Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Resort hotel · Kildare

Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Resort hotel · Kildare

2

Kilkea Castle, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97, Ireland

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Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by Tadeusz Synakiewicz/Courtesy Kilkea Castle
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by Tadeusz Synakiewicz/Courtesy Kilkea Castle
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by Bruno Sternberger/Courtesy Kilkea Castle
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by Bruno Sternberger/Courtesy Kilkea Castle
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort by null

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Historic 12th-century castle hotel with golf, spa, falconry  

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Kilkea Castle, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97, Ireland Get directions

kilkeacastle.ie
@kilkeacastle

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Kilkea Castle, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97, Ireland Get directions

+353 59 914 5600
kilkeacastle.ie
@kilkeacastle

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Nov 1, 2025

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Kilkea Castle

"This castle is old—so old that an Anglo-Norman lord built it in 1180. And throughout the centuries that followed, many sirs, dukes, wizards, explorers, lords, and ladies passed through before it became a hotel in the early 1960s. Today, the stony estate is home to Kilkea Castle Estate & Golf Club situated in Castledermot on 180 acres of its own land. Overlooking Killeshin Hills, a few minutes from the ancient Mullaghreelan Woods, Kilkea has 140 rooms—and guests can choose to stay in a castle, carriage, or lodge room. The decor is rich with plum, crushed velvet upholstered cushy armchairs, swirling floral wallpaper, and sunny yellow light fixtures. This is more than a gorgeous property, however: It also offers golf, tennis, equestrian activities, falconry, archery, off roading, whiskey and chocolate tasting, and fishing on the premises."

https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/kilkea/kilkea-castle
View Postcard for Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
@cntraveler

The Best Hotels in Ireland: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

"This castle is old—so old that an Anglo-Norman lord built it in 1180. And throughout the centuries that followed, many sirs, dukes, wizards, explorers, lords, and ladies passed through before it became a hotel in the early 1960s. Today, the stony estate is home to Kilkea Castle Estate & Golf Club situated in Castledermot on 180 acres of its own land. Overlooking Killeshin Hills, a few minutes from the ancient Mullaghreelan Woods, Kilkea has 140 rooms—and guests can choose to stay in a castle, carriage, or lodge room. The decor is rich with plum, crushed velvet upholstered cushy armchairs, swirling floral wallpaper, and sunny yellow light fixtures. This is more than a gorgeous property, however: It also offers golf, tennis, equestrian activities, falconry, archery, off roading, whiskey and chocolate tasting, and fishing on the premises." - CNT Editors, Nicholas DeRenzo

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-ireland
View Postcard for Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Natalie Smyth

Google
Gorgeous property with lush gardens and big trees. Booked a carriage room with plenty of space. The TV was a bit small and far from the bed and the sink fixtures needed some work but otherwise we were comfortable and the room was well-appointed. Both breakfast at 1180 and dinner at Hermoine were wonderful. The staff was fantastic. Shoutout to Glenn and Niall for excellent service, you really made our visit.

Mick Dineen

Google
Great experience at Kilkea Castle. We were staying for a one-night family getaway, with all adults in one of the lovely 3-bedroom lodges. They would be ideal for family visits with kids also. The grounds are spectacular, however, the castle could be better lit up at night. We had a lovely dinner that evening and the restaurant staff were quite attentive. Breakfast in the morning was very nice. We availed of the hot buffet and à la carte options. However, we were waiting quite a while for service. I would happily return for another stay.

judith marriott

Google
Kilkea is a high-class, beautiful castle. Full of history, flowing streams and a wide variety of activities. We came for my daughter’s birthday. Loved the thermal pool in the spa - it had incredibly strong jets, designed by specialist physiotherapists. Excellent massages, facials and all round, comfortable atmosphere. The falconry was an unexpected treat and the stream at the back of the property was the clearest we’ve ever seen. Absolutely magnificent.

Anne Dineen

Google
Fab stay in the lodges! Dinner was lovely. Our waiter was really friendly, great craic and made our evening! Breakfast was varied and tasty but service was a bit slow. Overall highly recommend this place for a weekend away with the girls or the fanily!

