When looking for accommodation while visiting Ireland, there is a wide range of places to try, from hotels and bed and breakfasts. However, the best way to find the most affordable option is through sites like Airbnb which allow you to rent your space at any time. There are many different types of spaces that can suit your needs, such as villas, apartments, or cottages that suit all tastes and styles.
But what if you’re looking to do something a little different? Ever thought about spending the night (or a few) at an Irish castle hotel?
Hang on though, isn’t staying in a castle hotel going to cost a mint? Not so! If you are looking for a cheap castle to stay in Ireland, you’ll find tons of Irish castle hotels that will definitely suit your vacation requirements and keep your wallet happy!
Affordable Castle Hotels in Ireland
Here are some of the best castle hotels you can stay in, each offering old world charm, for a quiet and relaxing break in the Emerald Isle.
1. Clontarf Castle Hotel
Address: Castle Ave, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 W5NO, Ireland
Clontarf Castle Hotel is located in Dublin Bay, 10 minutes from Dublin city center, on an exclusive, gated estate in a medieval castle. It provides guests with a luxurious base of either three or five-star accommodation with views of Dublin Bay.
The castle hotel has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and gym. There are also tennis courts and putting green available for its guests to enjoy some civilized sport.
Rooms at the Clontarf Castle Hotel feature air-conditioning, TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There’s also 24-hour room service. The in-house Fahrenheit Grill serves fine cuisine, featuring traditional local beef and fish dishes.
If you want to kick back with a drink, the cozy Knights Bar has traditional large open fireplaces and beautiful stained glass windows, while the chic Indigo Lounge serves morning coffee, afternoon tea, and a decent range of fine wines.
The property has spacious gardens with lawns and mature trees surrounding the castle, adding to the relaxing and elegant atmosphere.
See related: Best Hotels in Minneapolis, Minnesota
2. The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Address: Ashford Castle Dr, Leaf Island, Cong, Co. Galway, Ireland
The Lodge at Ashford Castle is one of Ireland’s most popular affordable castle hotels with its own distinct character, located on the shores of Lough Corrib, just outside Cong, Co. Galway.
It is located near an iconic Irish castle (Ashford Castle), built by William Marshall, an Anglo-Norman knight, in 1228 as his residence, making it a great option for those looking to tour the castle.
The beautiful 19th Century manor house is surrounded by a landscaped garden and woodlands that are inhabited by a diverse range of local fauna.
The in-house Wilde’s restaurant serves fresh local and seasonal ingredients and offers six-course dinner menus to boot. There’s also a bar to wet your whistle.
The castle rooms are equipped with all the mod-cons and come in two flavors; one adheres to the modern, crisp, white clean theme, and the other flavor, well, they can come in all kinds of gaudy from brightly colored modern themes with open seating areas to classically decorated with antique furniture.
See related: Best Airports for Layovers Around the World
3. Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa
Address: Castletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 R867, Ireland
Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa features perhaps the coolest indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and spa in the whole country.
A luxurious en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, gorgeous antique furniture, tea and coffee-making facilities are featured in each of the grand castle rooms, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.
The superb in-house Douglas Hyde Restaurant comes highly reviewed and offers fine dining with dishes made using locally sourced produce.
This stunning castle hotel also has a sizable gym on-site and is a very popular location to hold business retreats and fairytale weddings.
See related: Best Hotels in Switzerland
4. Dromoland Castle Hotel
Address: Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, V95 ATD3, Ireland
The 5-star Gothic revival Dromoland Castle is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland, featuring a fantastic golf course, tennis courts, fitness center, spa, sauna, a huge indoor pool, a bar and beautiful gardens to lose yourself in.
The castle hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, flat-screen TVs, a safe, and a private bathroom with complementary bathrobes and slippers. There’s also free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.
The hotel’s award winning restaurant offers à la carte breakfats for those looking for light bites, but those looking to take on serious fuel, there’s also a terrific Full English or Irish breakfast available.
Parking is available, but there is an additional charge.
