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It’s a dream for many to rent an Irish castle for a night, a weekend or even a week, and make a once of a lifetime stay there. Well, let me tell you that you can turn that dream into a reality, as there are plenty of castles for rent in Ireland which can be booked with a couple of clicks online!
Ranging from small castles to rent in Ireland that make wonderfully unique and romantic retreats for two people, to larger castles to rent in Ireland for weddings.
There is a broad spectrum of castles to choose from, presenting some of the best and most unique Airbnb in Ireland for those looking to stay somewhere a little different.
Castles in Ireland to rent are plentiful – there are, in fact, an astonishing 30,000+ of them on the island (although, unfortunately, many of these lies in ruins).
Many passionate owners have either maintained, or completely renovated, rundown, derelict castles in what is a major labour of love for them, but what this means is that it is now very possible and accessible to rent a castle in Ireland for a night through online booking platforms.
I’ve waded through a whole lot of Ireland castle rentals for you and have come up with this list of the best Irish castles for rent.
Many castles in Ireland for rent tend to be on the larger side and so require a group to fully maximise and cover the cost, however I’ve made a big effort to also include on this list those smaller castles that are romantic, cosy and perfect for two.
So here we have it – split into two parts; one for couples, one for groups – a list of the best castles for rent in Ireland!
IN a hurry? Irish castles to rent – Quick guide
| Most opulent castle | Castle in the Wind or Lisheen Castle | |
| Best for a couple | Ross Castle Upper Tower Bedroom | |
| Most picture-perfect | Carraigin Castle | |
| Best for a family gathering | County Meath Castle | |
| Best for groups | Ballyportry Castle | |
The best castles for rent in Ireland
Best castles to rent in Ireland for couples
Ross Castle (Upper Tower Bedroom)
This room for rent in Ross Castle allows couples to enjoy the amenities of a larger castle, without having to rent out an entire property.
Located on the shores of Lough Sheelin in Meath, with beautiful views out over the lake, you also have the added bonus of a bed-and-breakfast service. The room features a beautiful canopy bed, luxurious soft furnishings and whitewashed walls, making it the perfect Irish castle Airbnb for a romantic break.
Area: Ross, Co. Meath
Capacity: 3 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 private bathroom
Price: from €165 / night
Claregalway Castle – Old Mill Room
This Irish castle to rent offers a private room in the guesthouse of the old mill that lies adjacent to Claregalway Castle. Whilst the room is not technically in the castle, guests have access to the castle tower and previous reviews also mention how they received a castle tour on arrival.
On that note, this castle stay receives rave reviews from previous guests, with many mentioning the history of the castle and the extra touches that the hosts goes out of their way to provide.
Area: Co. Clare
Capacity: 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 private bathroom
Price: from €150 / night
Annes Grove Miniature Castle
This sublime castle rental in Ireland is possibly the most romantic on the list and perfect for an escape for two.
Nestled within the green foliage of the woodland that surrounds it, this cosy Irish castle Airbnb has snug areas that incorporate a wood burning stove, a vaulted ceiling in the bedroom and an intimate small garden.
Area: Co. Cork
Capacity: 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bathroom
Price: from €157 / night
Drummond Tower/Castle
This castle for rent near Dublin is located close to Drogheda in Co. Louth, reachable in around 45 minutes from the capital. A stunning folly tower, it has been recently restored and is split across four different floors.
On the rooftop, there is a castellated roof terrace which offers 360 degree, fully panoramic views of the splendid countryside around the castle.
Area: Drogheda, Co. Louth
Capacity: 4 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bathroom
Price: from €130 / night
Authentic Medieval experience at The Black Castle
This next castle for rent in Ireland is perfect for those seeking out a truly authentic castle experience. You will stay at the Great Hall of the Black Castle, which has been renovated to its 16th century, medieval grandeur.
There is no WiFi, or electricity (just candlelight and some big old fireplaces), so prepare for a fully immersive castle experience with this one.
The owners are in the process of renovating the entire castle in full, with revenue generated from Airbnb invested back into the restoration project, so you really are obtaining a unique experience and paying it forward with this one – which I love it for.