Darryl Mills

Google
We travelled from Australia to experience this outstanding Castle and were not disappointed!!! The location is breathtaking, both in beauty and history! The Castle grounds are manicured as well as the Resort Golf Course. The golf course is of a high standard and is also in pristine condition (hats off to the ground staff). Hermione's Restaurant is on the grounds of the Castle and the food and service was first class. The staff and service were impeccable during our stay and if we ever get the opportunity to visit Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort again, we will not hesitate to.

Louis Alexander

Google
Recently my wife and I stayed for holiday , and the stay was perfect. We went out of season but still everything and one was great! Lakisha especially! She was so patient and helpful, she helped us with the strange locks on our lodge and gave excellent recommendations on what to do. She deserves the recognition! Thanks again Lakisha!

ConnectiKate

Google
After a busy week in Ireland for our wedding, we appreciated a few days in the serene countryside, just the two of us. Kilkea Castle offered a chill space to unwind, but with enough activities to keep us entertained. The spa is fantastic, the falconry experience offered an unforgettable splurge, and the food was excellent. We had made a reservation for a "fancy" honeymoon dinner at the higher-end 1180 restaurant, but enjoyed the more casual Hermione's so much on the first night we re-booked our celebratory dinner there. ||Only glitch was another guest banging on our door at 2 a.m., not knowing she had the wrong room. That led to a sleepless night, but we certainly can't blame the hotel for another guest's mistake.

PIT412BB

Google
My stay at Kilkea Castle in County Kildare was truly enchanting, thanks largely to the exceptional people and stunning grounds that make this historic property special.|“The Staff - Absolutely Outstanding”|The staff at Kilkea Castle deserves the highest praise. From check-in to departure, every team member was unbelievably accommodating, friendly, and welcoming. Their genuine warmth transformed our visit from a simple hotel stay into a memorable experience. You can tell they take pride in sharing this special place with guests.|“The Grounds - Simply Breathtaking”|The castle grounds are lush, green, and impeccably maintained. There’s a beautiful variety of trees and plants that make strolling the property a delight. The landscape design perfectly complements the historic architecture and creates countless photo opportunities.|“The Golf Course - A Hidden Gem”|The woodland course is both fun and challenging, featuring a meandering stream that adds strategic interest to several holes. The routing offers teasing glimpses of the castle throughout your round, building anticipation for the signature 18th hole, which delivers an absolutely gorgeous reveal of the castle. It’s a course that will stay with you long after you’ve putted out.|“Dining & Drinks”|The restaurant offers tasty Irish fare with some standout dishes. The short ribs were perfectly cooked—tender and juicy—while the rigatoni delivered satisfying spice and cheesy richness. The castle views from the dining room add ambiance to every meal. Breakfast, served in the castle itself, featured all the traditional Irish options you’d expect.|The Keep bar is a whiskey lover’s dream, boasting a terrific variety of Irish whiskey and Scotch. The pub tenders were fun and knowledgeable, making it a great spot to end the evening.|“The Accommodations - Comfortable with Minor Issues”|Our room was comfortable, though the bed was on the smaller side. We missed having room temperature controls, which would have been helpful. The showers were spacious, but we did notice some mold that detracted from an otherwise pleasant bathroom. These are relatively minor issues in a historic castle property, but worth noting for those who prioritize modern amenities.|“Final Thoughts”|Kilkea Castle offers a wonderful blend of history, natural beauty, and Irish hospitality. While the accommodations have a few areas for improvement, the exceptional staff, gorgeous grounds, and memorable golf experience make this a highly recommended destination. I’d absolutely return for another visit.
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Nicole Erin B.

