I’m from New Zealand. The closest thing we have to a castle is one made of sand on the beach. But like you probably have too, I’ve visited lots of castles across Europe, but had never stayed in one until I went to Ireland.
I was searching for accommodation in Dublin, and was thrilled to discover that not only is Ireland dotted with as many castles as potatoes in an Irish stew, but lots of them are available for travelers like you and me to stay in.
My Ireland road trip from Dublin around Southern Ireland and back to Dublin meant we had a few nights at the beginning (staying near the Temple Bar area, which was so much fun), and one night at the end before we flew home.
On our final night I picked the top rated castle in Dublin, Clontaff Castle, and it did not disappoint.
This post covers three castle hotels within cooee of Dublin – within a 30-minute drive – if you have a car, which I would say is a must for Ireland.
The whole country is so easy to drive around (on the left!), then pick any one of these castle hotels below, and enjoy stepping back in time when you’d never be able to travel with just a single suitcase due to all the crinolines and posh frocks that’d be required.
1. Clontarf Castle Hotel ★★★★★ (9.2/10)
A 12th-century fortress transformed into urban luxury
Just 10 minutes from Dublin’s city center, Clontarf Castle Hotel stands as a magnificent blend of medieval architecture and contemporary design. The original castle dates back to 1172 and has witnessed countless historical events, including the Battle of Clontarf.
What Guests Love Most: the perfect balance of historical atmosphere and modern luxury, plus the exceptional breakfast service and knowledgeable staff who share fascinating stories about the castle’s history.
Highlights:
- Fahrenheit Restaurant offers award-winning modern Irish cuisine in a dramatic setting with vaulted ceilings
- Knights Bar features original stone walls and serves craft cocktails
- Luxuriously appointed rooms combine period features with modern amenities
- Regular afternoon tea service in the atmospheric Atrium Lobby
Nearby Attractions:
- St. Anne’s Park and Rose Gardens (1.5 km)
- Dublin Port and Docks (3 km)
- City Center attractions including Trinity College and Temple Bar (4 km)
- Bull Island Nature Reserve and Dollymount Strand (2 km)
Check rates for Clontarf Hotel >
2. Luttrellstown Castle Resort ★★★★★ (9.1/10)
A 15th-century castle in a sprawling estate
Located just 20 minutes west (14kms / 8 miles) from Dublin city center, Luttrellstown Castle Resort is my top pick for my next visit, but I’d want more than one night!
Escape like royalty to their 567 acres of private parkland which includes a championship golf course. This magnificent 15th-century castle has indeed hosted royalty, and celebrities, throughout its history
What Guests Love Most: the exclusive feel of having the entire castle to themselves, and the personal butler service and custom-tailored experiences that make them feel like genuine royalty.
Highlights:
- 20 uniquely decorated bedrooms with period furniture
- Championship golf course onsite designed by Paul McGinley
- Extensive activities including falconry, archery, and clay pigeon shooting
- Van Stry Restaurant offering fine dining with estate-grown ingredients
- Private cinema and billiards room
Nearby Attractions:
- Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo (7 km)
- Farmleigh House (5 km)
- National Aquatic Centre (4 km)
- Blanchardstown Shopping Centre (3 km)
3. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel ★★★★ (8.7/10)
An 18th-century castle overlooking Dublin Bay
Perched high above Killiney Bay, 15km (9 miles from the city) in South Dublin, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel offers breathtaking views across Dublin Bay to Howth Head. This 18th-century castle has been carefully restored to preserve its historic character while providing modern comfort.
What Guests Love Most: the panoramic views of Dublin Bay from the bedrooms, closely followed by the excellent pool facilities and friendly, long-serving staff members.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Dublin Bay from many rooms
- Indoor swimming pool and fitness center
- PJ’s Restaurant serves seasonal Irish cuisine in an elegant setting
- Traditional afternoon tea in the Library Bar
- 20 acres of private gardens
Nearby Attractions:
- Killiney Hill Park (5-minute walk)
- Dalkey Village with its medieval castle and heritage center (1.5 km)
- James Joyce Tower and Museum (3 km)
- Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Pier (4 km)
Check out rates for Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel >
Top Tips for Your Castle Stay
- Book well in advance, especially during summer months and holiday seasons
- Consider transportation options, as some castles are located outside the city center
- Ask about special packages that include activities and dining
- Check for seasonal events and themed experiences
- Dress appropriately for dinner, as some castle restaurants maintain formal dress codes
- Request rooms in the historic sections of the castles for the most authentic experience
- Consider combining stays at multiple castles for a varied experience
- Many castles offer special heritage tours for guests
- Book castle activities (falconry, archery, etc.) at least a week in advance
- Some properties offer helicopter transfers from Dublin Airport
- Check for midweek special offers, especially during off-peak seasons
- Many castles can arrange private tours of nearby attractions
Best Time to Visit Ireland
The best time to visit Dublin is during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
Summer offers longer daylight hours but expect higher rates and more tourists. Winter can be particularly atmospheric with roaring fires and festive decorations during the holiday season.
What to Read Next?
If you haven’t already, you might like to read my five-day Ireland road trip from Dublin, visiting Waterford Crystal, staying in Cork, kissing the Blarney Stone. Then we drove through the Dingle Peninsula, stayed in Limerick and visited the Cliffs of Moher, then stayed in Galway, and back to Dublin. Five days wasn’t long enough!