Area: Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Capacity: 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · Toilet with sink
Price: from €300 / night
Rent a castle in Ireland – Best Irish castles to rent for groups
Ballyportry Castle, a 500 year old Gaelic towerhouse
This rather splendid tower house is Ballyportry Castle, an Irish castle Airbnb that, no pun intended, towers over the surrounding limestone landscape of the Burren, Co. Clare. This suburb castle rental in Ireland is set a mere 30 minutes’s drive to the ever-so-popular Wild Atlantic Way route.
Up top, is the Great Hall (complete with modern wood burning stove) and a castellated walkway that offers incredible views of the landscape and the livestock that graze in the castle’s shadow.
This 500 year old castle is bursting with history and is the perfect escape for those wanting to experience a real, Gaelic castle.
Area: Corofin, Co. Clare
Capacity: 8 guests · 6 bedrooms · 6 beds · 2.5 bathrooms
Price: from €422 / night
Carraigin Castle
Next up has to be one of the best castles in Ireland to rent – it almost looks too perfect to be real life and more like something from a movie set.
The absolutely glorious Carraigin Castle is a former 13th century manor house and sits on the shores of Lough Corrib. The main living area is in the former Great hall, with the master bedroom on a gallery floor that overlooks it.
The castle parapet is reached from the second floor, offering beautiful views of Lough Corrib and the hills of Connemara and Mayo. You can also rent a fishing boat onsite at this Ireland castle rental, and its location makes it the perfect base for those exploring Connemara, Galway and neighouring Mayo.
Area: Headford, Co. Galway
Capacity: 6 guests · 6 bedrooms · 9 beds · 2 bathrooms
Price: from €220 / night
Turin Castle
I’m very taken with Turin Castle and I think it’s so very deserving of its spot amongst the best castles for rent in Ireland. I’m not sure how they’ve done it, but the owners have struck the perfect balance between retaining the charm of a medieval castle, while still making it comfortable for modern living.
One unique feature is the minstrel’s gallery that spans one end of the great hall, with a small ceremony room that is perfect for a small group looking to rent a castle in Ireland for a wedding.
Bedrooms are finished lavishly and the castle also offers a sun terrace and fantastic views from the ramparts on its rooftop. The castle is also perfectly situated for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Area: Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Capacity: 12 guests · 5 bedrooms · 7 beds · 5 bathrooms
Price: from €900 / night
Ross Castle (entire castle)
This castle Airbnb has already featured earlier in this list of castles for rent, Ireland. While it is possible to book just a room for the night, it’s also possible to rent the entire castle.
In its entirety, Ross Castle sleeps 16 guests in 7 bedrooms and is a perfect retreat for a group searching for castles for rent near Dublin, with a large wooden dinner table would be perfect for hosting a special meal.
One thing of note, however, is that the castle is said to be one of Ireland’s most haunted castles. For those with an interest in paranormal activity, this makes the castle the perfect destination. For those who do not, however – might be better to skip this one!
Area: Oldcastle, Co. Meath
Capacity: 16 guests · 7 bedrooms · 9 beds · 7.5 bathrooms
Price: from €1,200 / night
Wilton Castle
Wilton Castle is set amongst parkland and quiet woods in the countryside just outside of Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. This luxury castle in Ireland can accommodate up to 14 guests and its serene setting makes it perfect for a group looking for a relaxing and private escape to an Irish castle.
The property features a restored 19th century castellated residence with interiors that are kitted out with luxurious, modern amenities. Its location also places you in position to receive some of the best weather in Ireland, right in the heart of the Sunny South-East!
Area: Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Capacity: 14 guests · 7 bedrooms · 7 beds · 6.5 bathrooms
Price: from €1,179 / night
Tubbrid Castle
This castle in Kilkenny is located just 20 minutes from the city, making it the perfect spot for those who want to explore medieval Kilkenny.
Dating from the 15th century, the castle has very recently been restored and features contemporary, luxurious touches throughout (including central heating), together with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Area: Co. Kilkenny
Capacity: 8 guests · 3 bedrooms · 4 beds · 2.5 bathrooms
Price: from €575 / night
Kilcolgan Castle
This beautifully appointed castle Airbnb in Galway, Ireland is set on the banks of the Kilcolgan River. Its location near Galway city makes this castle the perfect base from which to explore the west of Ireland, accessible to places like Connemara, the Aran Islands, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
This castle’s interiors are a little more ‘modern’ than the others, offering home comforts and spaces that are shared with the castle’s owners.
