This is a 5* resort style castle hotel set on a large estate. It overlooks Connemara's largest lake, Lough Corrib, and has a velvet green 18 hole golf course beyond which one can see the mountains of Connemara. There are acres of woods and miles of walks. Although originally a medieval tower, most of the original castle is now wrapped in an opulent mid 19th century mansion built by Lord Ardilaun, head of the Guinness family. The comfort and splendour of the castle now is however far greater than it ever was in its heyday. Nearby is the village of Cong which has several bars, a good restaurant and was the setting for the John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara classic The Quiet Man. Ashford is on the pivot between North Connmemara and South Connemara, which makes it a great touring base.  It gets fairly universally good reviews.  

Situated in beautiful countryside, with its renowned fishing, shooting, riding, hunting, hill walking, mountain climbing and golf. Will delight you with stories of the history, having hosted weddings, medieval banquets, private parties.  Accommodation is very genuinely medieval, if a little damp & dusty (what else would you expect in the real thing?!)

This 3* 15th century castle is situated on 30 acres of woodland. The hotel has been completely refurbished and decorated in keeping with the elegance of the past. Close by to several top golf courses; Ballybunion, Tralee, Killarney, Dooks, Ceann Sibeal.  There are differing reports on the hotel, "The rooms could have better decor but were still nice nontheless" "Not in any guidebooks so was a little nervous about staying here but it exceeded my expectations".  The castle is undergioing a complete refurbishment - at present 12 rooms are newly done and very attractive. It is perhaps the most cosy and homely of any of the castle hotels, and the nearest one to the Ring of Kerry and Killarney.

Barberstown Castle is an internationally known, historic Country House Hotel with 22 bedrooms. Built in the 13th century, the castle is situated only 30 minutes drive from both Dublin Airport and the city centre, thus making it an ideal first or last visit on your country house tour of Ireland. The restaurant at Barbarstown is renowned for its creative food and has consistently received the RAC Restaurant award. Each of the ensuite bedrooms has been decorated in an individual style and dedicated to t he ordinary and extraordinary people who have lived within the walls. In the vicinity is the K Club, where the Ryder Cup is to be played, The River Liffey and The Grand Canal. with its delightful walks, the historic mansion of Castletown, and The Curragh racecourse is 15 minutes.  Frommers, possibly OTT review says  "This exquisite hotel spans 750 years of Irish history within its walls. Its four segments -- constructed in the 13th, 16th, 18th, and 20th centuries -- somehow form a coherent and pleasing whole. Each luxurious guest room is named after one of the castle's former lords or proprietors. They begin with Nicholas Barby, who constructed the battlemented rectangular keep in the late 13th century, and include Eric Clapton, who sold it to the present owners, Kenneth and Catherine Healy. The Barberstown story -- from fortress to guesthouse -- is a long one, with a happy ending for anyone deciding to stay here."  

A 2* hotel, with a great wedding & function business, close to the pleasant little village of Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, resting in countryside enveloped in history, legend and engaged in beautiful scenery. In the hotel itself, which was once a 17th century castle, you will find all the facilities of a modern 2* hotel.

A 4* hotel in an imposing 19th century gothic revival mansion with a 9 hole golf course. Its definitely not Ashford Castle, but hey, nor are the prices!  It is a great favourite with travel agents who want to include an affordable castle on an itinerary.  "While not deluxe, it is very comfortable. We had a room in the Stables area. This is a short walk from the main building, but the walkway is covered for part of the distance and the rooms in the stable area appear to be larger than those in the main building. My main complaint is that the hotel books a number of weddings and tour groups, so the bar and restaurant areas can get crowded.   However at no time will you feel disturbed by these events"  

The Castle, Castletownshend, Co Cork   B&B from €50.00 - €70.00

A stunning setting on the bay at the end of the village, and a real touch of real (very) faded grandeur. Unfortunately the attempts at modernisation (putting shower cabinets into the corners of bedrooms, or chopping bits off elegant bedrooms to make small en suite bathrooms) have not been as successful as they might have been. Lots of old portraits and antique furniture, suitably worn and creaking floorboards. Tons of character. The village can be a little busy during the summer holidays, but off the beaten track all is quiet - wonderful gardens nearby, coastal walks, charming pubs and stunning scenery are some of the local attractions

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Reputedly the castle on which Bram Stoker modelled Dracula's pad, Clontarf has recently been entirely revamped. The main house, which is mostly Victorian but does actually date back to the 12th century, has become the hub to which 100 bedrooms and conference facilities have been added. Impressive internal decor, albeit tending towards a touristic interpretation of the baronial mansion.   The city centre is a 15 minute drive away.   "The front desk people who checked us in and out were both extremely friendly and helpful. Had a King size bed on the third floor. Very clean and comfortable. Coffee and Tea and shortbread biscuits in the room were provided for a quick breakfast prior to leaving the hotel. Had a pub dinner in the Knights Lounge. Had Bangers and Mashed potatoes and some of the best Liver Pate I've ever tasted anywhere. Service was great even though the place was packed."

