Unique Sleeps: Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin
Unique Sleeps: Amazing hotels hand picked by Expedia Experts. Clontarf Castle Hotel
When you’re in Europe, castles are often on the sightseeing to do list. Turrets, towers, ballrooms, more bedrooms than you can imagine, elaborate gardens, garrets and more – castles are a class of their own. Well, when you’re in Dublin you can kill two birds with one stone and stay in Clontarf Castle for the night.
Just 10 minutes from the centre of Dublin, a castle has been on this site since 1172 and has changed hands several times thanks to battles and family inheritances, squabbles and bankruptcy down through the centuries.
Clontarf Castle was originally built by Hugh de Lacy, a wealthy English baron who went to Ireland with Henry II and was eventually put in charge of Dublin Castle and granted the area of Meath. This was disputed by other clans but after a couple of decapitations, and a stint fighting in France, de Lacey returned to Ireland to become governor.
He built many castles, married the King of Ireland’s daughter and generally annoyed King Henry so much that life was never without strife.
The castle that stands today was completely rebuilt in 1837 after it was discovered its foundations were sinking. Today it is a stunning 4-star hotel with restaurants, bars and a huge conference centre – often the setting for fairytale weddings.
Enter the castle through modern glass doors and at once you are transported back in time. A suit of armour stands at attention to your left against the old stone walls of the interior and ceilings reach to the sky. Small nooks of couches are dotted in the lobby and if you want a drink in a private area, just go exploring in this authentic and majestic Dublin castle that is steeped in history.
More Articles With Destination
Expedia has released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing six proven tips to help save travellers time and money.
Planning for travel in a post-lockdown era can be stressful. The team at Expedia has prepared this guide to help with all the questions travellers may have on the New Zealand and Cook Islands Travel Bubble. Note: The information provided below has been prepared to give travellers guidance on the arrangements to date. We encourage… Continue reading Cook Islands Travel Bubble guide
Planning for travel in a post-pandemic era can be stressful. The team at Expedia has prepared this guide to help with all the questions you may have on the Australia and New Zealand Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble. Note: The information provided below has been prepared to give travellers guidance on the arrangements to date. We encourage… Continue reading Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble Guide
Oahu. A land where swaying palm trees and aquamarine beaches meet fine dining and five star hotels. Where surfing, smoothie shacks coupled with road trips to meet dinosaurs are part of the everyday. Where honeymooners dance under the stars and couples curl up on the beach in cabanas. It’s almost too easy to turn on… Continue reading Oahu – the easiest romantic holiday ever
Are you looking for a romantic getaway that’s big, bold and beautiful? If you want to take things up a notch, and go way beyond the typical honeymoon, anniversary or couple’s getaway, you need to make a beeline for Hawaii Island. Here’s why: Size First off, yes, there is a reason Hawaii Island is known… Continue reading Why we love Hawaii Island