Want to experience what it may be like to live like a king or a queen? Book a stay in a castle in County Kildare and you might just find out! Not only can you visit magnificent and ancient castles here in Kildare, but some also offer unique accommodation for you to stay in.
Why not stay in a 13th-century fortress built for defence against warring clans, or relax in the surroundings of a luxuriously grand 12th-century estate and feel like Irish nobility?
Whether you want to experience Kildare like your ancestors, or are looking for the ultimate romantic place to stay – why not stay overnight in a castle and really bring your dreams to life.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kilkea Castle (@kilkeacastle)
A post shared by Kilkea Castle (@kilkeacastle)
Prepare to feel like royalty when you enter the grounds of one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland. With a history dating back to 1180, Kilkea Castle captures the mystical charm of a 12th Century majestic castle and combines it with pure luxury.
Once the medieval stronghold of the FitzGerald’s, Earls of Kildare, the Castle was built by Hugh de Lacy for one of Strongbow’s Norman Noblemen, Walter de Riddlesford. Set on 180 acres of its own wonderful woodland, gardens and golf course, Kilkea Castle offers on-site activities fit for a king or queen – from luxury spa facilities and falconry displays, to traditional country pursuits such as salmon fishing and horse riding through the castle grounds.
As an important landmark of Irish history, Kilkea Castle has a quirky tale or two to discover – from rebellions to betrayals – and maybe even a ghost or two!
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A post shared by Barberstown Castle (@barberstowncastlehotel)
Barberstown Castle has been welcoming guests for over 700 years. Visitors to the castle will experience a grand and lavish interior – think spiral staircases, clawfoot baths, huge roaring fires, palatial bedrooms with canopy four-poster beds… imagine you’re back in the 13th century – but with wifi!
Nestled on 20 acres of surrounding gardens, Barberstown was one of the first great Irish country houses to be transformed into a hotel when it opened in 1971.
Close to the village of Straffan, Barberstown Castle has a colourful history. Originally built as a fortress to protect the village and people of Barberstown from the attack of the rebellious Vi Faelain, who tried to burn the town in 1310. Since then, it has had 37 owners, one of them being a famous UK rock star!
Since then, it’s been transformed from a 10 bedroom property to a 55 bedroom, Failte Ireland approved four star hotel and member of Ireland’s Blue Book of country house hotels and restaurants.
You can even have a medieval banquet – complete with its own ghostly host!