Stay In a Castle On Your Last Night In Ireland
End your time in Ireland in a castle, not a city.
Where should I stay in Dublin on my last night? I see this question all the time.
I have a different approach though.
You've just had a wonderful time in Ireland's countryside, you're relaxed after a week of green fields and coastal views. Don't ruin it by coming back to the busy city and getting stressed by the crowds & concrete.
Instead, stay in a dream castle on your last night in Ireland.
Let that be your last memory of Ireland.
Three Castles Within An Hour of Dublin Airport
If you are coming from:
- The north or northwest, stay at Cabra Castle
- Anywhere else, stay in Kilkea Castle
- But if you have an early flight, stay at Clontarf Castle in Dublin.
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 from 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" - 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.
🏰 Check availability at Kilkea Castle
Distance from Dublin Airport
Cabra Castle
Cabra Castle is 85km north of Dublin Airport in County Cavan, perfect if you’re coming from 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.
"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."
You'll be so thankful that you're staying in a castle and not a generic city hotel.
To Do
- Nothing. 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.
🏰 Check availability at Cabra Castle
Getting to Dublin Airport from Cabra Castle
Clontarf Castle in Dublin
If you have an early flight, it's better to stay very close to the airport.
Clontarf Castle is just 15 minute from the airport. It's in an affluent seaside Dublin village, so you can enjoy a last Irish sunset watching sailing boats by the beach.
It's worth staying here just to eat at nearby Chubby's. Book months in advance though!
Come early and I'll bring you on a walking tour of the nearby old Guinness family estate.
