For those chasing #castlecore magic, read on …
Searches for castle hotels are on the rise, reflecting an ongoing interest in quirky hotel stays. Perhaps it’s also because shows such as Bridgerton and The Traitors have captured the collective imagination, according to data received by Pinterest. With searches for ‘Castle Hotel’ averaging up to 18,000 views, the trend has found its way into the travelscape with companies such as Citalia and Ireland’s Blue Book offering a selection of storybook destinations and stays.
Here’s some food for thought:
Killruddery Estate, Co Wicklow
Killruddery’s historic gardens will be transformed for Fairytale Day on July 6 – a family celebration of storytelling, creativity and connection with nature. It’s an annual highlight in the estate’s cultural calendar and is curated by Fionnuala Brabazon, who says; “It’s a day for families to step into a living story – one written in the trees, music, mud and laughter.” Visitors can discover storytelling tents, musical performances from the Irish Baroque Orchestra, collaborative art workshops and woodland sculptures by Peter Sheehan. They are also encouraged to dress as their favourite characters, from dragons and knights to fairies. @killruddery
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Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Co Kildare
This 12th century castle has been fully refurbished, following a €35m investment, and the result is an intriguing mélange of medieval décor and modern luxe. There are eleven bedrooms in the castle, including the Fitzgerald Suite that features sweeping vistas of the landscape that encompasses the estate. In the courtyard, the original carriage house and stables have been converted into 31 lovely bedrooms, many of which showcase original features, including bespoke wrought iron and exposed wooden beams. The property offers golf, tennis, equestrian activities, falconry, archery, off-roading, fishing, hiking and biking. New additions include medieval-themed Escape Rooms and The Spa. Wander the grounds where you’ll discover mature rose gardens, and the ruins of a church and ancient cemetery – like something from Grimm’s fairytales. @kilkeacastle
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For a day trip this summer, don’t forget Birr Castle which offers endless scope for discoveries, from its guided tours to picturesque walking trails. Its fascinating Science Galleries include the world’s oldest intact darkroom. Another first is the world’s tallest box hedge and, of course, the largest telescope. After exploring the grounds, the onsite café and gift shop are worth a detour too. @birrcastledemesne
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An overnight stay at this regal address blends contemporary elegance with castle heritage. Fabulous views, a luxury spa and a 500-acre estate ready to be explored by foot, bike or boat are also solid fairytale credentials. Dine beneath the glistening chandeliers in the castle’s signature Earl of Thomond Restaurant before going to sleep in one of the spacious rooms – the hotel has been proclaimed the ‘World’s Best for Sleep’ by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Don’t leave without perusing its excellent boutique – catnip for Irish designer labels! @dromolandcastlehotel
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Castle Leslie Estate, Co Monaghan
Surrounded by 1,000 acres of undulating countryside, Castle Leslie is one of the last great Irish castle estates still in the hands of its founding family. A stay in one of the 20 unique bedrooms at The Castle offers complete respite – you won’t find technology or minibars in the bedrooms. Whether your idea of heaven is a romantic boudoir designed with relaxation and privacy in mind, or a flamboyant room decorated with rich deep colours, there’s a bedroom to suit your tastes. @castleleslie
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The magic begins from the moment you arrive at Lough Eske Castle, approached by the long sweeping driveway. The escape, set in 43 acres of forested woodland, hugs the shores of Lough Eske, with a backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains. It’s the ideal base from which to explore one of Co Donegal’s twelve Blue Flag beaches. Recommended too is a Sliabh Liag Boat Trip – on the way, stop by Ardara’s new Sliabh Liag Distillery, perched above Loughros More Bay. Currently on offer is a two-night family break in a suite that can accommodate up to two adults and two children. Featuring a four-poster bed, an elegant living area, a sofa bed suitable for children, and a fireplace for added warmth, this a mini kingdom in one room. On-site, there’s plenty to inspire from horse-riding to alpaca trekking, in addition to its fabulous spa. Pop into Donegal town for some retail therapy where Magee’s sale is a further incentive to visit. @lougheskecastle
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Castello Di Casole, Tuscany, Italy
A stay at the 10th century Belmond offers an unforgettable escape. Guests can join truffle hunts at dawn, sip Chianti as the sun sets over rolling hills, or learn to make pasta in a century’s old kitchen. They can also wander the grounds of this historic estate once owned by Italian nobility, dine under the stars and unwind in the Essere spa carved from the castle’s original stone vaults and former wine cellar, where treatments include and are inspired by local grapes and herbs such as rosemary. This is an immersive retreat full of old-world magic. @belmondcastellodicasole
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Palace Natali, Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you’re secretly dreaming of living out your own Game of Thrones fantasy, Dubrovnik’s dramatic coastline is a real-life film set. Stay at this Renaissance gem from where you can visit Fort Lovrjenac, which towers above the Adriatic Sea and served as the infamous Red Keep in GoT. Climb up the steps of this 11th-century fortress to soak up panoramic views of the city and sea. Just below, the Old Town feels like a living museum with cobbled streets and striking Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Time your visit during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival when you might just catch a Shakespearean play unfolding beneath the stars. @palacenatali
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, Spain
Set among the rolling hills of Andalusia, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, adorned with over 1,200 works of art including Greco-Roman sculptures and shields, creating a gallery-like ambiance. There’s also a luxurious Roman spa to enjoy too. @anantaramarbella
