Destination Spotlight: 5 Irish Castle Hotels

As St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, Ireland is on everyone's mind. While cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork have much to offer, Ireland's Castle Hotels offer one-of-a-kind experiences like on-site falconries and clay pigeon shooting. Many of the estates also have formal gardens, world class golf courses, and full-service spas infused with Irish influences. Plus, the fine dining and afternoon teas at castle hotels provide travelers with the opportunity to live like royalty within exclusive settings, sure to create special memories.

In this edition of Destination Spotlight, we highlight 5 Top Irish Castle Hotels offering luxe accommodations, gourmet restaurants, spa, golf, and more. 

5. Lough Eske Castle

Once the home of the powerful 14th-century clans of the Donegal and the O'Donnells, Lough Eske Castle  is an award-winning historic hotel with a vital role in the story of County Donegal and Ireland. Set at the lake's edge, the castle hotel provides a range of accommodations options from Castle Suites with traditional elegance, the Garden Suites with contemporary styling to the stables converted into courtyard rooms with country charm. Nestled in the castle's garden, the spa offers a range of pampering, restorative, and natural treatments. 

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4. Waterford Castle

Located on a private island, Waterford Castle offers the finest traditions of Ireland including a falconry where guests can schedule private experiences to fly a trained hawk above the hotel's grounds. There's also clay pigeon shooting and training available for all skill levels, archery, tennis, and croquet. Guests can stroll the Island Trails to see native wildlife such as fox, swan, deer, hare, and pheasant, or arrange for a Waterford Castle picnic basket to dine amidst the property's 310-acre island.

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3. Ashford Castle 

Dating back to 1228 on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Once the estate of the Guinness family, guests enter the property through grand stone gates. Following an extensive refurbishment, the castle's 83 rooms, suites and the Hideaway Cottage each offer traditional elegance with custom carpets, bespoke beds, feature lighting, unique works of art, Egyptian Cotton bed linens, and the latest modern luxuries. The spa has a full-length relaxation pool with a "Tree of Life" mural, five treatment rooms, steam room, and a range of services. While the property offers four main dining rooms, afternoon tea in the Connaught Room, private wine tastings and dinners in the wine cellars, and creative Irish cuisine throughout the property. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Bed and Breakfast" rate will also receive full Irish breakfast daily, an 85 Euro food and beverage credit per room/per stay, complimentary green fees daily, and complimentary WiFi. 

Plus, this property offers exclusive 2019 FIVE STAR ALLIANCE SUITE & VILLA PRIVILEGES that can be combined with the FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK (if requirements are met). 

2019 FIVE STAR ALLIANCE SUITE & VILLA PRIVILEGES: Guests booking a stay of 2 or more nights in a villa or suite receive lunch or dinner for two, once per stay (minimum value US $100). This offer is valid for stays of at least two nights through December 31, 2019 in the Hideaway or Presidential Suite. 

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2. Dromoland Castle Hotel

Originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty, Dromoland Castle Hotel blends Old World elegance with contemporary luxuries. Guests arrive with a warm Irish welcome fit for royalty, and once settled in they can stroll the 450-acre estate to visit the walled garden, discover the falconry, row out on the lake for a picnic, or tee off on the world class golf course. There's an intimate spa with a variety of rejuvenating treatments, afternoon tea is served by a warm fireplace, and dining at the castle's flagship Earl of Thomond offers an authentic taste of Ireland amidst sparkling chandeliers, Venetian silk, and estate views.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Stay More Winter Rate" or "Midweek Special Rate" will also receive a full Irish Breakfast for each guest daily, complimentary airport transfer from Dromoland Castle to the Shannon Airport, and a guaranteed room upgrade at booking based on availability. 

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1. Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort

In the heart of Adare Village, Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort is a luxe castle hotel with a movie theater, full-service spa, championship golf, falconry, archery, and clay pigeon shooting. Amidst woodlands, walled gardens, and medieval ruins, the 840-acre estate provides guests with a world-class setting and personalized service. Taking its name from the nearby village of Adare, which is known for thatched roof cottages and antique shops, the retreat offers visitors to step back in time within a grand setting filled with the latest luxuries.  

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking with Five Star Alliance receive full breakfast for each guest daily in Minstrels Gallery, and once per stay an afternoon tea for 2 guests in the Minstrels Gallery. Also, the following amenities are provided subject to availability at the time of check-in and check-out: room upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out.

Check availability at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort