affordable castles to stay at in Ireland (under $300!)

Location: Kilkea Ireland, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 8.8
Prices starting at: $270 (less for carriage guest rooms located in the castle courtyard)
Restaurant on site: 3 restaurants on site
Spa services: yes
Breakfast: included
Pet friendly: no
accessibility/ disability options: no
Other notable amenities: horse-riding, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, tennis courts, archery and fishing, on site golf course.
Closest airport: Dublin (DUB) 84 km Waterford (WAT) 106 km
Airport shuttle: yes (paid)
Closest train station: Athy (5 mi) Carlow (7 mi)

Things of interest near Kilkea Castle:

• Baltinglass Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Bhealach Conglais) is a ruined medieval Cistercian abbey (16 km)
• Rathgall Hillfort (Irish: An Ráth Gheal) remnants of a bronze age fort 25 km
• Athy Boat Tours, take a boat trip on the river Barrow! (10 km)
• Brownshill Dolmen (Dolmain Chnoc an Bhrúnaigh in Irish) is a very large megalithic portal tomb (14 km)
• Delta Sensory Gardens DONT MISS THIS ONE! (13 km)

Huntington Castle

Just 38 km to the southeast of Kilkea Castle is Huntington Castle and it is simply gorgeous! This castle is pristine, it is dreamy, and has been in the same family since 1625!

Location: Clonegal Ireland, County Carlow, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 4.96 out of 5
Price: starting at $260 per night
Restaurant on site: no
Spa services: no
Breakfast: yes
Pets friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: contact the property direct
Closest airport: Waterford 116 km Dublin 108 km
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown) 26 km

Things of interest near Huntington Castle:

• Seal Rescue Ireland, animal sanctuary 37 km
• Ballymoney Beach on the Irish Sea 37 km
• Many of the sites listed under Kilkea Castle above are near Huntington Castle as well.

Wilton Castle

Just 33 km south of Huntington Castle is another castle accommodation in Ireland. Beautiful fairy tale Wilton Castle is surrounded by parkland and forests. The history of the castles dates back to 1247 AD. Do be aware the closest restaurants are a 7-8 minute drive.

Location: Bree, Enniscorthy, County Wexford,, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 9.7 out of 10
Price: Starting at $224 per night, one or two bedroom apartment (towels and bed linens extra charge)
Restaurant on site: no
Spa services: no
Breakfast: extra charge
Pets friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: contact the property direct
Other notable amenities: full kitchen, river views
Closest airport: Waterford (39 miles)
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Enniscorthy 3.7 mi, Wexford Railway Station 10 mi

Things of interest near Wilton Castle:

• Irish National Heritage Park open air museum Mesolithic period right up to the Norman Invasion in 1169 17 km
• Curracloe Beach on the Irish Sea 24 km
• Tintern Abbey Ruins founded in c.1200 34 km

Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa

The exterior of this 4 star affordable castle hotel puts me in mind of a mini version of Windsor Castle. Kilronan Castle is decorated with antique furniture and old world charm. The castle sits on a 40 acre estate.

Location: Ballyfarnon, Ireland, County Roscommon, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 8.9 out of 10
Price: start at $163.00
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: yes
Breakfast: included
Pets friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: yes (inquire at property direct)
Other notable amenities: indoor swimming pool, afternoon tea service, hot tub sauna, steam room,
Closest airport: Ireland West Airport Knock
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Boyle (8 mi) Carrick-on-Shannon (9 mi)

Things of Interest near Kilronan Castle:

• Ballinafad Castle Ruins (17 km)
• Ballindoon Friary, 1507 Dominican priory ruins (15 km)
• Boyle Abbey, 12th century ruined Cistercian friary (20 km)

Cabra Castle Hotel

This property is…well…just wow!!!! 4 Star hotel Cabra Castle is an 18th century beauty built in 1760. This sprawling castle is absolutely gorgeous, a total feast for the eyes. It has cozy dens where any King or Lord would be happy to take a load off, clawfoot bathtubs surrounded by stone walls, and richly decorated elegant rooms. You’re going to fall in love with this one. From exterior to interior it screams “come live out your castle dreams!” and on top of it you won’t even believe the price!

Location: Kingscourt Ireland (Dunaree) County Cavan, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 9.0 out of 10
Price: starts at $246 (lower prices available for courtyard and cottage rooms)
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: no
Breakfast: included
Pets: no
Disability / Accessibility options: yes (inquire at property direct)
Closest airport: Dublin, Belfast International, George Best Belfast City Airport
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Dundalk (30 km)

Things of interest near Cabra Castle Hotel:

• Dun A Ri Forest Park, 565 acre park with forests, trails and waterfalls (3 km)

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

This lovely castle was built in 1832. Castle hotel guests experience beautiful gardens and views of Twelve Bens mountain range. If your looking for cheap castles to stay in Ireland, this is one of the most inexpensive stays on our list.

Location: Clifden Ireland, County Galway, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 8.9 out of 10
Price: starting at $155.00
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: yes
Breakfast: included
Pets allowed: no
Disability / Accessibility options: yes (inquire at property direct)
Other notable amenities: fishing, live music, hiking, horseback riding (additional charge,) tennis, cycling, billiards
Closest airport: Ireland West Airport Knock
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: none close, check bus routes

Things of interest near Abbeyglen Castle Hotel:

• Clifden Castle, ruined Gothic Castle / revival manor house (2 km)
• ocean / sea / beaches: Mannin Bay Blueway Beach (8 km) Fountain Hill Public Beach (12 km) Cleggan Bay Beach (12 km)

Clontarf Castle Hotel

This perfect little castle puts me in mind of a knight’s castle. Clontarf Hotel is set in an 11th-century castle with medieval architecture. This luxury hotel (boutique style!) can be found right in Dublin!

Location: Castle Avenue, Dublin, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 8.8 out of 10
Price: starting at $173.00
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: no
Breakfast: included with some room rates
Pet friendly: guide dogs and service animals only
Disability / Accessibility options: yes (inquire at property direct)
Other notable amenities: parking has not been noted in this article because it tends to be free at these types of properties and this one, despite it being in Dublin, is no exception. Parking is free. Bus stop in front of the hotel that goes to the city center. (#130 bus)
Closest airport: Dublin (DUB) 10 km
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Killester Dart Station 1.7 km (check the bus routes too)

Things of interest near Clontarf Castle Hotel:

• Book of Kells, historical Christian manuscript located at Trinity College 7 km
• Guinness Storehouse Experience 8 km, Irish Whisky Museum 9 km, Jameson Distillery 9 km
• National Museum of Ireland 9 km
• Temple Bar 7 km
• Dublin Castle 7 km
• Christ Church Cathedral 7 km (also located in the church: Dublinia, a museum focusing on Viking and Medieval history of the city)
• The Famine Memorial and sculptures 6 km
• Looking for more Dublin attractions: find them all at Tripadvisor

Barberstown Castle

This 13th century 4 Star castle hotel, gem is the oldest on our list. It sits on a 20 acres of beautiful grounds. Over the centuries Victorian and Elizabethan additions expanded on the original Medieval Castle Keep of 1288. Eric Clapton once resided in this 55 room castle hotel gem, located just outside of Dublin.

Location: Straffan, Ireland, county Kildare, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 8.8 out of 10
Price: starting at $188.00
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: no
Breakfast: included in some room rates
Pet friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: yes (inquire at property direct)
Other notable amenities: afternoon tea service,
Closest airport: Dublin (DUB) 17 miles
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Hazelhatch and Celbridge 3.6 mi Maynooth 4.6 mi

Things of interest near Barberstown Castle:

• Dublin sites: nearby buses provide access to sites in Dublin (for more see Things of Interest Near Clontarf Castle above)
• Leixlip Castle, small castle built by a follower of Strongbow 12 km

Lough Eske Castle Hotel

This beautiful 5 star castle hotel with its manicured gardens is located at the foot of the mountains on 43 acres.

Location: Donegal, Ireland, county Donegal, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 8.8 out of 10
Price: courtyard rooms starting at $296
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: yes
Breakfast: yes
Pet friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: yes (inquire at property direct)
Other notable amenities: indoor swimming pool, fishing at Lough Esk
Closest airport: Donegal Airport 27 mi, City of Derry Airport, 43 mi, Ireland West Airport Knock 62 mi
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station:

Things of interest near Lough Eske Castle:

• Donegal Castle 6 km
• Lough Eske Lake 5 km
• Bundoran Beach 34 km

Castle Leslie Estate

Castle Leslie is located on 1,000 acres in the Irish countryside. It sits just a few miles from the Northern Ireland border, the estate covered in forest and lakes. The Leslie family has lived in this castle since the 1660. There are really a lot of things to do here making it a destination in itself!

