Stay in a luxury Irish castle and live out your Enya fantasies
Everyone’s favorite Irish pop diva, Enya, lives alone in Manderley Castle in Dublin’s Dalkey village with her vast fortune. The image of this glamorous star living a life removed from the perils of the modern world is highly romantic. There’s also something distinctly Irish about it. Why can’t I live a life of total independence in an Irish castle, gazing wistfully at the world from my chamber window?
Well, oddly enough you can. Ireland is full of fairytale castles surrounded by storybook landscapes. To experience the Emerald Isle at its best, why not stay in a luxury castle as opposed to a standard hotel?
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Ashford Castle – Ultimate Luxury on Lough Corrib
For the ultimate five-star castle experience, Ashford Castle in County Mayo is a must-visit. Dating back to the 13th century, this stunning lakeside retreat has sumptuous suites, exceptional dining, and romantic activities like private boat tours and falconry sessions. The castle’s spa, set in a former conservatory, is perfect for couples looking to unwind with a luxurious treatment before a fireside whiskey tasting.
Be sure to take a stroll to the nearby village of Cong. That’ll give you an excuse to explore the otherworldly landscapes surrounding Ashford Castle. It’s like taking a trip to Middle Earth, only with 5-star amenities.
Dromoland Castle – County Clare
Set on a sprawling estate in County Clare, Dromoland Castle is a fairytale retreat fit for royalty. It’s been welcoming guests since the Tudor period. With ornate interiors, Michelin-star dining, and an 18-hole golf course, it’s a great place for couples who love a touch of grandeur. Enjoy an intimate dinner in the castle’s opulent dining hall, then take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the ancient woodlands surrounding the estate.
Dromoland Castle was originally a defensive tower house until the estate was transformed into a grand Gothic Revival-style castle in the early 19th century under the direction of Sir Edward O’Brien. For centuries, it remained the seat of the O’Brien clan before being converted into a luxury hotel in the 1960s, preserving its aristocratic quality while welcoming guests from around the world. Today, Dromoland Castle is one of Ireland’s most prestigious five-star hotels.
Ballynahinch Castle – County Galway
For a more rustic but still luxurious experience, Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara is located in the wild landscapes of County Galway. Overlooking a river and surrounded by misty mountains, this castle is perfect for LGBTQ+ couples seeking a cozy castle experience worthy of Enya. Spend your days strolling through the gardens, fly-fishing in the nearby waters, or simply unwinding by the fire with a glass of Irish whiskey.
Ballynahinch Castle dates back to the 18th century. Originally built as a hunting lodge, the castle has been home to Irish aristocrats, the Maharaja Ranjitsinhji of Nawanagar, and prominent landlords over the centuries. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, woodlands, and the Ballynahinch River, this is one of the most atmospheric places you can stay in Ireland.
What makes Irish castles unique
Ireland’s castles date back to the Norman invasion of the 12th century, when stone fortresses were built to establish control over the Irish landscape. Before this, ringforts and tower houses—simple yet defensible structures—were the primary forms of fortification. Over time, Anglo-Norman lords and Gaelic chieftains constructed tower houses, a uniquely Irish form of castle that combined defence with domestic living. These castles, such as Bunratty Castle and Ross Castle, were built with thick stone walls, narrow staircases, and high vantage points to withstand attacks. Unlike the grand palaces of England, Irish castles often had a more rugged, practical design, reflecting Ireland’s history of clan warfare and resistance to English rule. Many of these medieval castles were later expanded or converted into stately homes, blending Norman, Gaelic, and later Georgian influences.
What sets Irish castles apart from their English counterparts is their strategic positioning in dramatic landscapes, often built on cliffs, concealed in misty valleys, or overlooking wild rivers and lakes. While English castles were often built as symbols of royal power, serving administrative and military functions, many Irish castles remained strongholds for local clans well into the 17th century, reflecting Ireland’s fragmented political structure. Additionally, Irish castles tend to have a more intimate, lived-in feel, with cozy great halls, grand fireplaces, and secluded courtyards, rather than the vast, structured layouts of English palaces. Today, many of these castles have been restored as luxury hotels and heritage sites, including the stunning properties listed in this guide.
