Back in the old days, castles were the highest form of luxury accommodation, reserved for royalty and completely inaccessible to the common folk. Now, owners have converted some of these elite properties into hotels, making them accessible to everyday people. Ireland’s luxurious castle hotels are some of the best in the world. Ireland is one of the best places to go if you want to live like a king or queen and reside in a castle for a few days. The breathtaking landscape and fascinating history of the country help make it a fairytale getaway.
The Enduring Appeal of Irish Folklore
Castles may be historical buildings rich in history, but they also have a strong connection to folklore and fairy tales. Ireland has a rich tradition of mythical legends, making the country’s castles all the more appealing to people who are interested in these things.
There’s a vast amount of Irish folklore-themed content in the entertainment market too, with leprechauns and pots of gold often associated with the country. Finian’s Rainbow in 1968 was one of the earliest films to depict this, but there have been plenty of others since, such as the Leprechaun horror-comedy series. Gaming embraces Irish themes too, with Rainbow Riches slots featuring rainbows and pots of gold. These games have been around for years, starting out as physical slot machines before developers adapted them for online casino players.
For anyone who wants to feel like they’ve stepped into a piece of Irish folklore, visiting a castle in the country can be a great way to do this.
What Are Some of the Best Castles You Can Stay in?
If you’ve got your heart set on a castle getaway in Ireland, there are numerous options to choose from. Ashford Castle in County Mayo is a seriously prestigious choice, with luxury accommodation and fine dining. The building itself dates back to 1228 and was initially a stronghold for the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family. It was converted into a hotel in 1939 and is now a five-star resort in the Red Carnation Hotel Collection
Dromoland Castle in County Clare is another magnificent building with around 500 acres of parkland. This was the home of the O’Brien dynasty for over 500 years until Bernard McDonough transformed it into a luxury hotel in 1962. Some other options for castle retreats in Ireland include Waterford Castle in County Waterford, Lough Eske Castle in County Donegal, and Ballynahinch Castle in County Galway.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Why Should You Choose This Over Other Luxury Getaways?
There are plenty of ways to enjoy a luxury holiday, such as an island escape in Thailand or a chalet experience in the Swiss Alps. However, staying in an Irish castle offers an experience that may be hard to replicate elsewhere.
Along with the luxury on offer, guests have the chance to immerse themselves in a historical setting, imagining how aristocrats and royalty lived. Ireland’s rolling green scenery, which looks plucked straight from a fairy tale, complements these luxurious hotspots.
Living in a castle no longer needs to be a dream, at least for a few days anyway. If you fancy a fairy-tale holiday in an extravagant building offering a royal experience, Ireland may be one of the best places for it.
Featured Image Courtesy of Unsplash, taken by Ainars Djatlevskis.