Yelp
Kilkea Hotel is a spectacular and beautiful property. The renovations to turn it into a hotel include some modern amenities but keep a lot of the historical charm of the property which I appreciated. We had one castle room and one carriage room for our stay. Both rooms were quaint and well maintained. The gardens around the property are gorgeous and wonderful to explore during nice weather. The only thing to note is that in off-season the main restaurant is only open on the weekends and the tea service is not available during the week. While we enjoyed the food at Hermione's, the day we stayed there was a group event closing the main restaurant so we had to eat in the bar area. Most of the activities are off the property which wasn't very clear as we approached the date of our stay. We ended up visiting the National Stud Farm (about 30 minutes drive) and the clay pigeon shooting (about 40 minutes drive). Highly recommend both activities and really appreciate the staff helping us arrange these activities. The downstairs bar area is open late with a delicious charcuterie and board games are available to use by the fireplace which was a fun way to spend the later evening hours. Highly recommend staying at Kilkea Castle Hotel!
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Jaron L.

Yelp
The castle was amazing!!! From the wonderful staff to the tasty breakfast and delicious pints. From the moment we stepped on property to the moment we departed. It was first class. The property itself is stunning. Plenty to do between golf, the spa, the gym, bird flying, walking around and great food plus drinks. We made the 30 minute ride to the outlet malls and loved that also. The proper Irish breakfast to start everyday was amazing! I wish they would bring that to the states. Thanks again for the hospitality! Cheers
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Dave K.

Yelp
Everything was just top notch. Hotel room in the carriage houses (next or the castle) were comfortable with great, powerful shower, comfortable bed, quiet grounds and impeccable service. Castle bar was open late. After the falconry experience (strongly recommend) we brought our own charcuterie and cheese and bought a number of bottles of wine at the castle bar overlooking the back gardensand with our party of 9. Late night cigars and whisky watching the 1030 sunset. Also, Dinner at the Hermione's was excellent, higher end fare , again with fantastic service. Owners have done an amazing job.
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David F.

Yelp
We attended a family wedding here which, in itself was wonderful and memorable. The reception was held in the main function room in the castle. The food was superb considering it was mass produced for 200 people. I'd go further and say it would stack up well against many high end restaurants in Dublin. We stayed in the adjacent lodge accommodations, a very short stroll across the grounds which also accommodates a golf course. And it's a genuine 12th century castle. Magnificent.
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Nicole S.

Yelp
This place is absolutely stunning. We were here for a friends wedding and stayed at their lodges. Everything is walking distance, whether it be the castle itself, the restaurant, or the golfing. They also have a bar in the castle that is open pretty late and the have the most wonderful staff. Not to mention all the additives you can enjoy. (We did a falconry event and it was a once in a lifetime experience that we are so glad we got to take a part in).
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Kat K.

Yelp
We stayed here for one night and were treated like royalty! The grounds were stunning, the service was impeccable, and food was outstanding. The highlight of my 5yr olds summer trip to Europe.

Kathy D.

Yelp
Our first impression of our stay at Kilkea Castle was with Rocky who picked us up at Dublin Airport. He's just outstanding! I wanted him to join us for our entire stay. We stayed in a Lodge, which was so nice and one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in while traveling. Noel at The Keep welcomed us with a Guinness and taught me how to pour one. We looked forward to seeing Noel every day as he was so fun and so welcoming. To say the staff is amazing is an understatement. To say the grounds are gorgeous doesn't do them justice. To say you owe yourself this experience is the best advice I can give. Your last impression, like your first, will be with Rocky. True to form he'll entertain you the entire way back, he'll remember all of your names, and your face will be sore from laughing. Just go!

L D.

Yelp
Fabulous visit in every way. The Castle and grounds are immaculate. The staff was friendly, professional and made you feel welcome at all times. Food was just amazing
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Chico B.

