Best Ireland Castle Stays for Families

So you want to stay in an Irish castle, eh?!  The better question is: who wouldn’t want to stay in an Irish castle?  Especially if you have kids, there are few better “Bucket List” adventures than pretending you’re a medieval knight heading back to your grand estate!  The good news is: in Ireland, you can make this a reality.  There are many “Castle Hotels,” but in this article, I’m honing in on the “Best Ireland Castle Stays for Families,” where kids are more than welcome…

If you’re limited on time, but still want to stay in a castle: check out Clontarf Castle Hotel, which is about 10 minutes from downtown Dublin.

 

Map of Clontarf Castle by Dublin

Enter your travel dates in the map below to get current hotel pricing for Dublin & beyond…

Overview of Kid-Friendly Irish Castles

1. **Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort ($$) = 55 miles from Dublin:  Less than an hour from Dublin, this is one of the easiest-to-reach castles for travelers.  And one of the more budget-friendly castle stays.  Kids will enjoy playing “hide & seek” in their extensive gardens, swimming in the pool, taking a boat tour or horseback riding; while a spa & golf course will keep Mom & Dad happy.
2. **Kinnitty Castle Hotel ($$) = 70 miles from Dublin:  A 90 minute-drive from Dublin lands you on over 650 acres of parkland, where you’ll find Gothic 13th-century Kinnitty Castle.  There’s a tennis court, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, & spa treatments ~ plus a Library Bar, pub-style bar, & Afternoon Tea.
3. Adare Manor & Golf Resort ($$$$) = 130 miles from Dublin:  A two-hour drive brings you to one of Ireland’s most spectacular five-star resorts: Adare Manor.  You’ll find some of the best service in Ireland, 840 acres to explore, an indoor pool, bike rentals, clay pigeon shooting, golf course, world-class spa, four-poster beds, & claw-foot tubs.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place.
4. Dromoland Castle ($$$$) = 140 miles from Dublin:  Dromoland has been welcoming guests since the 16th century!  Near the Cliffs of Moher, there’s a lot to do here.  Dromoland looks the MOST like a true castle. You can play tennis, fish, golf, book a massage, sauna, practice archery or falconry, take a horse & carriage ride, bike around the estate, or paddle-board in warmer months!  Kids will love their board games, movies, & go-karts.
5. **Ashford Castle ($$$) = 150 miles from Dublin:  Located by Galway is my favorite Irish castle: Ashford.  On the banks of a magical lake, views & castle ambience are incredible.  For the kids, you’ve got a Falconry School, Archery instruction, boat trips, fishing, hiking, biking, clay shooting, horseback riding, & golf.  There are several restaurants & a gorgeous parlor where we spent nearly every afternoon…drinking tea or an elegant French coffee!  There’s also a beautiful spa with indoor pool & sauna.

Photos of Kilkea Castle

Kilkea & Kinnitty Castles are two of the closest castle stays to Dublin ~ both about an hour’s drive.

What Kids Will Love about Kilkea Castle: They’ll LOVE the under-an-hour drive from Dublin + learning archery or falconry.  Mom & Dad will love the price, as Kilkea is one of Ireland’s most affordable castle stays. 

 

Check prices at Kilkea Castle.

 

Photos of Kinnity Castle

What Kids Will Love about Kinnitty Castle: They’ll love the short drive from Dublin, & riding horses through the Slieve Bloom Mountains. In summer, take a paddle board “Safari” on the River Shannon….then come home to cozy board games at night. 

 

Check prices at Kinnitty Castle on Booking.com.

 

Photos of Adare Manor

Adare Manor & Dromoland Castle are a little further out.  But you’ll get more opulence at both of these hotels.  And it puts you closer to the West Coast & incredible sights like the Cliffs of Moher.

What Kids Will Love about Adare Manor: Learning archery or falconry in the “Walled Gardens,” or biking around 840 acres….while Mom enjoys La Mer Spa, & Dad plays the new Tom Fazio-designed golf course. Within easy driving distance are the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, & Blarney Stone!

 

Check prices at Adare Manor.

 

Photos of Dromoland Castle

What Kids Will Love about Dromoland Castle: EVERYTHING!! They’ll have more activities to choose from than time ~ but Go Karts, Outdoor “Bug Hotel,” swimming, archery, & clay shooting all rank high. There’s also a “Children’s Club” offering daily activities…in case Mom & Dad want a day to play.

 

Check prices at Dromoland Castle.

 

Best Ireland Castle Stays for Families

If you’re visiting Galway, one of the closest castles is Ashford Castle.  I stayed here many years ago, & it’s still one of my favorite hotels.  What sets it apart is the fact that it sits on a beautiful lake; sunsets here are otherworldly…

What Kids Will Love About Ashford Castle: They’ll love taking a morning walk with the Castle’s dogs (yes, they can really do this!), Movie Matinees with popcorn, going on a Treasure Hunt, or learning falconry. There’s also a “Lego Butler” & experienced babysitters available…

xoxo Noelia

Read Next: Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Ireland Travel

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