Stately Hotels/Castles in Ireland

[Parris]

Hey folks,

We're planning our trip to Ireland for OctoCon in October, and I'm seeking a little advice from our Irish friends and those who may have been fortunate enough to visit that green and pleasant land.

My oft-delayed b-day gift is a few days with George in a stately home or castle in Ireland. We stayed at Waterford castle in 1991, and truly enjoyed the time there. Well, I wasn't found of the Continental meals that contained a lot of sauces, but the hotel was top-notch, and very relaxing. Relaxing good. Going to need more relaxation in the coming months to cope with the hectic schedule we'll be working through the midwinter holidays.

I know there was someone on the boards whose family owns a stately hotel somewhere in Ireland, but I can't find that persons name or comment. If you're out there - please drop me a comment or PM. For other folks, please comment and give me links, especially if you know a hotel well, whether by being a guest or having worked there - or know somewhere who stayed or worked there!

I've already got the standard 'discoverireland.com and several other websites linked and scoured. I'm interested in what you folks have experienced yourself, or heard about thru friends and family who did a wedding reception, a family reunion, honeymoon at a stately hotel/castle, or like us, just wanted a couple of days of pampered relaxing. Histories including sieges, betrayal, murder and politics, ghosts seen walking the ramparts of the old tower a definite plus.

Now I'll step back and wait to hear your comments. I apologize for slow responses, George is taking me to the Sandia Casino this afternoon to see Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, and we're going early so I can make some voluntary reparations to the local indigenous peoples.

[Padraig]

Sounds like a great idea. :) I'll see can I find some place.

[Angalin]

Parris, I think this is the one: http://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens, a link posted here by Growing Stronger. You've been to the gardens before.

eta: Robert Plant! hubba hubba :)

[Rumarumo]

What about Lisheen Castle, Co. Tipperary? I'm not all that well-versed when it comes to popular sites in Ireland, but this one sprang to mind simply because it's local. I have never stayed there myself, but I have been on the grounds (though, technically, it's not strictly allowed ;) ) and I can say that it's a fairly scenic spot, as well as being near to places like the Rock of Cashel and the Abbey in Holycross. It's not all that old compared to other places up the country (built in 1770), but it does have it's own history including the usual widow's curse, a fire near the end of the war in 1921 that almost gutted the place, and some alleged sightings/encounters. There's also a rath on the grounds.

There's a gallery here: http://www.celticcastles.com/castles/lisheen-castle/gallery.html

History: http://www.lisheencastle.com/?page_id=5

Aaaand the tales about the place: http://paranormal.lovetoknow.com/Lisheen_Castle_Haunted_Ruins

Downside is that it's been aimed at more group/corporate retreats than anything, and you have to rent it exclusively, so while you would have the run of the place it can get pricey. I'd imagine October would be low season so it'd be cheaper, but you're still renting a bloody big castle. Anyway, all those details are on the castle's main site so you can pore over them yourself at your leisure. Hope that helps!

[Mich]

Hi Parris :)

I stayed at Ashford Castle in Mayo last year. It was fantastic. The staff go above and beyond. The food was incredible, they have 3 different restaurants on site and all the service was superb. Pierce Brosnan held his wedding there. They also have horseback riding, clay shooting, a full golf course, archery, and falconry on site.

I'd definitely recommend it.

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[Turinqui-Calima]

Hi Parris,

I have never ever been to Ireland, but I work for a golf travel company specializing in Ireland and Scotland so I know a lot of hotels there very well.

The first place to come to mind for me was Dromoland Castlejust north of Limerick. It's where we put most of our clients who ask for castle hotels and most of them seem to like it. It also have the advantage of being very close to Shannon Airport in case you are doing this at the start or end of your trip.

Another place that our clients LOVE is called Moy House and is situated near Cliffs of Moher and the Burren and not to far from Ennis and Shannon Airport. It's a small place with a lot of charm, but I don't know if it's quite what you're looking for.

Ashford Castle mentioned above is also one of the places I thouht of.

Hope you have a great time with George and that you find a place that you love :) If you are looking for other regions I'd be happy to suggest some more hotels.

TC