Live Like Royalty in Irish Castles and Estates

In Ireland, “the land of a thousand welcomes,” nothing beats staying in a castle hotel or lavish country estate built for lords, queens, and kings. Here are three that have been restored and renovated yet still retain their historic charm and character. 

Castle Leslie

Eighty minutes from Dublin is Castle Leslie, in Glaslough in County Monaghan, one of the last great Irish castle estates still in the hands of its original owners’ descendants. Since 1665, the Leslie family (which claims its roots go back to Attila the Hun) has been in charge. Samantha Leslie is now at the helm, carrying on the tradition of her late uncle, fourth baronet Sir John Leslie, who always joined the guests for breakfast wearing his bathrobe, to make everyone feel at home.

Many celebrities have stayed at Castle Leslie, including Paul McCartney, who married Heather Mills here. The 1,000-acre property, which is near several 18-hole golf courses, has 14 acres of gardens, two lakes, an equestrian center, and 21 beautifully designed bedrooms. The original furniture remains, as do the family portraits and archives (including much Victoriana from Winston Churchill’s family, to whom the Leslies were related by marriage). Guests experience classic Irish cooking with fresh ingredients and baked bread, scones, and homemade preserves.

Ashford

Ashford Castle

Located amid 350 acres of manicured gardens, verdant forests, and fragrant woodlands overlooking the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo is the 800-year-old Ashford Castle. Founded by an Anglo-Norman in 1228, it later became home to the Guinness family. Now, after a five-year restoration, Ashford ranks among Europe’s most prestigious hotels. Many of its 83 accommodations have been individually designed. On arrival, guests are offered their favorite drink, and in their room or suite, fresh-cut flowers await. Turndowns are candlelit and each guest receives a personalized gift. 

The estate’s many activities include private “hawk walks” at Ireland’s oldest falconry school, horseback riding, golf, fishing, clay shooting, tennis, cycling, off-road driving, tree climbing, and movie nights in a cozy private cinema. You can meet with a storyteller, listen to a private recital by a virtuoso harpist, or sit down with a uilleann piper, who can show you how raw wood is transformed into a classic musical instrument.

Ballyfin

Ballyfin Demesne

Built during the 1820s as the ancestral home of a British baron, Ballyfin Demesne is a Regency five-star country hotel 90 miles from Dublin with 20 luxurious accommodations. Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the center of Ireland, Ballyfin offers 614 acres of rolling parkland, lakes, and forests. A 4.5-mile stone wall with six gatehouses surrounds the demesne. 

Ballyfin (which means fair land) was once Ireland’s most opulent mansion. To show off the family wealth, the lady of the estate built secret caves, waterfalls, walled gardens, a moat, and a drawbridge leading to a tower that guests can climb. Ballyfin has a swimming pool and a spa, and activities include tennis, fishing, falconry, clay-pigeon shooting, and wine and whiskey tastings. The food is exceptional, and guests are encouraged to fetch eggs from the henhouse, pick fruits and berries, forage for mushrooms, and accompany the sommelier to the wine cellar to choose their dinner accompaniments.