See related: 25 Fascinating United Kingdom Nicknames to Know
5. Cabra Castle Hotel
Address: Carrickmacross Rd, Mullantra, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, A82 EC64, Ireland
There’s more than one Irish castle with this name and if you’re interested in staying the night in the famous Cabra Castle, make sure you pick the right one, because one of them is a literal ruin!
The non-ruined Cabra Castle Hotel is an 18th Century masterpiece, with delightful patios and terraces overlooking the hotel’s heavenly gardens amidst the beautiful Irish countryside.
The Cabra Castle Hotel’s high ceilings, grand staircases and regal hallways will certainly charm the pants off any guest. There is also an in-house bar and a restaurant, and the hotel offers free parking to all guests.
The en-suite rooms are decorated in individual styles, mixing antique furnishings with modern accents and come with telephones, tea and coffee-making kit and TVs as standard.
See related: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam
6. Lough Eske Castle
Address: Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, F94 HX59, Ireland
Set against the mountains of County Donegal, Lough Eske Castle Hotel is one of the best castles to stay in if you’re in West Ireland.
The luxury rooms come with large flat-screen TVs, and antique oak furniture, adding to the regal air. In the stunning] marble bathrooms, bathrobes and slippers are provided.
Lough Eske Castle Hotel also has a spa, complete with steam room, sauna and swimming pool, which offers wonderful views of the castle’s serene grounds.
The choices for in-house dining are pretty fabulous. Cedars Restaurant has its own terrace and specializes in traditional seafood dishes. Then there’s the Gallery Bar which serves light bites. Finally you can grab a snack at the warm and welcoming Father Browne Bar.
Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking at this stunning Irish castle hotel.
See related: 15 Best Hotels in Rotterdam, New York
7. The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate
Address: Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, Ireland
The lovingly restored Castle Leslie, built in the style of a Scottish manor house dates back to 1870 and has received famous and notable guests over the years, such as Winston Churchill, Prince Pierre of Monaco, Paul McCartney, and Mick Jagger.
The beautifully decorated castle rooms feature the normal mod cons such as tea and coffee makers and flat screen TVs and an en suite bathroom with large soaker tubs.
If you still need a little extra to soothe nerves and muscles, there’s a spa to relax at, and for guests interested in horseback riding, The Lodge at Castle Leslie has an on-site equestrian centre.
Guests can enjoy fine dining at Snaffles Brasserie amidst a blend of modern and classic decor, and then grab a night cap at Conor’s Bar loved complete with toasty fireplace.
See related: Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron Review
8. Kinnitty Castle Hotel
Address: Birr, Kinnitty, Co. Offaly, Ireland
Built at the dawn of the 13th Century, Kinnity Castle Hotel is and impressive Gothic castle, at the base of the romantic Slieve Bloom Mountains, and is one of the oldest castle hotels in the world.Rooms at Kinnitty Castle Hotel are individually decorated, featuring classic colorful decor and unique, original antique furniture. Some of the antique oak beds are out of this world! The bathrooms are a little on the smaller side, but all feature a bathtub, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer as standard.
Complimentary tea and coffee is offered to guests in common areas, bu if you’re looking for something a little stiffer, there’s the Library Bar, a delightful, cozy bolthole where you can enjoy draught beers and light bites.
For fine dining, check out the in-house Sli Dala Restaurant which serves traditional Irish and innovative continental dishes, and features an excellent wine list to peruse and abuse.
See related: Best Hotels in Salzburg, Austria
9. Lough Rynn Castle
Address: Lough Rynn Castle & Estate & Gardens, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, N41 WE16, Ireland
Gleaming almost white against a verdant, green landscape, Lough Rynn Castle is a marvelous old mansion, perfect for romantic getaways. Today, the hotel combines traditional sophistication with all the trimmings of a modern hotel.
The common areas are particularly lovely, giving off a very warm, welcoming feel, adorned with antique wood furniture and wood paneling, stunning glasswork and several large fireplaces to keep out autumn and winter chills.
The opulent bedrooms feature air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi, and are brightly decorated. Bathrooms are spacious and feature luxurious soaker tubs and complimentary toiletries.
