9 Dublin Castle Hotels Where You’ll Live Like Royalty For A Night

There are several stunning castle hotels in Dublin and there are endless castle hotels near Dublin, too.

Which should suit those of you looking to explore Dublin from the comfort from some very old (and very unique accommodation).

Many of these Dublin castle hotels are hundreds of years old and have many a mighty tale and legend attached to them.

In the guide below, you’ll discover the finest castle hotels in Dublin, like Clontarf Castle, to the swankiest castle hotels near Dublin, like Kilkea Castle.

The best castle hotels in Dublin

The first section of this guide is packed with what we think are the best Dublin castle hotels – these are places that one of The Irish Road Trip Team have stayed in and loved.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Clontarf Castle

Clontarf Castle is one of the most popular castle hotels in Dublin for good reason. This luxury hotel is surrounded by a lush golf course and the Irish Sea, so you can explore the city and retreat to your castle away from the hustle and bustle at the end of the day.

The rooms are all extravagantly decorated with four poster beds and many offer views across to the bay. They have deluxe, executive and boutique rooms, so you can find something to suit your taste and budget.

The castle also has plenty of dining options from the award-winning Fahrenheit Restaurant and the Indigo Lounge to the very cosy Knights Bar.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

If you’d prefer to stay on the south side of the city, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is a great option. It’s located just minutes from both Killiney Beach and the Killiney Hill walk and not far from the coastal town of Dun Laoghaire.

The family-run 18th century castle is now in its third generation, offering old world luxury and top-notch service to all guests. They offer a range of rooms from classic rooms to family rooms, with some boasting views across Dublin Bay.

You’ll also find several dining options at the castle, each of which utilises locally sourced produce and a world class culinary team. You can choose from Pj’s Restaurant, Mapas Restaurant and the Library Cocktail Bar for an evening well spent.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Finnstown Castle Hotel

Finnstown Castle Hotel is arguably the least well-known of the Dublin castle hotels. This beautiful old estate is located near the village of Lucan, just outside of Dublin City Centre.

The hotel is set on a 45-acre property in one of the finest country houses from the 17th century in the county. The interior has been kept in an old period style, with ornate furniture and chandeliers from the dining room ceilings.

The luxurious rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a relaxing bathtub and plenty of room to spread out during your stay. The dining options are endless as well, with the Peacock Restaurant, Woodquay Bar and Jim’s Bar, where you can enjoy the finest ingredients from an award-winning chef and their team.

Check prices + see more photos here

The best castle hotels near Dublin

So, as you’ve probably gathered, there aren’t that many castle hotels in Dublin, however, there are plenty nearby.

Below, you’ll find a clatter of castle hotels near Dublin, from Kinnitty Castle Hotel and Cabra Castle to Kilkea Castle and more.

1. Kilkea Castle

For a truly memorable stay in a historic castle, Kilkea is one of the best castle hotels near Dublin. With a history dating back to 1180, this ancient structure has been completely renovated with modern luxuries but still retains much of its original character.

Only an hour’s drive from the city, it’s set on 180 acres of land with woodland and gardens and a golf course for all guests to use and explore. There are 140 rooms at the hotel with a range of options catering for all different budgets.

After a day on the green, there’s plenty to look forward to at Kilkea Castle food wise, from the elegant restaurant to more casual bistro and bar.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Waterford Castle

For complete seclusion and luxury, Waterford Castle really is hard to beat, and it’s one of the more popular castle hotels in Ireland for good reason. Set on a 310-acre private island, you can’t get more secluded than that (it’s reached in minutes via the hotel’s ferry service).

The 16th century castle hotel has just 19 bedrooms, so your stay is much more intimate and exclusive in comparison to many of the larger Dublin castle hotels.

The wider resort offers a golf course, an award winning culinary team and a range of activities including tennis, clay pigeon shooting and croquet. At just 90 minutes from Dublin, it’s an iconic stay that is still easily accessible from the capital.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Cabra Castle

You can’t help but feel regal at this stunning castle hotel in Kingscourt. The 19th century castle is set amongst 100-acres of parkland and gardens and features the backdrop of Dun a Ri Forest Park.

The period interior features plenty of cosy fireplaces, lavish furnishings, and luxurious rooms. They offer 105 guest rooms with 4-star facilities, as well as six cottages that sleep up to 10 guests if you’re travelling in a group.

The Courtyard Restaurant onsite is the perfect place to enjoy an exquisite dinner with views across the parkland outside. This is one of the most popular castle hotels near Dublin for good reason.

Check prices + see more photos here

4. Kinnitty Castle Hotel

Another historic castle, Kinnitty is an incredible hotel that lets you become part of the long history of the estate that dates back to the 13th century. Situated on a vast 650-acres in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, you’ll feel a world away from modern life.

Inside the castle, you’ll find the Library Bar, the Sli Dala Restaurant and the Drawing Room, each of which showcases the best local cuisine with elegant dining rooms and open fireplaces. 

The hotel is an exclusive affair, with just 37 individually styled bedrooms, with high ceilings and cast iron bathtubs for complete relaxation. You really won’t want to leave this rural escape, just 2 hours west of Dublin City.

Check prices + see more photos here

5. Castle Leslie

Castle Leslie is a posh hotel set inside a 17th century regal estate. The 1000-acre property is located just 11km from Monaghan town and an 80-minute drive from Dublin City. The estate is dotted with lakes and woodland with complete seclusion from the outside world. 

You’re in good company at this 5-star accommodation, having hosted politicians, poets, ambassadors, and celebrities over the years. You know you can expect high class service! 

The castle has an array of rooms from castle bedrooms to rooms at the Lodge and Old Stable Mews, depending on your budget. You’ll find some of the original interiors and old-world furnishings which will make you feel like royalty even just for a little while.

Check prices + see more photos here

6. Lough Rynn Castle

One of the finest castle hotels near Dublin, you won’t forget a weekend at the Lough Rynn Castle. This luxurious hotel and estate is the ancestral home of the Clements Family and the legendary Lord Leitrim. 

Set on 300 acres of well-kept lawn and gardens overlooking the lough, you’ll feel completely at peace surrounded by the natural beauty of the place. 

Each of the rooms have been meticulously decorated with unique furniture and details, as well as offering plenty of modern comforts. You can head for afternoon tea or a delicious dinner at the Sandstone Restaurant onsite or a drink at the Dungeon Bar in the evening.

Check prices + see more photos here

Dublin castle hotels: Where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant Dublin castle hotels from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out! Or, browse some of our other Dublin accommodation guides below:

• 11 of the best rated B&Bs in Dublin
• 10 of the quirkiest boutique hotels in Dublin
• 13 of the finest family hotels in Dublin
• The best places to go glamping in Dublin (and the finest spots for camping in Dublin)
• 7 luxurious 5 star hotels in Dublin
• 12 stunning spa hotels in Dublin

FAQs about the best castle hotels in Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything ‘What Dublin castle hotels are the fanciest?’ to ‘Which castle hotels near Dublin are the most unique?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the finest castle hotels in Dublin?

Th best Dublin castle hotels are Clontarf Castle, Finnstown Castle Hotel and Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney.

What are the best castle hotels near Dublin?

There are endless castle hotels near Dublin. Kilkea Castle, Waterford Castle, Cabra Castle, Kinnitty Castle Hotel and Castle Leslie are five of our favourites.