This is a splendid building set on nearly 2,000 acres of private grounds. It was originally the home of the chieftain of The O'Brien Clan, Earl of Thomond and direct descendant of Ireland's greatest high king Brian Boru. The present building, which mostly dates from the early 19th century, is now a luxury hotel with 60 bedrooms, a very distinguished restaurant and a beautiful golf course. It is a sister hotel of Ashford. There is riding and fishing nearby and there are many fascinating castles and abbeys that one can visit in the area. It is much frequented by visiting heads of state and incentive groups!  Food is outstanding.  Some guests have found that service can be a little stretched for a 5* hotel

From their own web site "Castle Durrow has been completely restored and decorated by Peter & Shelly Stokes in a comfortable, relaxing and contemporary style with modern way of life and fashion in mind without overlooking its past".  The style, known as "Contemporary Country", is sort of Northern European minimalist - Ralph Lauren meets Biedermeier.  This is not attempting to be a 5* hotel, but is an outstanding 4*.  The only caveat is that Fridays and Saturdays are full with guests from the weddings that take place in the castle yard, half way down the avenue.  For a country house hotel this has the added attraction that the village of Durrow is at the gates, - a pleasant village with pubs and hardware stores.

In the Bel Air of Dublin, this is a 120 bedroomed 4 * hotel with stunning views and a wonderful wooded hill behind it. The late Georgian house with its gothic details and suits of armour gives a suitably baronial feel, though it is dwarfed by the blocks of rooms built in the 1970s resort hotel style. It is however a very pleasant and well run hotel with brillant facilities for everyone and the staff, while not overly ambitious - are very pleasant.

Set amidst 63 acres of gardens and woodlands & built circa 1750 by the Earls of Carysfort, it is situated in the heart of the Avoca Valley. Only an hour's drive from Dublin, via N11. Local attractions include fishing, shooting, hillwalking and horse riding. A short drive to Arklow and golf courses including Druid's Glen, Collattin, Woodenbridge and the Arklow Golf Course. Minutes away from the picturesque Ballykissangel (Avoca) Village.  The hotel is at present ungraded, but we would not rate it highly.  In our opinion decoration, service & levels of comfort would warrant 2 * at the most.  However it is a romantic backdrop for weddings.

A 300 year old family home of charm and character., adjacent to a 13th century castle and courtyard in tranquil rural setting with adjoining dairy farm.  great value for a simple B&B in a very historic and attractive part of the countryside.

Kilkea Castle Hotel, South Kildare B&B from €110.00 to €175.00

4 * hotel with pool, golf course, 79 bedrooms, etc. in the medieval fortress of the Fitzgerald family. It is about 75 minutes from Dublin. There are interesting gardens in the locality and golf, riding and horseracing are all available locally. At weekends it is a favourite place for wedding receptions.  The castle itself is beautiful and there is a real "WOW" factor from the outside.  On the other hand many rooms, which are very clean and spacious,  look as if they were decorated in the 1970s and not touched since.  The food is OK but you will find better in other 4 star hotels. However The Schoolhouse Restaurant in Castledermot is excellent. 

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Set in the shadow of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and on the site of an ancient monastery, Kinnity Castle incorporates the medieval fortification of the O'Carrolls and the Bernard's 18th century mansion. Opened as a 12 roomed country house hotel in 1995, it stands on 65 acres of woods and parkland. The large and elegant rooms, the antique stained glass, the rich woodwork all remain as they were when Kinnitty was at the heart of a 20,000 acre estate. However do remember that Kinitty is only a 3* hotel, so don't expect the same service, or the same prices (!) as the more luxurious and smooth 5 * hotels. Nearby are the finest gardens in Ireland at Birr Castle, as well as the splendid early Christian remains at Clonmacnoise, on the banks of the Shannon. Kilbeggan, 15miles to the North, is part of the Cooley Whiskey Distillery.  Many people love Kinnitty, but I have come across the odd problem there such as "The room was spacious and clean. The bed was comfortable and the linens were great. But every conversation in the next room (and I'm sure from ours) was completely audible  - the snoring of the man in that room kept us awake, as it was as if we were in the same room.  Service was friendly and they really tried to get it right, but were very slow and did not always catch on to what was needed."