For the new year I said to myself that I would try and get out more with the kids and the hubby to do more stuff together as a family. Chloe will be one in February so she will be at an age it will be easier to travel. Less bottles, less stops and proper food. Before we had kids, hubby and I went away a good bit and stayed in a few nice castles as a get away or for a wedding. Most of these places are very family-friendly these days now and have a lot of activities on side or nearby.
If you live in Ireland or are planning a family trip to Ireland but need somewhere to stay, why not check out these 5 castles I picked out for you all across Ireland. Some of them I have stayed in myself.
Ashford Castle
The five start Ashford Castle is located in the Western part of Ireland in Country Mayo. The site is 350 acres big and pictured at the shore of Lough Corrib. With 82 guest rooms (family rooms included) you can enjoy Irish hospitality to its fullest.
I stayed here myself 3 years ago. It wouldn’t be your average hotel you stay in. The dinner generally needs to be booked in advance. The dinner room comes across very posh, I suppose it is a five star hotel after all. Breakfast is amazing though as far as I can remember. There are many bars, rooms and restaurants. They also offer yummy afternoon tea. On site it is possible to go on a cruise and see Ashford Castle from water and the surrounding Connemara mountains. You can walk around Ashford Castle for ages to get some fresh air. Great for the kids to run riot. The hotel also received an award for the best hotel in 2015.
Dromoland Castle
Dromoland Castle has over 400 acres of land to explore. The five star hotel is located 8 miles from Shannon airport in County Clare. The rooms are beautiful and there is something for everyone to pick from. I haven’t stayed here myself but it is on my list. This is a very child friendly castle. As I said above there is acres of ground to explore for them but also they are able to do some archery if you have older children, horse riding, pony & trap ride, swimming and many many more activities. A babysitter can be arranged on site with 24 hours notice.
Kilronan Castle
Another beautiful castle hotel I have been to twice so far. Both occasions were weddings. Kilronan Castle is situated 45 mins from Sligo, one our from Knock International airport and 2 hours from Dublin. Log onto their website to check out their virtual tour. The family rooms here consist of a king sized bed and single bed but with every hotel this can be adjusted to additional beds or cots. I can really recommend Lough Key Forest Park which is nearby for your kids. They have so many fun activities to offer with a huge playground.
Lough Rynn
This castle is not far from my house either. It is easy to access from Sligo, Galway and Dublin. It would be one of the famous ones for weddings, too. A castle I had on my list for my own wedding actually. Lough Rynn castle comprises of 44 unique bedrooms and suites. But if you are coming with the family they also offer Self Catering Houses (located 3 mins from the hotel reception). Each house sleeps 5 people with 2 double bedrooms and a single bedroom. These are fully furnished to a 4 star standard with kitchen facilities. Again Lough Key Forest Park is nearby for activities for the kids or even Carrick on Shannon to bring the kids bowling or to the cinema.
Lough Eske Castle
I spent my birthday with the hubby in Lough Eske Castle years ago. It was really lovely. We went in January 2010 so it was very cold at the time but this is why it was so cosy. Exactly why I love castles. It makes them extra special going in the winter month. The castle hotel is located between Lough Eske and the Blue Mountains in County Donegal. The five star hotel has standard rooms, family rooms as well as suites to offer. The family room is featuring roll-away beds for an additional charge (B&B rates) and interconnecting rooms. Perfect for somebody traveling with kids. You can enjoy many different things in Donegal including fishing, boat trip and Glenveagh National Park. To all the mums out there, if you get the hubby to mind the kids for a few hours you could go off to their amazing spa. I used this when we stayed with them and it was amazing. They have lot of different spa packages to offer.
Would this be something you would try out with the family or rather have a secret getaway yourself or with the hubby?
What great time we are off to Christmas and new years in ireland soon and I want to explore more of it this time we go. These look lovely. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me. #sharewithme
Ireland is one place I have never been too but really want to go and wow, these castles are just stunning x
Such lovely castles. I really need to see more of Ireland. Ashford Castle looks very grand.
Okay, why haven’t I ever been to any of these castles?? Worst Irish person ever!! Adding them all to my ‘Must go and see’ list now. I think I’ve just favoured big historical ones before e.g. Blayney Castle. x
These look amazing!!! I`ve never been to Ireland but always wanted to visit. There are so many places I’d love to see, the sights look just spectacular! x
I’d love to stay in a castle. In fact, that’s on my life dream list – I really should do something about it. It’s nice that there’s some family ones in there too.
I would love to stay in any of these castles. I stayed at one in Gloucestershire before my daughter was born and it was just magical – she loves visiting castles, so would be over the moon to actually sleep in one too…
Ireland looks like such a beautiful place. I wouldn’t mind visiting one day! And I love old castles. I like the sound and look of Dromoland castle and with it being child friendly, it’s right up my street. I agree, I think visiting and staying in a castle in the winter months would be lovely and cosy.