Area: Co. Galway
Capacity: 8 guests · 3 bedrooms · 4 beds · 2.5 bathrooms
Price: from €414 / night
19th Century Gothic Church
Ok – you got me. This unique Airbnb in Ireland is not actually a castle, but is a converted church that was too good to leave off the list. Basically, if you like the idea of staying in a castle, you’ll love the idea of staying in this cosy former church! And besides, it’s at least somewhat reminiscent of a castle!
With incredible features inside such as floor to ceiling stained glass windows, chandeliers, a wood burning stove and a spiral staircase, it even has a south-facing outdoor terrace outside that is perfect for evening drinks.
You’re also exceptionally close to the Viking city of Waterford, the Waterford Greenway, the Comeragh Mountains and the splendid Copper Coast – so this one is a winner for me!
Area: Portlaw, Co. Waterford
Capacity: 6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 bathrooms
Price: from €226 / night
Grantstown Castle
This 500 year old castle rental in Ireland is the perfect choice for history lovers visiting Ireland. Upon arrival, guests receive a guided tour of the castle and the owner has comprehensively documented the history of the castle, which is available for guests to read.
Great care has been taken in this castle’s restoration, with antique Tudor furniture having been sourced to ensure that the castle is in keeping with the time it was built. Its location in Tipperary means that it is perfectly placed for those who wish to visit the Rock of Cashel, which is located approximately 6 miles away.
Area: Kilfeacle, Co. Tipperary
Capacity: 7 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 beds · 2 bathrooms
Price: from €550 / night
Fanningstown Castle
This beautiful Irish castle to rent is both gothic and romantic in style. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle’s interiors lean more towards modern times than medieval, decorated in a classical, welcoming, country house style.
Its position close to Adare in the heart of the Golden Vale means that this castle Airbnb in Ireland is perfect for a larger group who want to settle in one area and explore regions like Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
Area: Adare, Co. Limerick
Capacity: 10 guests · 5 bedrooms · 7 beds · 2.5 bathrooms
Price: from €414 / night
Lisheen Castle
What can I say about this luxurious Ireland castle rental – I think it’s best to just let the images do the talking! This has to be one of the most beautiful castle rentals in Ireland and what is even more beautiful is the story that sits behind the renovation of this stunning Irish castle.
It’s hard to believe, but this castle was once derelict and was carefully and meticulously brought back to life by its owners.
Perfect for a large group seeking a luxury vacation rental in Ireland that wants the exclusivity of a private castle, it has 9 luxury bedrooms, grand castle features and a welcoming, old style kitchen.
It also has an extensive garden and private tennis court. It’s well located to explore the majority of the Republic of Ireland during a longer stay, using the castle as your base.
Area: Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Capacity: 14 guests · 9 bedrooms · 10 beds · 9 bathrooms
Price: from €1,229 / night
Castles for rent Ireland – what to bear in mind when staying at a castle rental in Ireland
As you’ll have noted from the above selection of castles for rent in Ireland, modern living standards and furnishings are implemented to varying degrees.
For someone looking for a purely medieval castle experience, a lack of modern facilities will be no problem at all and just part of the adventure.
If you are someone who goes to a 500-year-old castle expecting everything to be the same as a modern, city centre penthouse apartment, then you may be in for a bit of a shock!
While most Ireland castles to rent have been upgraded to include electricity, remember that these are ancient, ancient walls and so they may not hold heat like you are used to.
So prepare instead to wrap up nice and cosy and sit yourself down in front of an open fire, or log burning stove. Remote locations can often mean poor WiFi and network connections, so be prepared for the possibility of a digital detox too.
Please also do not confuse the above Ireland castles for rent with their luxury hotel equivalent. Some of Ireland’s largest and most impressive castles have now been refurbished as luxurious 5-star hotels (Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle examples of this).
These are well oiled, commercial enterprises and are run as thus.
Please remember that many of the castles above are real labours of love for their owners, who pour their passion and hard work into restoring and maintaining these castles, often at great personal cost. Make sure you respect their passion projects when visiting.
Castles of Rent in Ireland – FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a castle in Ireland?
The cost varies depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. Prices can range from €165 to €1,229 per night. It may seem like a splurge, but the memories created in a castle are priceless.
Can you rent a castle for a wedding in Ireland?
Absolutely! One of them is the Turin Castle. The majestic charm and stunning surroundings will leave you and your guests in awe. Starting from €900 per night, you can turn your fairytale wedding dreams into reality at this enchanting castle.
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