Ireland has around 30,000 castles, which is why it is referred to as the “land of castles and sheep.”
Sadly, the majority of these castles are now simply ruins because they were constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries.
The good news is that you can still see and stay in a lot of amazing castles whilst on vacation in this area.
I will discuss how to rent a castle in Ireland in this post, along with the things you should know and the finest choices for varying budgets.
Let’s begin
Table of Contents
- What to Keep In Mind When Renting a Castle in Ireland
1.1. Your Purpose of Renting a Castle in Ireland Is Important
1.2. Caution: Overpriced Castles for no Reason
1.3. In a rush? These are our two best picks: - Best Castles to Rent in Ireland
2.1. Ballyportry Castle
2.2. Kilcogan Castle Ireland
2.3. Tubbrid Castle
2.4. Grantstown Castle
2.5. Drummond Tower Castle
2.6. Kilkea Castle
2.7. Belle Isle Castle
2.8. Glin Castle
2.9. The Black Castle - My Tips to Rent a Castle in IrelandRelated Posts
- Related Posts
What to Keep In Mind When Renting a Castle in Ireland
When renting a castle in Ireland, there are a few things you should never forget. If you miss one of these, it might ruin the entire experience.
The Importance of Your Castle Rental in Ireland
Consequently, the list will get a little shorter depending on the goal. When renting a castle in Ireland, there are essentially two options to consider when looking for the greatest value.
Option 1: Renting a small castle as a couple or a small family.
Option 2: Renting a massive castle for weddings, big friend groups, parties, etc.
We made an effort to discuss options that we believe would be excellent for each of these uses.
Caution: Overpriced Castles for no Reason
I have found numerous websites that specialize in the “castle renting business” throughout my study; unfortunately, almost all of them demand exorbitant prices for the same listing that they would also have, for example, at a much lesser price, on Airbnb.
Remember that while you conduct your research on castles.
In a rush? These are our two best picks:
- Best Castle to Rent in Ireland For Couples or small family: Kilcogan Castle Galway
- Best Castle to Rent in Ireland for Parties: Castle in the Wind
Best Castle to Rent in Ireland
Let us begin by discussing the top castles in Ireland that couples or small families can rent. Go through a lengthy scroll if you’re trying to rent a castle for a gathering.
Ireland is referred to as the “land of castles and sheep” for good reason—it has over 30,000 castles.
Sadly, you can only see the ruins of these castles, which were constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries.
The good news is that there are still plenty of gorgeous castles in the Emeralds that you can visit, rent, and spend time in during your vacation.
I’ll cover the essentials, how to rent a castle in Ireland, and the top choices for varying price ranges in this post.
Let’s begin.
Ballyportry Castle
The nicest thing about Ballyportry castle is that its large chambers and easily navigable corners make it unlike a military-style castle. Constructed in the fifteenth century as a gathering place, this castle underwent renovations in the twenty-first century.
It is, in my opinion, among the greatest castles in Ireland to rent for couples or small families. You can have a moderately large party with the six bedrooms, but if you’d like, you may reserve a single room.
Another benefit of the castle’s location is that it’s only thirty minutes from both the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Where is this castle: Co. Clare
- Capacity / Rooms: 8 Guests
- Price Range: Approx $2k/3 days
Kilcolgan Castle Ireland
As previously said, if you’re looking to rent a castle in Ireland as a couple or small family, we believe Kilcogan Castle is the ideal option.
Why?
One of the least expensive castles to rent in Ireland, it costs around 300 euros per night if you choose to stay for three nights or longer.
A benefit is that it’s in Galway. Gorgeous setting with breathtaking views; the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Ocean are both easily accessible by car from Galway City.
It just doesn’t get any better than this, in all honesty.
- Where is this castle: Galway
- Capacity / Rooms: Up to 360 guests
- Price Range: $600/guest/night
Tubbrid Castle
The Tubbrid Castle is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to rent a castle in Ireland for a couple or small family.
Tubbrid, a castle in Kilkenny, is frequently referred to as the most popular castle for visitors to rent and stay in.
Although the castle was constructed in the fifteenth century, it was abandoned for the most of the twentieth century until someone restored it and made it accessible to the public.
Each bedroom has a unique name that has a story associated with it, and for around 600 per night when you stay for three nights or more, this is one worth staying in.
