Enjoying a Castle Stay in Ireland

Imagine spending a night (or more) in an authentic Irish castle. Ireland has several historic castles dating back to the 16^th and 17^th centuries with spectacular grounds and updated guestrooms with modern day amenities.

Stay only ten minutes from the center of Dublin when you choose the Clontarf Castle Hotel. Today this is one of Dublin's most exclusive hotels and is located in the coastal area of Clontarf. This castle was originally built in 1162 but you'd never know it to stay in one of the 100+ guestrooms and suites. The rooms feature wireless broadband, a flat-screen TV, pillow-top mattresses, a safe, and a tea/coffee maker. There is a restaurant on the premises along with two lounges, one the Knight's Bar dating back to the twelfth century. A gym is also located on the grounds along with a business center. While you're there be sure to enjoy a walk along the seafront of Dublin Bay. There are also golf courses nearby and this castle hotel is very convenient to Dublin.

Book Cabra Castle in County Cavan for a night or weekend stay. This historic castle sits on 100 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. Cabra Castle is only an hour's drive from the Dublin Airport. This castle's rich history dates back to 1760 when it was known as Cormey Castle. In the 19^th century it was bought and rebuilt by Colonel Joseph Pratt and was renamed it Cabra Castle. Today there are boasts 80 rooms and suites which are located in the main castle or in the courtyard development. Most of the rooms in the courtyard area include access to the castle's walled garden. The Gate Lodge is perfect for a family group. It has includes sitting areas, private gardens and four bedrooms. The castle's own nine hole course awaits your game. A bar and restaurant are also on the castle grounds. Cabra Castle is well located for fishing and there are scores of nearby lakes. There is horseback riding available.

Next is Ashford Castle Hotel and one of Ireland's premier Irish Castles. This castle was once owned by the Guinness Family and is 700 years old; it has been a hotel since 1939. Ashford Castle is situated on 350 acres of woodland in Mayo. It was awarded the "best resort" in Ireland by Conde Nast in 2008. Each guestroom and suite is individually decorated and features all the modern amenities. There are two restaurants located in the castle although both are not open year round. One prepares classical Irish fare and the other serves French cuisine. When dining in the Connaught Room, be sure to study the hand crafted Inglenook that extends twenty feet to the oak ceiling. A gym and a sauna are located on the grounds along with both lawn and hard court tennis courts. Horseback riding is also available.