Yelp
There are certain things in life we plan for maybe as children or adults. For me I have always wanted to visit Ireland and it was an even bigger dream to visit a castle. We arrived in Dublin and rebated a vehicle from Enterprise, great experience there. The drive from Dublin International to Kilkea is about a little over an hour with light-moderate traffic. It's a great drive as well. Stop along the way at a pub for a beer and hearty Irish food. Upon arrival we were greeted by a doorman and front desk. We were helped to our too which was the Elizabeth room. Great comfortable room which faced the from of the castle. This room was inside the castle and not the carriage rooms. Breakfast was good and of great quality. Juices to egg omelettes and pastries. We had dinner one night in the clubhouse which was real chill and a few locals were there enjoying the night. The wait staff was prideful of their work and were professional about it. This is where I ordered my first Irish beef steak with potatoes and veggies. I would recommend staying here in the spring or summer months. I can only imagine how beautiful the land is warmer seasons. Plus take advantage of the golf course which looks absolutely amazing.
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Qype User (ciara1…)

Yelp
My first view of "Kilkea castle hotel" was breathtaking, as me and my family drove up the long driveway to the castle. The castle was perfectly refurbished and it was like stepping back in time to hundreds of years ago when there was a rich family living in it. The rooms of the castle are beautifully refurbished with geniune 12th century style with high ceilings, stone arches and views of the surrounding golf course and gardens. "Kilkea castle hotel" is currently the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland which makes it really special. We had a evening meal in the restaurant "De Lacys" the evening before the wedding which was also were the breakfast was served. I really enjoyed this meal and the service in the restaurant was second to none. Afterwards the bridal party retired to the bar for some drinks which was served in cosy residents bar just beside reception. The room my sister and I shared was very spacious and was The hotel booked us this room because they knew we would need a spacious room for me, my sister, mam and the two other bridesmaids to get our hair and make-up done which was good service. Before the reception at the hotel started there was a bagpipe player to lead us to were the food was being served which was really unique. The service was warm, friendly and the staff could not do enough to help. There was spicy chicken, salmon and melon as the appetiser and then Carrot and orange soup as starter. A choice of lamb or seabass for main and a small portion of pear tart, pavalova and chocolate cake. These choices were just ones of many you could choose for your wedding. The castle at nighttime lit up was absolutely stunning and the surrounding gardens made for some really nice pictures. I shared the second night with my friend who also attended the wedding and she really enjoyed the atmosphere of the castle, it really has an enchanting feel about the place. So whether you are just here for a weekend away, or are planning a wedding you will never forget, "Kilkea castle hotel" in the peaceful sourroundings of castledermot in Kildare should be the place you go. I would definately go back there in a heartbeat!

Amber S.

Yelp
We had a wonderful stay at Kilkea Castle Hotel. The grounds are gardens were beautiful and the accommodations excellent. Half of our group made use of their golf course and the rest of us signed up for horseback riding. (Those who went golfing said it was an excellent course.) But I will say it was a bit misleading since they do not actually offer horseback riding on their premises as we originally thought. Instead they set it up with a local farm that was a 20 minute drive away. We did not know this originally and only a few of us in our group could drive the manual car we had rented. (I just wish they offered a shuttle service.) It was also disappointing since we wasted more time of our vacation driving to the farm and hadn't planned on that. The only other minor issue was that the woman at the hotel said we could pay with a credit card or have them invoice it back to the hotel. We found out once we got there they could do neither and they only took cash (the girl at the farm was very nice and said she had told the hotel staff this several times). Luckily we had cash but I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't (it was €180 for 4 people). The riding experience was great though and the staff was nice. Once back at the hotel we had dinner outside on the patio at The Bistro where the restaurant staff were so attentive and friendly. It was a delicious meal. Breakfast in Restaurant 1180 was excellent as well (very Downtown Abbey-esque). Overall we had a relaxing stay and loved just walking around the gardens and grounds.

Carol S.

Yelp
"Magical" is the first word that comes to mind when I think of historic Kilkea Castle. Followed by magnificent, exquisite and exceptional! As first-time travelers to Ireland in March 2017, my family and I were fortunate enough to spend some time at this truly amazing Castle steeped in history! We were so impressed with the immaculate, well-equipped living spaces of The Lodges as well as the luxurious sleeping accommodations. A truly special experience! I highly recommend that you explore Kilkea Castle and all of its' top-notch offerings!
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Audrey A.

