How to Rent a Castle in Ireland
With over 35,000 castles, Ireland is known as the “land of castles and sheep” for a reason.
Unfortunately, most of these castles were built during the 12th to 16th centuries, and now you can only see their ruins.
The good news, however, is that there are still many wonderful castles you can not only see but rent and stay during your vacation here in the Alfas.
In this article, I will talk about how to rent a castle in Ireland, the things you need to know, and the best options based on different budgets.
Let’s begin.
What to Keep In Mind When Renting a Castle in Ireland
There are certain things that you absolutely should keep in mind when renting a castle in Ireland. Miss one of these and the whole experience might get ruined.
Caution: Overpriced Castles for no Reason
During my research, I have come across many websites that specialize in “castle renting business” – however, nearly all of them charge a fortune for the same listing that they would also have on Airbnb (for example) at a much lower price.
Keep that in mind when you are doing your castle research.
Your Purpose of Renting a Castle in Ireland Is Important
Depending on the purpose, the list will naturally go down a bit. Broadly speaking, if we think about the best value, you can go in one of two directions when renting a castle in Ireland.
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 tried to cover what we think would be great choices for both of these purposes.
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 Castles to Rent in Ireland
Let’s start with the best castles to rent in Ireland for couples or small families. If you are looking to rent a castle for a party, do a long scroll.
With over 30,000 castles, Ireland is known as the “land of castles and sheep” for a reason.
The good news, however, is that there are still many wonderful castles you can not only see but rent and stay during your vacation here in the Emeralds.
Unfortunately, most of these castles were built during the 12th to 16th centuries, and now you can only see their ruins.
In this article, I will talk about how to rent a castle in Ireland, the things you need to know, and the best options based on different budgets.
Let’s begin.
Ballyportry Castle
The best part about Ballyportry Castle is that it is not a military-style castle, which means easy-to-navigate corners and big rooms. This castle was built in the 15th century for gathering purposes and then renovated in the 21st century.
I think it is one of the best castles for couples / small families to rent in Ireland. With 6 bedrooms, you can arrange a moderate-sized party but can also book a single room if you want.
The location is also another advantage as the castle is just 30 minutes away from the Wild Atlantic Way and the majestic Cliffs of Moher.
- Where is this castle: Co. Clare
- Capacity / Rooms: 8 Guests
- Price Range: Approx $2k/3 days
Kilcogan Castle Ireland
As mentioned earlier, we think Kilcogan Castle is the best one to rent if you are a couple or a small family looking to rent a castle in Ireland.
Why?
It is about 300 euros/night if you decide to spend 3 nights or more – making it one of the cheapest castles to rent in Ireland.
It being in Galway is a bonus. Beautiful location with great views, the Galway city is just a short drive away but so is the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic.
Honestly, I don’t think it gets any better than this.
- Where is this castle: Galway
- Capacity / Rooms: Up to 360 guests
- Price Range: $600/guest/night
Drummond Tower Castle
Located very close to Dublin in Drogheda, Drummond Tower is a great castle for a couple to enjoy.
Built-in 1858, this is not one of the oldest castles in Ireland – however, it makes up the age with an amazing panoramic view from the rooftop (yes, you can get onto the rooftop of this one).
This is also the cheapest one to book on our list. If budget is a consideration, we recommend selecting this one.
- Where is this castle: Drogheda (very close to Dublin)
- Price Range: $130/night (one of the best rates in our guide)
- Capacity / Rooms: 4 guests
Tubbrid Castle
Another great option for a couple or a small family if you are looking to rent a castle in Ireland is the Tubbrid Castle.
Often referred to as the most popular castle among tourists to rent and stay, Tubbrid is located in Kilkenny.
The castle was built in the 15th century, however, it remained empty for the majority of the 20th century – before someone picked it up, renovated it and made it available for us to experience.
Every bedroom has a special name (with history attached to the name) and being approximately 600 / night when you book for 3 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
Another castle built in the 1400s and a great option to rent in Ireland is Grantstown Castle, located in Tipperary.
Only available for a maximum of 7 people, Grantstown is the perfect balance between cost and luxury.
If you are someone who loves countryside view and a tall castle instead of a wide one, you will love the Grantstown Castle experience.
- Where is this castle: Tipperary
- Capacity / Rooms: 7 people max
- Price Range: $900 / night
Kilkea Castle
Only an hour away from the heart of Dublin, Kilkea Castle is the one for you if you want to stay somewhere close to the city.
Being a 12th-century castle, this is one of the oldest castles in our guide today.
Primarily booked for weddings, however, you can use Kilkea Castle for whatever you want.
With a dedicated tennis ground, a golf ground, and plenty more luxury amenities – this is something for the rich to experience.
The castle has 140+ bedrooms so theoretically, there’s no limit on the number of people you can bring to the party.
- Where is this castle: Co.Kildare (very close to Dublin)
- Price Range: $9000 USD/week
- Capacity / Rooms: 140+ rooms
The Black Castle
I wanted to end with a unique castle, located in Tipperary. If you are a couple who wants to spend a night in a castle without any distractions, this is the castle for you to rent.
Whether you want to get married or just spend a quiet night, The Black Castle can be an option.
This castle has a maximum 2-person stay rule. You can’t invite anyone but you and your partner.
It is a 16th-century, Gaelic castle with great views 360 degree. So you won’t miss out on anything.
The castle is also not that expensive which is always helpful.
- Where is this castle: Co. Tipperary
- Price Range: $380 USD / night
- Capacity / Rooms: 1 bedroom
Belle Isle Castle
If you are looking to rent a big castle at a good value pricing, this is the one to choose. With 16 bedrooms, this 17th-century castle is a 470-acre mammoth being.
The castle also has many cottages surrounding it, so you can technically upgrade this to a 90+ people party – but we wouldn’t recommend it as the charm is often lost when guests stay in different types of accommodation within a castle.
One of the best parts about Belle Isle Castle is the view. You can see Lough Erne, no matter which bedroom you pick.
- Where is this castle: Northern Ireland
- Price Range: $3000 / night
- Capacity / Rooms: 16 Bedrooms
Glin Castle
The 700-year history is enough for someone to fall in love with the Glin Castle. However, if that’s not enough – we have the Shannon River flowing right next to it (great view).
Unfortunately, this castle is on the more expensive side so it only makes sense for you to book this castle if the party is an expensive one (an office party or a fancy wedding).
The castle can host 30 people overnight.
- Where is this castle: Co. Limerick
- Price Range: $20,000 for 2 nights (minimum)
- Capacity / Rooms: 30 people
My Tips to Rent a Castle in Ireland
Negotiate: Most castles are privately owned and restored. If it is not a busy season, you can always negotiate to get a better deal. Avoid paying on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb – and contact the owner directly to get a better rate.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter if the castle is close to another destination or not.
The location doesn’t matter as much as you think: It is unlikely that you will be commuting to town or going places during your stay in the castle. Staying in the castle itself is an experience.
Confirm the Food Situation: Most castles are located far from the neighborhood town. You can’t just order food and expect it to appear in 30 minutes when staying in a castle. Our advice would be to either cook in the castle or take pre-cooked meals that you can heat in the castle.
Some castles block kitchen access so it is worth chatting with the host before paying.
That’s it.
You now have a clear understanding of how to rent a castle in Ireland.
Share this article with your friends/family and ask them to join your castle experience.
Have questions?
Reach out to us and we will do our best to help.