The hotel’s award winning restaurant, Sandstone, serves haute cuisine for lunch and dinner as well as bumper Full English and Irish breakfasts to start your day right.
See related: Best Hotels in Lucerne, Switzerland
10. Ballygally Castle Hotel
Address: Coast Rd, Ballygalley, Larne BT40 2QZ, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Just because the is the only castle hotel on our list from Ulster, doesn’t mean it has any less historic charm, elegant rooms, or fine dining; if anything Ballygally Castle goes above and beyond and is one of the best cheap castles to stay in Ireland.
Built in the early 17th Century, Ballygally Castle is known for splendid views of Ballygally Bay on the Irish Sea coast. there is free parking, spacious rooms, and a beautiful walled garden.
The individual rooms at Ballygally are spacious elegantly decorated, highlighting the castle’s original beams. All rooms come with tea and coffee-making facilities and a cozy seating area.
Ballygally Castle famously has a Ghost Room and spooky dungeon, making this the perfect hotel for anyone who’s ever wanted to stay the night in a haunted castle!
There are also stunning walled gardens and a terrace, as well a lounge with beautiful antique furnishings and a roaring fire in the colder months.
The incredible Garden Restaurant is a bit hit here, serving a blend of contemporary British and classic Irish fare for lunch and dinner. Morning coffee and an afternoon tea service are also available, as well as free parking.
See related: Best Castles in London You Need to See
11. Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
Address: The Island, Ballinakill, Co. Waterford, X91 Y722, Ireland
The world famous 16th Century Waterford Castle can be found on its own private island by the beautiful River Suir, and is the perfect escape when yout need to get away from the rat race and/or get some serious golfing in.
Waterford Castle Hotel really is an exclusive joint, as the island can only be accessed by a private car ferry, operating throughout the day, arranged at the hotel desk.
The individually designed rooms include flat-screen TVs, tea and coffeemaking equipment, living rooms and luxuriously soft beds, while the bathrooms come with deep, antique claw-foot bathtubs.
You can also upgrade to a lodge or suite with fireplace, kitchen and dining area and a 4-poster bed to sleep like a king or queen.
Convenience and relaxation are key here. There’s free parking, a beautiful wood-paneled restaurant, and an on-site bar that also offers an afternoon tea service.
The hotel also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and a huge complimentary buffet breakfast consisting of Continental, and Full English or Irish breakfasts with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Waterford Castle Hotel and Resort is a golfer’s heaven, as it includes an 18-hole golf course, putting green, and driving range.
See related: 7 Beautiful 7 Star Hotels from Around the World
12. Ballynahinch Castle
Address: Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in County Galway is blessed with the breathtaking backdrop of the Twelve Bens Mountain range, which is the biggest draw for this stunning Irish castle hotel.
This is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy the Irish countryside to the fullest. The hotel organizes hiking and biking excursions, as well as fishing trips and wildlife spotting walks. Ballynahinch Castle also offers 24-hour room service.
The hotel has a lovely walled garden for guests to wander and the bar has a delightful terrace with postcard-perfect views of the river outiside.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel offers a buffet English and Irish breakfast and free parking to all its guests.
The rooms are a little on the smaller side, and some don’t come with TVs, but all are handsomely decorated and come with tea and coffee-making facilities as standard. Guest reviews speak highly of the comfy beds!
The tiled bathrooms are stunning, and come with complimentary toiletries.
See related: Best Castle Hotels in Germany
13. Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
Address: Castle View, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97, Ireland
Of all the country’s oldest castle hotels, with a foundation date of 1180, Kilkea Castle might be the oldest castle hotel in Ireland.
A 24-hour concierge service desk, lounge, free parking and luggage storage are available for guests. Guests can stroll the castles beautiful grounds to their heart’s content and enjoy complimentary Continental, Full English or Irish breakfast with, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
The enormous Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers 140 bedrooms with other accommodation options available. All of the rooms are decorated in a trendy blend of old and new, featuring Hi-Def TVs, luxury bathrooms with complimentary amenities and free Wi-Fi.
