Stay in a castle, not Dublin, on your first day in Ireland
Don't stay in Dublin when you land in Ireland. Instead, drive just one hour and spend your first night in a castle in the beautiful Irish countryside!
I think it's a much better way to start your trip. Cities are stressful, even more so when you're exhausted from flying all night. Relax in the grounds of a fairytale castle instead.
And the next morning, you're already half way to your next stop.
Visit Dublin at the end of your trip instead.
North or South?
If you are going north on your trip then stay at Cabra Castle. If you are going anywhere else in Ireland, then stay in Kilkea Castle.
Both are within an hour of Dublin Airport. Important for those of you arriving on an overnight flight from the US. You don’t want to drive far.
Kilkea Castle, Kildare
Kilkea Castle is 900 years old. This is the fairytale castle.
It's just an hour to the south of Dublin Airport. It's on the direct road to Kilkenny, Cork, Rock of Cashel. Easy to turn towards Kerry and just a small detour from the Galway road.
"An absolutely beautiful location, like living out a dream. Now we can check staying at a castle off our bucket list. The castle is magical as are the grounds, which include gardens , a stream, and an ancient graveyard. You can’t go wrong choosing to stay at Kilkea and the breakfast is not to be missed!" - A review from Booking.com
To Do
It's more than just a castle, you might end up staying more than one night here! Kilkea Castle has a golf course, spa, falcons, wolfhounds and archery
It even has a genealogy specialist.
Dining
Restaurant 1180 is a fine dining experience, perfect to celebrate being in Ireland. Hermione's at the clubhouse is more casual and you can have a drink at The Keep bar.
Your Next Stop
- Rock of Cashel - 1h20
- Rock of Dunamase - 30 mins
- Blarney Castle - 2h20
- Killarney - 3h15
🏰 Check availability at Kilkea Castle
Cabra Castle
Cabra Castle is 85km north of Dublin Airport in County Cavan, perfect if you’re driving to Belfast or the Giant’s Causeway
The castle dates back to the 18th century and is on 100 acres of land.
Knights of armour are in the corridors, there's grand staircases to your room, four poster beds, drawing rooms with ornate paintings and furnishings.
Turn off your phone and you'll think you're in a different century.
This review from Booking.com tells you everything.
"What can I say about our visit to Cabra Castle, it was truly, truly exceptional and surpassed my wildest dreams. Cabra Castle certainly has the wow factor, set in a beautiful, charming location; just driving down towards the castle was utterly stunning, everywhere you look there is something to see and so many nooks and crannies. e even bumped into the owner who was so nice and he introduced us to the two famous Irish wolfhounds who were just off duty, they were delightful."
You'll be spending your first night in Ireland here so thankful that you're staying in a castle and not a generic city hotel.
To Do
- Nothing. You just arrived in Ireland, relax and take in the castle surroundings.
- Go full period drama and have Afternoon Tea in a castle
- Visit Newgrange tomb. Older than the Pyramids & Stonehenge.
- Walk through Dún na Rí Forest Park right next to Cabra Castle
Dining
The Courtroom restaurant overlooks the gorgeous grounds, but if you prefer something more casual, you can get that in the Derby Bar.
Your Next Stop
- Game of Thrones Studio - 60 mins
- Belfast - 90 mins
- Giant's Causeway, Derry & Donegal - all 2h30 hours.
🏰 Check availability at Cabra Castle
Stay in A Castle in Dublin
If I haven't convinced you to get on the road immediately, you can stay in the beautiful Clontarf Castle in Dublin. It's just 15 minutes from the city. Then do my Dublin Jet Lag walking tour, which is specifically designed for folks who just landed in Dublin.
