We are going for a month in April 2002 to Ireland and Scotland. Want to stay one night in a real castle, not a converted 5 star hotel that caters to the wealthy. Does anyone have any suggestions? We are flying into Shannon and traveling east to Dublin, then on to Glascow, north through the highlands and down to Edinburgh. Gone for a month. Please help with any castle stay suggestions. Thanks

Hi Diane <BR> <BR>Two or three suggestions.... <BR> <BR>First, it's not so bad staying in one of those ritzy converted castles. My sister and her husband stayed a night in one in Scotland, and have been talking about it ever since. Give it a whack! <BR> <BR>Second- avoid Carageen Castle B&B. It's not a real castle, but a converted jail. And the lady who runs it has not recognized any change. She has gone down in family history as "The Shower Nazi." <BR> <BR>Third--- are you into camping? Back in college, a friend and I took the ferry over to Ayr, on the West Coast of Scotland, and bummed around with sleeping bags and thumbs out. Crashed in a deserted castle ruin out on a peninsula near Ayr--- brilliant! Free, too. <BR> <BR>Some more info on my website. <BR> <BR>All the best! <BR> <BR>Mick <BR>www.dfaguide.com <BR> <BR>

I have never stayed at this place, but I might like to some day - - I'm not sure what your definition of a real castle is - - one without any modernization of bathrooms, central heating, electricity etc? <BR> <BR>Any place licensed to have overnight guests will have to have met some kind of modern standards, and as such will have been "converted". Or are you seeking a privately owned castle whichh does NOT regularly have paying guests? <BR> <BR>Whatever your tastes take a look at http://www.markreecastle.ie/ - - I apologize if it strikes you as a "converted 5 star hotel that caters to the wealthy" - - which I realize you don't want. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

There's a castle in a small town in Northern Ireland (County Down). The town is Killyleagh, and from what I've been told, Killyleagh Castle certainly doesn't cater to the rich, as I'm told it's rather cold in the rooms. So maybe this is the authenticity for which you are pining. Also, you have to pay extra for electricity. Still, it's a lovely castle, and occupied by private owners.

Hi Diane, <BR>I have no suggestions for you, as my trip to Ireland is still in the dreaming stages....that said....any interest in adopting a 40+ child for a month?!? Have a great time!!

Diane, a real castle would be frigidly cold and smelly as well.aachoo,I cant stop sneezing now, allergic to mold,I just went to several castles, and stayed at Carrigeen Castle for a night as well.Shower Nazi? I dont know about the shower, but Nazi sums it up pretty well.Just a personality conflict I suppose.I know the old woman was trying to be friendly in her own way,but I would never stay there again.Its not worth it, I knew it wasnt a real castle but thought the history of the place was interesting and it would be a novelty to stay there.She didnt even offer a tour or share anything about the place with us.It was very clean and comfortable, with a good breakfeast, but thats it.

Hi Diane, <BR> I am a chauffeur by profession and would be delighted to show you the wonderful sights of the West of Ireland.I can organise a good choice of beautiful castles for you. <BR>Please make contact and I will gladly be of further assistance to you. <BR>Kind regards, <BR>Bob Hannan.

ttt

DJ, if you're still out there - surely tours are reserved for the likes of Cahir Castle, not Carrigeen? How could you impose on people in their private home doing B&amp;B in that way - would you ask a farm B&amp;B to show you round their home?

I had a great time at Carrigeen each time I stayed, and it is marketed as a prison-castle which it is, and the breakfasts (and breakfast room) are huge! Great touring location, and great value for money!