- Where is this castle: Kilkenny
- Capacity / Rooms: up to 10 guests
- Price Range: $600/night
Grantstown Castle
Grantstown Castle in Tipperary is another 1400s-era castle that would be a fantastic choice for an Irish rental.
Grantstown, which sleeps up to seven people, is the ideal compromise between affordability and elegance.
You will like the Grantstown Castle experience if you prefer a towering castle than a broad one and a view of the countryside.
- Where is this castle: Tipperary
- Capacity / Rooms: 7 people max
- Price Range: $900 / night
Drummond Tower Castle
Drummond Tower is an excellent castle for a couple to explore, and it’s conveniently located near Drogheda, close to Dublin.
Although it was just constructed in 1858, this castle makes up for its age with a breathtaking panoramic view from its rooftop (yes, you can actually go on the rooftop).
On our list, this one is also the least expensive to reserve. We advise choosing this option if cost is a concern.
- Where is this castle: Drogheda (very close to Dublin)
- Capacity / Rooms: 4 guests
- Price Range: $130/night (one of the best rates in our guide)
Kilkea Castle
Kilkea Castle is the place to stay if you want to be near the city; it’s only an hour’s drive from Dublin’s center.
This is one of the oldest castles in our guide today, dating back to the 12th century.
Kilkea Castle is mostly reserved for weddings, however you may utilize it for any kind of event.
A dedicated tennis ground, a golf ground, and a host of other luxurious amenities make this an experience only the wealthy can afford.
There is a potential limit to the number of guests you may invite to the celebration because the castle contains more than 140 beds.
- Where is this castle: Co.Kildare (very close to Dublin)
- Capacity / Rooms: 140+ rooms
- Price Range: $9000 USD/week
Belle Isle Castle
This is the one to pick if you’re trying to rent a large castle at a reasonable price. This 470-acre behemoth of a 17th-century castle has 16 bedrooms.
You might theoretically expand this to a party for more than ninety people because the castle is surrounded by several cottages, but we wouldn’t advise it because the allure of a castle is sometimes diminished when visitors stay in various kinds of lodging there.
The view from Belle Isle Castle is one of its outstanding features. No matter which bedroom you choose, you can view Lough Erne.
- Where is this castle: Northern Ireland
- Capacity / Rooms: 16 Bedrooms
- Price Range: $3000 / night
Glin Castle
The Glin Castle’s 700-year history is reason enough for someone to fall in love. If that’s not enough, there’s also the stunning vista of the Shannon River running next to it.
Unfortunately, because this castle is a little more pricey, you should only reserve it for a really costly celebration (such as an elegant wedding or business party).
Thirty guests can stay overnight at the castle.
- Where is this castle: Co. Limerick
- Capacity / Rooms: 30 people
- Price Range: $20,000 for 2 nights (minimum)
The Black Castle
I wanted to leave you with this unusual Tipperary castle. This is the ideal castle to rent if you’re a couple looking for a quiet place to spend the night.
The Black Castle is an alternative whether you wish to be married or just have a calm evening.
There is a two-person stay limit at this castle. The only people you may invite are yourself and your partner.
This magnificent 16th-century Gaelic castle offers 360-degree vistas. in order for you to not miss anything.
Not only is the castle affordable, but that’s always a plus.
- Where is this castle: Co. Tipperary
- Capacity / Rooms: 1 bedroom
- Price Range: $380 USD / night
My Tips to Rent a Castle in Ireland
Negotiate: The majority of castles are repaired and privately held. You may always haggle to obtain a better bargain if it’s not a busy season. Instead of paying through services like Booking.com or Airbnb, get a better deal by getting in touch with the owner directly.
The location doesn’t matter as much as you think: It is improbable that you will be traveling or making commutes to the city while residing in the castle. It is an adventure to stay in the castle itself.
Consequently, it makes no difference if the castle is near another location or not.
Confirm the Food Situation: The majority of castles are situated distant from the nearby town. When you stay in a castle, you can’t merely order dinner and expect it to arrive in half an hour. Either bring prepared meals that you can reheat in the castle or cook at the castle, is our recommendation.
You should speak with the host before paying because some castles restrict access to the kitchen.
That is all.
You are now well-informed on the process of renting a castle in Ireland.
Invite your friends and family to accompany you on your castle adventure by sharing this article with them.
Do you have inquiries?
Please get in touch with us, and we will try to assist you.