Irish Castle Hotels

Irish Castle Hotels

castle image by Witold Krasowski from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Ireland is a wonderful country, with friendly residents, great tasting beers and cultural sites to visit. While vacationing in Ireland, many people choose to stay in traditional hotels located in well-populated areas. For those who want to take advantage of the lush countryside, Ireland has a variety of castle hotels that put the beautiful country at your doorstep. At a castle hotel, you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing without sacrificing modern amenities and well-appointed rooms.

Waterford Castle

Waterford isn't just the home of famed Waterford crystal. It is also where you'll find one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Waterford Castle is located on an island, and guests arrive via a short ferry ride. The castle's 800-year-old history is evident as soon as you walk inside and see a carved stone and wood paneled hallway with its original tapestries. The castle has 19 elegant guest bedrooms, each one decorated uniquely. The Munster Room is the Castle's award-winning restaurant, where you are welcome to dine during your stay. If you like, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the Grand Entrance Hall. Light fare can be found in the Fitzgerald Room. Golf, clay target shooting, tennis and archery are among some of the activities you can try during your time at Waterford Castle.

Waterford Castle
The Island
Waterford, Ireland
+353-51-878-203
waterfordcastle.com

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle dates back to the year 1228, and is one of the finest castle hotels in Ireland. It is located on a 350-acre private estate in County Mayo. All of the guest rooms are individually furnished and provide the modern comforts you would expect of any upscale hotel. Enjoy gourmet meals at one of two restaurants, sip tea in the Drawing Room, or have pre-dinner drinks in the Prince of Wales Cocktail Lounge. Fill your days on the estate with a variety of activities including golf, horseback riding and fishing. John Lennon, George Harrison, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan and Ted Kennedy have all been guests at the Ashford. Look no further for a luxury castle hotel in Ireland.

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

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle sits on a 375-acre estate in County Clare. Dating back to the 16th century, it is one of the few remaining castles which can be traced to the native Gaelic Irish royal families. At Dromoland, you'll enjoy the combination of modern comforts with old-world charm. You'll be surrounded by original woodcarvings, stone statues, hand-carved panels, oil paintings and antique furniture. Each guest room is individually decorated and has spectacular views of the Irish countryside. Enjoy fine dining at the five-star Castle Restaurant, where you can have the Six-Course Dinner Celebration. Or, for a truly unique experience, have the chef prepare a picnic basket for you to take with you on a leisurely lunchtime stroll on the estate grounds. Activities include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, golf and tennis.

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

Article Written By Maria Janelli

Maria Janelli is a freelance writer based in New York City. She has spent her career working in schools and for educational non-profit organizations. Janelli holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Saint Peter's College and a Master of Arts in English Literature from Rutgers University.

Write for Trails.com
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