The Best Castle Stays in Ireland for Families

If your clients have kids who are anything like mine, they can expect wide smiles when they tell them an upcoming trip to Ireland will include a stay in a castle. Immediately, images of knights and princesses — and maybe a few restless spirits — will come to mind, adding a sense of adventure to their family vacation.

Of course, not every castle is kid-friendly, but there are some that welcome families with open arms. Plus, with horseback riding, bicycles, archery and private cinemas, many castles are both fancy and fun. Hotels usually become havens where jet-lagged young travelers can take a break from the hectic pace of a European vacation — but when the hotel is a castle, it may be tough to get kids to leave at all.

For many families, an Irish vacation is incomplete without a castle stay. And, in fact, Kate Fravel Thomas, owner of tour operator North & Leisure, says it’s rare to have clients who don’t ask for a castle on the itinerary when visiting Ireland.

“A castle stay gives travelers that sense of history and grandeur, and adds a ‘wow factor,’” Thomas said. “Top castle hotels in Ireland have incredible activities. For instance, at Ashford Castle, you can enjoy fishing, a lake cruise and kayaking, while Adare Manor has a gundog experience and falconry program.”

Following are some Irish castles that will give your clients and their kids brag-worthy stories for years to come.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle Hotel and Country Estate and The Lodge at Ashford Castle share 350 acres in County Mayo. Both are five-star, family-friendly properties, but each has a distinct personality.

“Every child would love to feel like a prince or princess,” said Paula Carroll, director of sales and marketing for the properties. “At Ashford Castle, we make that dream a reality.”

The castle dates to 1228, so guests truly step into Irish history. Plus, each of the 82 guestrooms is bespoke, so no two are alike. Clients looking for extra privacy can opt for the former boathouse turned one-bedroom suite.

The elegant main dining room is perfect for special occasions, but “jeans-friendly” options on the property include the Dungeon Bar (popular with families due to its suits of armor) and Stanley’s, an American-style diner, which is a fun spot for breakfast or burgers. Plus, in honor of rocker Elvis Presley, Stanley’s serves an “Elvis sandwich” of bacon, banana and peanut butter.

Families can spend quality time together — and work off that Elvis sandwich — participating in more than 30 activities on-site, including horseback riding, bicycling, clay pigeon shooting, falconry and archery. A private cinema screens a variety of films, including a daily showing of the 1952 John Wayne classic, “The Quiet Man,” which was filmed on the estate.

“Ashford Castle understands the importance of a family getaway, and the variety of activities for children is second to none,” said Michaela Cox, manager for tour operator Authentic Vacations. “The highlight for my clients was the daily arrival of the Irish wolfhounds, Cronan and Garvan. Children are encouraged to interact with these incredible dogs and join them for walks. My guests also enjoyed the matinee in the private cinema — complete with complimentary popcorn and candy.”

The Lodge at Ashford Castle has a more relaxed feel, while still offering high-end amenities. The 64 luxurious rooms, 22 of which are suites, include adjoining rooms and lock-offs that work well for families.

Clients who stay at the lodge have access to all activities on the estate, including a soon-to-be-opened sports facility and kids’ pool coming this year.

Families can also opt for the best of both worlds by dividing their stay between the lodge and castle.

www.ashfordcastle.com

Adare Manor

Adare Manor in County Limerick reopened after an extensive renovation with 42 new bedrooms and a redesigned championship golf course that will host the Ryder Cup in 2026.

“Clients will feel like kings or queens at Adare Manor,” said Jeffrey Roy, vice president of marketing and sales for tour operator Eurobound. “It’s a modern-day experience fit for modern-day royalty.”

The 104-bedroom main house was built in 1832 and offers three suite categories and interconnecting options. Also, deluxe rooms can accommodate two adults and three kids, and two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages are also great for families. Another plus is that every category includes a complimentary stocked minibar upon arrival (replenished daily in suites), which means snacks are always on hand.

On-property activities include a cinema, fishing, archery, falconry and horse and carriage rides. Adare is also the only property in Ireland offering an authentic gundog experience with trained Irish Labradors. A particularly enchanting spot is the estate’s charming fairy garden, which is a hit with kids as well as adults.

www.adaremanor.com

Mount Juliet Estate

Clients visiting Mount Juliet Estate — part of Marriott’s Bonvoy Autograph Collection — in County Kilkenny can choose between the old world or the new. The 32-bedroom Georgian Manor House was built in the 1700s, while the 93-bedroom Hunter’s Yard offers a more contemporary take on luxury.

“Mount Juliet Estate is a distinctive place, steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking countryside — the perfect location for a special stay, where memories can be created and traditions set,” said Siobhan O’Sullivan, director of sales and marketing for the property. “The countryside offers a wide array of country pursuits so guests can enjoy quality time together and create long-lasting memories.”

Activities include fishing, horseback riding, croquet and archery. For golfers, Mount Juliet’s top-ranked world championship course has hosted the Irish Open three times (and it is scheduled to host it again next month).

A popular activity for families is the Hawk Walk, which provides adults and kids over age 7 a hands-on education about the sport of kings (younger kids can watch). During the 60-minute experience, clients work with magnificent birds of prey and have an encounter with two energetic resident owls.

“Castles immerse families in history and bring destinations to life,” said Amie O’Shaughnessy, founder and CEO of travel agency Ciao Bambino. “In addition to aesthetics that delight, castle hotels offer crowd-pleasing activities and entertainment options for every age and stage, which means families can meaningfully connect in a logistics-free setting.”

www.mountjuliet.ie