Castle in Co. Westmeath is the perfect Irish castle in which to celebrate a special birthday or occasion.  It is a fairytale castle which has been in the same family since it was built in 1615 and it sleeps up to 18 guests. 

Luxurious Irish Castles

Ireland has some of the world’s most luxurious castle estates.  Centuries of history are seemlessly mixed with modern five-star amenities and comfort.  Grand Irish castles such as Glin Castle in Co. Limerick, give guests the chance to stay and experience beautifully restored ancient walls at the same time as staying in lavish bedrooms, experiencing fine dining and expansive parklands.  Antique furniture, roaring open fores and panoramic views of Irish loughs and rolling green countryside create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.  Guests can enjoy cookery classes, traditional Irish music and dancing, trips to local sites, whiskey tasting, scavenger hunts and many other wonderful activities before returning to opulent rooms reflecting Ireland’s noble heritage and legendary hospitality.

Irish Castles near the Coast or Loughs

Irish castles that sit along the rugged coastline or overlook tranquil loughs can enjoy some of the most dramatic scenery in Ireland.  Glin Castle on the Shannon Estuary, Ballinlough Castle with it’s private lough for fishing, Crom Castle on the shores of Lough Erne, Quintin Castle with it’s own private jetty and beach, Lismore Castle on the River Blackwater with superb salmon & trout fishing and Lough Cutra Castle (as the name suggests) where guests can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding on Europe’s largest privately owned lake are just some of the historic strongholds that are the best castles to stay in Ireland.  These Irish castles were once strategically placed for defence and trade but are now admired for their romantic settings and magical atmosphere that feels wild and timeless.

How do I choose the right Irish castle for my stay?

Contact us at LTR by phone on +44 (0) 1835 824642 or email so we can get to know you and shortlist Irish castles for your stay.  We will want to understand what kind of experience you are looking for.  Some castles such as Glin Castle in Co. Limerick offer grand five-star luxury with extensive activites, while others like Crom Castle in Northern Ireland are within easy reach of a number of golf courses including the 5 Star Lough Erne Golf Resort designed by Nick Faldo at Enniskillen.  It is important to consider the size, location and amenities of a castle rental; whether secluded countryside, a coastal setting or an Irish castle near to cultural landmarks are important for your Irish stay.

When is the best time to rent a castle in Ireland?

May to September is the best time to visit Ireland because late spring to early autumn offers the warmest weather, longest daylight hours and lush green landscapes.  It is ideal for exploring castle gardens and the Irish countryside.  Summer is the most popular season and is most likely to be busiest in terms of visitors whilst spring and autumn will be quieter with fewer crowds.  Christmas can also be a magical time to visit as historic castles such as Lough Cutra Castle and Quintin Castle feel especially cozy with roaring open fires, Christmas decorations and privacy.  

What services are included when renting an Irish castle?

Dedicated staff, daily housekeeping, private chefs, full concierge planning service and bespoke itinerary creation to arrange experiences such as falconry, boating, fishing and guided sightseeing excursions.

Can we host a private event or celebration in an Irish castle?

Yes, all of our Irish castles for rent can host private events and celebrations.  Irish castles were built for entertaining on a grand scale and we love to create memories for life when we design special birthdays and celebrations for our guests.

What’s the difference between renting an Irish castle and booking a hotel stay?

Privacy and exclusivity are the key differences between renting a castle and staying in a hotel.  Renting an Irish castle offers full use of the estate for you and your guests creating privacy, exclusivity and luxurious accommodation within historic surroundings.  In contrast, staying at a castle hotel such as Ballyfin, guests can enjoy the luxurious accommodation and amenities whilst sharing the hotel with other visitors.  Both provide remarkable settings, but renting a private castle provides a more personal and private experience.

How much does it cost to rent a castle in Ireland?

Castle rental in Ireland starts at around £5,000 per night.  It does vary enormously, depending on many factors such as the number of guests, the level of staffing and service as well as activities and entertainment.  Every Irish castle rental is bespoke and the price will reflect this.

Are Irish castles suitable for families with children?

Yes, many Irish castles are suitable for families with children, however, some may not be ideal depending on the age of the children.  We can guide you and your family on the most suitable castles in Ireland available to rent that are child friendly.  We also can arrange child friendly activities to run alongside entertainment for grown ups so that everyone is kept happy whilst on vacation.

Do Irish castles have modern amenities?

Yes, the Irish castles that we have available to stay in have been beautifully renovated and combine historic architecture with modern comfort.  The stone walls, grand halls, antique furniture and roaring open fires combine seamlessly with contemporary amenities such as luxury bathrooms, central heating, high-speed wifi and fine dining.  

Are Irish castle rentals available for short stays, or do I need to book for a full week?

Absolutely, yes, Irish castles can be booked for a short stay.  Most of them have a minimum night stay of 2-3 nights so a long weekend is perfectly possible.  Alternatively, you can book for a full week, two weeks, a month or longer.

Can LTR Castles arrange exclusive experiences during our stay?

Yes, absolutely, we love to arrange exclusive experiences for our guests.  Whether you and your guests like museums or art galleries, salmon fishing or sightseeing, we can arrange it all for you and ensure a bespoke itinerary to keep all your group happy during your stay.

Are the Irish people welcoming?

Yes!  The people of Ireland are known for their warmth and friendliness.  Their wonderful sense of humor and conversation is enough to put a smile on any visitor’s face and you will be assured a warm welcome in this small but beautiful country.  The music cannot go without a mention.  The wonderful, lyrical, almost haunting music that is so much a part of the landscape and the history of the country can often be heard, played ‘live’ in many of the local Irish pubs.

Still have questions about renting an Irish castle?  Our team is happy to help – get in touch today!”