There’s no need to sell you on a trip to Ireland—the Emerald Isle stands as one of the US’s top European destinations for many reasons.
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Whether you’re after a crisp Guinness (or ten), a little ancestry research, or just a good craic, Ireland has something for you. And while you’re likely to spend a few days in Dublin as you get settled, that’s hardly the end-all of a great Irish vacation.
If you really want to experience Ireland, you need to travel around the island. I did that on a private tour back in 2023, which I highly recommend. My group was able to customize our trip to see everything on our bucket list and avoid the tourist traps.
If you’ll be traveling around the island, especially on a private tour, you’ll have your accommodations booked for you by the company. However, you’ll still have plenty of chances to personalize your vacation—meaning you can stay a night in a private rental. Better, you can stay the night in some of the coolest Airbnbs in Ireland: castles.
While the country isn’t exactly known for its modern high design, it’s got some seriously cool castles where you can hole up for a day or two.
Castle Airbnbs in Ireland—from coast to coast
Clonmellon Lodge (Killua)
- Built in: 1700s
- Bedrooms: Two bedrooms (sleeps five)
- Bathrooms: Two bathrooms (ensuite)
- Great for: Anyone who thinks regular-sized castles are a little too imposing. This mini-castle has Gothic architectural themes, along with a lovely sunroom. I tend to get a little uncomfortable in wide-open interiors, so Clonmellon Lodge would be a great castle pick for me.
Claregalway Castle River Room (Claregalway)
- Built in: 1400s
- Bedrooms: One (sleeps two)
- Bathrooms: One (ensuite)
- Great for: Those who enjoy BnBs. This is a recently renovated castle that runs like a hybrid bed-and-breakfast and private rental. You’ll get to meet other visitors on the grounds who are renting other rooms in the castle. If the room above doesn’t suit your needs, check out the Farmhouse and the Abbey Room, located in the same castle.
Guilcagh Church (Portlaw)
- Built in: 1800s
- Bedrooms: Two (sleeps six)
- Bathrooms: Two
- Great for: Anyone who prefers Gothic churches to castles. This property also has a surprisingly cozy setup despite its stone edifice and slightly foreboding look. Full disclosure: there’s also a cemetery on the grounds, as this was a functional church with a ‘flock’ for many years.
Tybroughney Castle (Tybroughney)
- Built in: 1400s
- Bedrooms: Three (sleeps ten)
- Bathrooms: Three
- Great for: Large groups with up to ten guests, and fans of Medieval history. This castle has also been beautifully designed. It’s pricey, but it’s got five hundred years of history and modern amenities galore—meaning it’s well worth the splurge.
The Old Stables at Edmond’s Castle (Fethard)
- Built in: Around 1400s
- Bedrooms: Two (sleeps three)
- Bathrooms: One
- Great for: History nerds who want to delve into history in Fethard and nearby Cashel. There’s also a world-famous local stud stable nearby—making this particularly great for any equestrians. Just know that this isn’t a true castle. Instead, it’s a historical stable that’s wedged between two 15th-century castles.
Drummond Tower (Drogheda)
- Built in: 1858
- Bedrooms: One (sleeps four)
- Bathrooms: One
- Great for: Fans of follies and whimsical architectural projects. This castle was built in the mid-1800s as a ‘folly’, which is a relatively new build that’s designed to look much, much older.
Huntington Castle (Clonegall)
- Built in: 1600s
- Bedrooms: Three (sleeps six)
- Bathrooms: Three
- Great for: Travelers who want a luxury castle stay in Ireland. The rooms are decked out in a stylish, Old World design that makes you feel like you’re actually staying in the castle during its peak era.
Tubbrid Castle (Kilkenny)
- Built in: 1400s
- Bedrooms: Three (sleeps eight)
- Bathrooms: Two
- Great for: Anyone who really wants to feel like they’re staying in a Medieval castle. As in, the rooms are grand in size, the walls are cobbled, and the windows are fortress-style tiny. There are luxury amenities, but the overall castle feel has been carefully maintained.
Smithstown Castle (Kilshanny)
- Built in: 1400s
- Bedrooms: Four (sleeps eight)
- Bathrooms: Three
- Great for: Classic castle stays and space to roam. Like Tubbrid Castle, this property still has the overall feel of a Medieval castle. You’ll feel like you’re living in a Gothic period piece. As a perk, the castle is also set on five private acres of lovely forest.
Clonmantagh Castle (Freshford)
- Built in: 1400s
- Bedrooms: Six (sleeps eight)
- Bathrooms: Three
- Great for: Large groups who want a few days to rest around Kilkenny. This castle Airbnb is also a bit cozier and ‘warmer’ than the others. As one reviewer put it, “The pictures don’t do it justice.”
Castle Carcin (Headford)
- Built in: 1200s
- Bedrooms: Six (sleeps twelve)
- Bathrooms: Two
- Great for: Hardcore fans of history. This is the second-oldest of all the castle Airbnbs in Ireland, topped only by Farningstown Castle (below). In fact, it’s not technically a castle—back in the 1200s, it was a ‘hall house’ for nobles.
Fanningstown Castle (Adare)
- Built in: 1100s
- Bedrooms: Five (sleeps ten)
- Bathrooms: Two
- Great for: Hardcore fans of history, as with Castle Carcin (above). This historical castle dates back to the Anglo-Norman conquest of the area, at which time defensive towers and castles like these were slowly built.
Killahara Castle (Thurles)
- Built in: 1500s
- Bedrooms: Seven (sleeps 12)
- Bathrooms: Five
- Great for: Easy access from larger cities, including Dublin. This is also a great place to learn about local history, especially the Fogartie Clan that built this castle.
Wilton Castle (Enniscorthy)
- Built in: 1200s
- Bedrooms: Three (sleeps eight)
- Bathrooms: One
Great for: Easy castle stays, as this property is run like a BnB. It’s also one of the oldest castles on the list, but you might not feel its age. After being ruined by a fire in the early 20th century, it was renovated in 2015.
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