Location: Glaslough Ireland, County Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 4.7 out of 5
Price: starting at $190 per night for rooms in the Lodge and go up from there for castle rooms
Restaurant on site: yes (all dining options must be booked in advance of arrival)
Spa services: yes
Breakfast: contact property
Pet friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: yes (inquire at property direct)
Other notable amenities: afternoon tea service, equestrian centre and horse riding, falconry, clay target shooting, archery fishing, boating, horse drawn carriage rides
Closest airport: Belfast 83 km City of Derry Airport 51 mi
Airport shuttle: yes
Closest train station: Dundalk 56 km Newry 48 km
Where to book: book direct at Castle Leslie Estate

Things of interest near Castle Leslie:

• Lough Neagh Lake 37 km

Drummond Tower / Castle

This castle with its beautiful cozy stone interior was built in 1858. Drummond Tower Castle is simply gorgeous and looks expensive but it’s not! It has a spiral staircase with stone steps and is warmly decorated. This is the perfect place to snuggle up in! You’re going to love the rooftop terrace with its panoramic views of the oh so green Irish countryside! Don’t miss out on the night time star gazing from this perfect viewing spot. It has 1 bedroom, 1 sofa bed (upon special request) and sleeps 4. You get the whole castle to yourself!!

Location: Coolfore, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 4.97 out of 10
Price: starting at $265.00 per night
Restaurant on site: no
Spa services: no
Breakfast: no
Pet friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: no
Other notable amenities: this self catering property has a full kitchen but you’ll need to bring your own food.
Closest airport: Dublin (DUB) 47 km
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Drogheda (MacBride) Bryanstown 11 km

Things of interest near Drummond Tower:

• Mellifont Abbey Ruins from 1152 AD 3 km
• Townley Hall Woods National Forest 5 km
• Newgrange prehistoric passage tomb from Neolithic Period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. 12 km
• Knowth Neolithic Passage Grave and an ancient monument of the World Heritage Site 12 km
• Brú na Bóinne, 3 neolithic passage tombs, plus 90 further monuments.10 km

Claregalway Castle

This fully restored 15th century Anglo-Norman tower has beautiful stone everywhere you look. Claregalway Castle is a classic Irish Castle that has rooms with river views. Only 10 km from Galway City and Within walking distance of a bus stop.

Location: Claregalway, Co. Galway, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 4.98 out of 5
Price: starting at $270.00 per night
Restaurant on site: no, but just a short walk (5 minutes) from Claregalway village where there are places to eat and enjoy a coffee)
Spa services: no
Breakfast: yes
Pet friendly: no
Disability / Accessibility options: no
Other notable amenities: complimentary wine, tea/coffee
Closest airport: Shannon Airport (SNN) 88 km West Knock Airport, 45 miles
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Galway Railway Station 11 km, Oranmore 4.9 mi, Galway Railway Station 7 mi

Things of interest near Claregalway Castle:

• Claregalway Friary medieval Franciscan abbey ruins 650 meters
• Galway Cathedral 12 km
• Quay Street, just 12 km from the shops, restaurants and bars of this popular street in Galway city
• Aran Island Ferry terminals in Doolin (69 km) and Aran Island Ferries Ros a’ Mhíl (49 km)
• Beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way sit just kilometers away!

Markree Castle

17th century Markee Castle sits on a secluded 500 acre estate where the River Unshin runs though. This 4 star luxury castle hotel has 31 bedrooms, a blazing fire in the grand hall, and manicured gardens. The castle is periodically open to overnight guests.

Location: Collooney, county Sligo, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 9.3 out of 10
Price: starting at $278.00
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: no
Breakfast: yes
Pet friendly: no
Disability / accessibility options:
Closest airport: Ireland West Knock Airport 45 km
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Collooney, Bleachgreen 4 km

Things of interest near Markree Castle:

• Benbulben Mountains 23 km
• Strandhill Beach 17 km
• Sligo Abbey 13 km

(for more information about open dates contact Markree Castle direct)

Northern Ireland options

There are some affordable Northern Ireland Castle Hotels and rentals too!

