What can I expect at an Irish castle hotel?

Irish castle hotels tend to fall into two categories. The first is the ultra-posh destination resort with an emphasis on golf. The second is the traditional family estate, now given over to the hotel business. Both types of hotels make for wonderful accommodations, depending on your taste and style. Many people, once having tasted the impeccable standards of the former are often disappointed that the same level of experience doesn’t exist at the family-run castle—or vice versa. Among the family-owned hotels, you’ll often find impeccable service and maintenance, or in some cases, the family heirlooms are definitely a bit worn around the edges.

A night in a Irish castle hotel is an expensive proposition, especially during high season. However, prices can drop considerably during the off-months. Always check for any special packages offered on the hotel’s website to see if they would fit into your travel plans and budget.

Do not assume your breakfast is included. In the higher priced hotels it is almost always additional.

Castles are popular places to hold wedding receptions, and sometimes the hotel can be overwhelmed by the festivities. The larger castle hotels can absorb weddings quite well, but with the smaller ones, you might want to ask if any events are scheduled for the night(s) you wish to stay there. Service can slip and noise can be a problem.