12 Castle Hotels That Will Make You Feel Like Royalty
Have you ever watched Drew Barrymore’s movie Ever After? Or maybe you’ve read Jude Deveraux’s book, A Knight In Shining Armor?
You don’t have to seek out a movie set or try to dive into the pages of a book to find your version of a happily ever after. Instead, you can write your fairytale right from the castle grounds below.
Some are a thousand years old, while others are more recent if you can call 1870 recent. By comparison, however, they’re luxurious oases that can help you stop time, even if just for a moment, and dream of a different life.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
On the west coast of Ireland, you’ll find a sprawling castle that dates back to the 1200s. Today, it’s a luxury hotel and resort with sprawling gardens, posh restaurants, an award-winning spa, and a beautiful dining area to savor some afternoon tea.
Amidst the grounds, don’t be surprised if you bump into an Irish wolfhound or two or see a falcon fly overhead. There are plenty of opportunities to partake in a falcon walk and even a horseback ride through the grounds.
Before you go – if you’re a sucker for romance novels – read Nora Roberts’ Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy, set in this fairytale land. It’ll prepare you for your upcoming adventures and make you wonder what really lives out there in the woods.
Dromoland Castle, Ireland
Not too far from Ashford, you also have Dromoland Castle. What started as a 15th- or 16th-century tower house is now a sprawling castle filled with luxurious rooms, decadent restaurants, and plenty of spots for afternoon tea.
Although they have similar fairyland activities like horseback riding and falcon meet-and-greets, you can also go a round on their onsite golf course. With an indoor pool and its own world-class spa, this is the perfect place to step back in time and relax and unwind.
Adare Manor, Ireland
A manor sounds far less grand than a castle, but you can be certain Adare Manor is no less dignified. This five-star luxury hotel takes a Neo-Gothic approach, overlooking no detail.
When you’re not lounging on a plush velvet sofa or dining in their Michelin-star restaurant, you can enjoy the expansive property. With their own golf course, hawk walks, and perfectly manicured gardens, you will easily get swept away by the winds of fate.
Don’t forget to dip into the town of Adare one night, too, for some live Irish music. As you’re walking, you’ll breeze past Medieval ruins, thatched roof cottages, a 13th-century church, and plenty of friendly locals just waiting for you to join them at the pub.
Ballyseede Castle, Ireland
Further south in County Kerry, you have another luxury hotel – and popular wedding venue. They, too, have an Irish wolfhound or two waiting to nuzzle you hello. The rooms at Ballyseede Castle are deliciously decadent, providing the sensation that you’re the queen of your own castle for the night.
In Ireland, the list is long with regard to ancient castles that have been turned into decadent resorts and popular wedding venues. The best way to uncover more is to visit the Romantic Castles of Ireland. It’s a collection of luxury castle hotels and popular event venues that will sweep you off your feet, whether or not you’re there to marry your own Prince Charming.