Belle Isle Estate, Castle & Cottage

Belle Is Estate’s history dates back to the 15th century and beyond. It is located on a 470 acre estate. Visitors have sole access to the grounds and trails. This self catering property is located on a private island with water taxi service.

Location: Belle Isle Demense Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland UK
Guest rating: 9.2 out of 10
Price: starting at $160
Restaurant on site: yes
Spa services: no
Breakfast: no
Pet friendly: yes!
Disability/accessibility options: yes
Other notable amenities: kitchen, washing machine, wood burning stove, rental car service, mountain views, outboard motor boat rentals, fishing,
Closest airport: Derry, 65 miles City of Derry Airport 56 mi, Ireland West Airport Knock 57 mi, Donegal Airport 62 mi
Airport shuttle: yes, extra fees apply
Closest train station: Carrick-on-Shannon, Cortober 43 km

Things of interest near Belle isle Estate:

• Marble Arch Caves 15 km
• Florence Court House 10 km
• Castle Colle 10 km
• Enniskillen Castle 9 km
• Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) 15 km

Narrow Water Castle

Narrow water Castle is an Impressive example. The original castle dates back to the 1680’s, These are adult’s only, self catering, apartment rentals.

Location: 67 Newry Rd, Warrenpoint, Newry, Northern Ireland UK
Guest rating: 5 out of 5 (based on only 1 review)
Price: starting at $234 per night
Restaurant on site: no
Spa services: no
Breakfast: no
Pets: no
Disability: no
Other notable amenities: kitchen,
Closest airport: Belfast International Airport 38 mi George Best Belfast City Airport 39 mi Dublin Airport 48 mi
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Newry 6 mi Dundalk Clarke 10 mi

Things of interest near Narrow Water Castle:

• Warrenpoint Beach 3 km
• Slieve Gullion Forest Park 17 km

Splurges! best castles in Ireland you can stay in just over $300!

These castles are over the $300 mark but not by much!

Carraigin Castle / Cargin

This neat little castle is a bit on the pricier side but you get the entire castle to yourself! It has 7 bedrooms (sleeps 10-12 people) and two full bathrooms. An incredible value! The authentic 13th century castle /manor house is surrounded by 7 acres of park and woodland and is situated on the shores of Lough Corrib, one of Ireland’s biggest lakes.

Location: Clydagh, Headford, Co. Galway, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 5 out of 5
Price: starting at $408 per night
Restaurant on site: no
Spa services: no
Breakfast: no
Pet friendly: no, but contact the property to confirm
Disability/ accessibility options: no
Other notable amenities: full kitchen, open fireplace, washing machine and clothes dryer, boating, fishing,
Closest airport: Ireland West Airport Knock 68 km
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Galway Train station 29 km

Things of interest near Carraigin Castle:

• Castle Hackett, 13th century tower house castle ruins 17 km
• Killursa Church 12th century ruins 5 km
• Galway and all of it’s sites is just 30 km away (for more on Galway attractions see their tripadvisor page)

Tybroughney Castle

Cozy medieval castle tower Tybroughney was built in 1462 (over 500 years old!) and is situated on the banks of the River Suir, located on a working dairy farm.
Rent a private room, choose the vaulted suite or the Queen suite.

Location: 1 km from Piltown, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 5 out of 5
Price: starting at $312
Restaurant on site: no
Spa services: no
Breakfast: yes
Pet friendly: no
Disability/accessibility: no
Other notable amenities: shared kitchen and dining room, washing machine, tower terrace with panoramic views of the Irish countryside.
Closest airport: Waterford Airport 35 km
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, Ireland 5 km, Waterford (Plunkett) 22 km

Things of interest near Tybroughney Castle:

• Ormond Castle 5 km
• Rock of Cashel 50 km
• Cahir Castle 43 km
• Kilkenny Ireland 43 km (check out my article for lots of exciting things to do in Kilkenny!)

The Black Castle

Tullaun Castle (The Black Castle) is a 16th century medieval tower castle that has been lovingly restored. The castle sits on 13 acres that guests are welcome to explore. The interior of this 500 year old castle is oozing in medieval charm. It’s a true authentic castle experience and you’ll have it all to yourself! The castle’s heat source: an open fireplace, so prepare for relaxing evenings in front of the fire. Looking for Rustic Castles to stay in Ireland? Book this one!