It’s also about the best castles on this list if you’re a foodie. Restaurant 1180 serves traditional Irish cuisine with a twist in a regal setting. In the golf course’s clubhouse, you can also get fantastic meals at The Bistro, as well as Hermione’s Restaurant. The Keep is the aptly name castle bar, and houses a wonderful wine and whiskey list.
Naturally, many flock to Kilkea Castle for the 18-hole championship golf course, but there’s also, tennis courts, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, falconry lessons, archery and fishing on offer.
After a long day of gentlemanly and ladylike sports, head down to the super-cool spa, featuring 5 different treatment rooms, including a pool and a beauty salon.
See related: Best Hotels in Innsbruck, Austria
14. Ballyseede Castle
Address: Tralee, Ballyseede, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Built in the late 16th Century, Ballyseede Castle is arguably the most magical Irish castle hotel imaginable. Just one step into this spectacular hotel’s halls and you’ll think you’ve stepped into the pages of Alice in Wonderland.
Each individually decorated room, more beautiful and enchanting than the last, feature, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms even come with additional sitting areas and plush 4-poster beds.
Dining options at Ballyseede Castle include a stone-walled breakfast room where guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
The in-house restaurant, adorned with sparkling chandeliers really adds to the magic here, allowing you to enjoy delicious romantic dinners made from fantastic local ingredients.
After dinner, grab a night cap at the library bar, or chill in one of the hotel’s luxurious lounges, some featuring fireplaces or even pianos for those inclined to tinkle the ivories.
See related: Best Castle Hotels in Austria
15. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Address: Sky Rd, Church Hill, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, H71 NX28, Ireland
Built in the 19th Century, surrounded by woods and rolling green hills, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel has the Twelve Bens Mountains as its backdrop and is only a short distance from the stunning Connemara National Park.
The rooms are beautifully decorated in bright schemes with lots of warm accents and antique furniture. All rooms have a TV, DVD player and free Wi-Fi internet as standard and upgraded suites add 4-poster beds, real fireplaced and some come with hot tubs.
The hotel’s gourmet restaurant serves international cuisine in an elegant setting, as well as a Full English or Irish breakfast. Guests can also enjoy a live piano bar, afternoon tea in the lounge and the beautifully landscaped gardens Abbeyglen Castle is famous for.
Other top facilities include a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, games room with billiards and a spa complete with beauty and health treatments.
See related: Do Hotels Take Cash? 7 Things to Know
16. Markree Castle
Address: Clooneenroe, Collooney, Co. Sligo, F91 AE81, Ireland
Makree Castle is family-run hotel housed in a stunning 17th Century Irish castle, doused in real old world charm.
In keeping with the old world theme, the rooms have period furnishings, including many of the rooms having wonderful huge old claw-foot bath tubs in the bedroom. The beds are especially comfortable made with goose down duvets. TVs, as well as tea and coffee-making equipment come as standard.
A Full English or Irish breakfast is provided, at the on-site restaurant, that also serves a fabulous dinner service. For light bites, there’s also a bar serving an all-day menu and an afternoon tea service. Other amenities offered at Makree Castle include free parking, free Wi-Fi and tours of the grounds and castle.
See related: Best Coastal Towns in Ireland You Need to See
17. Ross Castle Historic Accommodation
Address: Castle, Ross, Co. Meath, A82 HF89, Ireland
Of our list of cheap castles to stay in Ireland, we’re leaving the smallest till last, but it’s not the size that counts; it’s the hosts that matter! The staff at Ross Castle get many thumbs up from previous guests for their welcoming service and tremendous food.
Each of the 16th Century castle’s rooms and suites is uniquely decorated and comes with free Wi-Fi. There’s even a Harry Potter themed room!
The Ross Castle B&B’s common areas are to die for. This Irish castle hotel has a beautiful lounge for guests to relax in, stunning gardens to enjoy a lakeside picnic, and a grand banquet room where complimentary Continental, Full English, and Irish buffet breakfasts are offered with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Home-cooked dinners are available on request for an additional charge and are typically a superb three-course meal followed by tea or coffee.
See Related