Castle Stay in Ireland
 

We'd like to spend 2 nights in a smaller castle which would give us access to hiking and historical sites rather than golf, fishing, etc. Has anyone stayed in either Ballinalacken Castle (Clare County) ro Ballynahinch Castle (Connemara) which seem to fit our description? Other suggestions?

My husband and I stayed at Ballynahinch Castle about five years ago. It was very nice- peaceful, relaxing, beautiful. Although I don't remember much more to do there than hiking or fishing. The food was very good as well. Hope I helped!

If you choose the connemara location make sure that you get to Clifden. It's a great town

Ballynhinch looks very neat. We stayed in Clifden and drove through. And there are lots of places to see in the area--the lovely villages of Roundstone, Clifden, Oughterard, the Kylemore Abbey, a drive to Westport via the Doo Lough Valley (site of great famine walk). The entire area is very charming in its remoteness and ruggedness. I love Connemara. I think Ballynahnich would be a great choice.

If you choose Ballynahinch, you should know that it is in itself a historical site. You might spend your downtime reading the biography of Richard Martin ("Humanity Dick"), a former owner.

Do you want to stay in a "real" castle? Are you aware that Ballinalacken Castle Hotel is a hotel with an old ruined tower castle on the grounds? You would not be sleeping in the castle there unless you were camping out with the sheep.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is very nice. It is not a castle. It is a hotel and old fishing lodge.

There are numerous hotels all over Ireland that have the word "castle" in the name. That does not mean they are real castles. Do more research if you want to stay in a real castle.

I loved my stay in Ballynahinch Castle in 2005. You feel you are a part of history. Lovely walks, good food, and very comfortable accommodations. As Padraig said, do read the history of the place.

For a real, authentic castle, there are several, one of which is Castle Leslie in County Monaghan, a very lovely area of Ireland. However, though the food was absolutely outstanding there, it is not luxurious as is Ballynahinch. But it is fun, and very very authentic!!

Irish Eyes has put it right. Neither of those are actually castles. I stayed at Castle Townshend which is a funky little place that offers both self catering and B&B. The location in SW Co Cork is great and it looks out on Castletowshend Harbor. B&B runs E50-80 depending on season. I self catered so I didn't really look at the B&B rooms but I like my room very much. I would certainly go back. The owner is kind of interesting, not the warm fuzzy that the classic B&B owner gives you, but quite funny at times. We enjoyed our stay.

As far as hiking, not far away is Baltimore which is the gateway to Sherkin and Clear island and there is some great walking to be done on both.

Bill

Thanks so much for your replies! We'll take Ballinalacken off our list and look at the others mentioned.

Castle Leslie isn't a true castle either, if we take a castle as a fortified building. It's a manor house, as is Ballynahinch and as are most other places with "castle" as part of their name or description.

I just want people to know what they are getting with regards to castle hotels in Ireland. I have heard of people booking into Bunratty Castle Hotel thinking they were staying in Bunratty Castle when in reality they are staying at a modern hotel across the road that has taken the castle's name for their name. It just requires more research so people are not disappointed.

There are some good definitions of a castle here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/castle

I think most will agree that the #4 definition on that site is what most people think of as a castle: "a large and stately residence, esp. one, with high walls and towers, that imitates the form of a medieval castle."