Yelp
Kilkea Castle holds a special place in my heart, as it's where my parents both worked and met in the 70s. We've been visiting as a family every couple of years since the 90s (we now all live in the US), and it's always such a unique experience. The grounds and castle are immaculate -- you instantly feel transported back in time. The rooms are HUGE -- luxurious in this day and age, but a bit spooky (in my opinion) at night! Even though it's such a large estate, we've always felt very comfortable and at peace while visiting Kilkea. I can't wait to return with my husband.

Msnola G.

Yelp
This is a 5 star castle for sure! We stayed there for 10 days and there were 14 of us. Everyone had their own beautiful bedroom. We were taken care of to say the least. The beautiful grounds to walk around after dinner was our favorite. The wonderful gourmet dinners prepared by Peter and Lindsey were just perfect in the beautiful dining room. There are so many rooms to check out and just hang out in by a fire and have a drink or play a game. Everything is beautifully decorated too. The golf course is immaculate and the golf club has been renovated nicely too with a delicious menu. It's a must to stay here if you can. It is only about 1 hr. 10 min. to Dublin airport. Samantha can help with any excursions that you want set up. Horse back riding is close by, and you must do the Falconry it was the best!!! There is lots to explore here!

Kristan B.

Yelp
We recently stayed at Kilkea Castle. It was the unique Irish experience we have been dreaming of. From the grand tree lined entrance with views of the golf course and natural landscapes to the classic gardens, the property and castle are absolutely breathtaking. We enjoyed fun filled days of picnics in the gardens, tubing down the lazy river, clay shooting, falconry displays, and top notch dining and service. It is the perfect blend of a historic medieval setting with modern amenities. We can't stop sharing photos and experiences with friends and family!

Beth K.

Yelp
Kilkea Castle is the most amazing place to stay. My husband traveled to Ireland on our 20th wedding Anniversary in July and my husband's only request was to stay in a castle. This castle outdid any castle I could have imagined. It is absolutely beautiful and I truly felt like royalty! This is a once in a lifetime experience. It was bought out by an American from Boston some years ago and he has made it into the most lovely bed and breakfast. The room was huge and beautiful. It had all of the old antique furniture. So charming! The dinner was incredible. It felt like a 10 course meal. The grounds are charming. You can sit outside on the back patio and daydream while overlooking the garden. I highly recommend staying in the castle proper, rather than the carriage house. You will get a much better experience of what it truly was like to live in a castle. Thank you so much for making our stay in Ireland so memorable. Kilkea Castle was truly the highlight of our stay in Ireland! A very unique experience. You won't be disappointed!!

Alison S.

Yelp
The most magical experience! It was like a fairytale. We visited early this Summer and I was absolutely blown away. The food is spectacular, the service is incredible, the accommodations are so spacious and designed in a beautiful rich decor. The stunning landscape of lush trees and gardens is the perfect backdrop for morning tea and evening cocktails. You feel like royalty from the moment you enter the gates. Truly the most incredible trip of a lifetime.

Andy W.

Yelp
Truly an amazing place to stay and the perfect Irish experience. Not only were the Castle grounds beautiful, but the interior was stunning, a lovely mix of modern amenities and a historic feel. The Castle had easy access to fun activities including archery, falconry, and shooting. The golf course was quite nice as well, and playable if you are a seasoned veteran, or a relative novice. I highly recommend a stay at Kilkea Castle.

Jeanne H.

Yelp
My husband and I just stayed here in July and it was the most memorable experience we've had. It was my first time visiting Europe and the staff at the castle were so inviting - we felt like family - with a little "royalty" treatment thrown in for good measure. The castle itself is breathtaking and all the rooms are spacious, quiet and comfortable. We feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time in such a magical and historic place with such amazing caring people. The experience of beautiful surroundings and outstanding service made our stay absolutely spectacular. This IS a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you to Samantha and the entire staff!

William H.

Yelp
Stayed here with my family for 5 fun nights. The castle and property are beautiful. We took plenty of scenic pictures while golfing. The views of the castle from the back nine were incredible. We enjoyed every aspect of our stay, from the food and drinks to the welcoming and friendly staff. Everyone that we met treated us so well that we felt spoiled. I'm anxious to return for another great experience.