Location: Nenagh / Carrigagown North, Co. Tipperary, Republic of Ireland
Guest rating: 5 out of 5
Price: starting at $312
Restaurant on site: no
Spa services: no
Breakfast: provided are teas/coffee, milk, bread, butter, cereals, yogurts, drinking water, juice, free range eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes
Pet friendly: no
Disability/Accessibility: no
Other notable amenities: shared kitchen, washing machine, tower terrace with panoramic views of the Irish countryside (be sure to read the full description because in the interest of an authentic experience there are some modern day conveniences that aren’t offered at the castle)
Closest airport: Shannon 70 km
Airport shuttle: no
Closest train station: Nenagh 16 km (you’ll need to secure transportation from there)

Things of interest near The Black Castle:

• Lough Derg Lake just up the road with sailing, fishing and other water sports
• Dromineer Beach 12 km
• Nenagh Castle 16 km

(the property is only open up for a limited number of nights each year. You can contact them through their Facebook page or on their website, Authentic Medieval Experience.)

map of affordable castles to stay at in Ireland

Follow this link to be directed to an interactive map of our list of affordable castles to stay in Ireland:

about the Castles of Ireland

Ireland’s approximately 30,000 castles run the gamut from ruins to lavishly restored castles and everything in between.

While many of the castles in France, Germany and other parts of Europe were built as luxury digs for filthy rich royalty, Irish castles had a more practical purpose. They were built to protect the inhabitants from invaders so they were sturdy fortifications, often without frills.

Many of Ireland’s castles were built in medieval times (11th-15th century.) The middle ages were harsh times. Life spans were short, danger constantly lurking. Food was often scarce and comforts were rare.

What does all of this mean for the castles you’ll find in Ireland? It means they are rugged, dark rustic, have thick stone walls and doors to keep intruders at bay. They are RIDICULOUSLY CHARMING and ATMOSPHERIC.

Many of the accommodations have been renovated to please 5 star clientele, while others cater to those looking for a true rustic experience. Very different, yet both wonderful experiences! Book one today!!!

Old World meets Modern

Many of the hotels listed have all of the modern conveniences that you would expect, including flat-screen tvs, wi-fi and fine dining experiences! all alongside old world details like four-poster beds, creaky old doors, and maybe a friendly ghost or two! and If modern conveniences are a deal breaker for you be sure to read the hotels descriptions in the booking listing carefully.

Personal note: I got so excited writing this article that I’ve decided to turn it into a trip! Which are your tops picks??? Drop me a note in the comments!

Ballintotis my #1 favorite rustic rental

Ballintotis is my favorite choice and the most affordable of them all! I did not include this fantastic affordable rustic castle stay in this article because sadly, they are not taking overnight guests at the time this article published. Do keep checking back because this is one unique experience you don’t want to miss! You’ll find everything you need to know about Ballintotis Castle in this article.

video of my favorite affordable castle stay in Ireland, Ballintotis!

How to find the best prices and protect your trip

finding the best prices:

Book Early: you’ll tend to find the best prices if you book early. Monitor prices and when possible rebook if prices happen to go down.

Stay in the off season: Summer is generally the most expensive time to book, spring and fall prices are better, winter prices tend to be the best (although nearby attractions may be closed.)

stay midweek: Midweek stays tend to be less expensive than weekend stays.

Check out my Travel Resources page to learn how to get the best deals on airfare, rental cars, accommodations, language learning resources and more! 

protect your investment

Protect your investment with “cancel for any reason” trip insurance. Did you know that pandemics, as well as a LONG list of other situations aren’t covered by most trip insurance policies (including those airlines offer when purchasing tickets)?

MOST of these scenarios are covered when you purchase a “cancel for any reason” policy! Shop for one at Travel Insurance.com! but don’t delay, most CFAR policies need to be purchased within 14-21 days, depending on the policy. 

free Ireland itinerary

We visited Ireland as part of a 10 or so day road trip. It was pretty epic! If you are looking for the perfect Ireland itinerary chock full of the best places to hit in a short amount of time! you can find it here in my “Ultimate 2 Week Trip to Ireland and Scotland” article. Just leave out the first week!