Onsite Amenities & Activities

We chose Kilkea not just for the beautiful backdrop, but because it offers a true resort experience. If you are staying on the estate or arriving early, there is plenty to do without ever leaving the grounds:

The Spa at Kilkea Castle: A world-class luxury spa featuring a thermal suite, a hydrotherapy pool, and a wide range of massage and wellness treatments. (We highly recommend booking treatments well in advance).

Championship Golf: The estate features a magnificent 18-hole championship golf course that weaves around the castle and river.

Estate Activities: The castle offers traditional estate pursuits, including falconry experiences, archery, tennis courts, clay pigeon shooting, and miles of tranquil woodland walking trails.

Exploring Ireland

Regional Guides & Where to Stay

If you are making a full vacation out of your trip, we hope you take the time to see some of our favorite parts of the country. To help you plan, we’ve put together regional highlights and accommodation recommendations at three different price points ($, $$,$$$).

1. Dublin (The Historic Capital)

Dublin offers incredible history, stunning architecture, and a world-class culinary and pub scene. Walk the grounds of Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, explore the beauty of St. Stephen's Green, and take in the panoramic views of the city with a pint at the top of the Guinness Storehouse.

Where to stay in Dublin:

$ (Budget/Practical): Point A Hotel Dublin – Clean, modern, compact, and centrally located near Parnell Street.

$$ (Boutique/Comfort): The Dean Dublin – A stylish, vibrant boutique hotel right in the city center with a great rooftop bar.

$$$ (Luxury/Classic): The Shelbourne – Dublin's most iconic, historic five-star hotel, located directly on St. Stephen's Green.

2. Galway & The West

Known as the cultural heart of Ireland, Galway City is famous for its incredible seafood, cobblestone streets, and live music spilling out of every doorway. It is the perfect base for driving out to see the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, taking a ferry to the Aran Islands, or driving through the rugged landscapes of Connemara.

Where to stay in Galway:

$ (Budget/Practical): The Western Hotel – A highly reliable, traditional, and comfortable city-center base.

$$ (Boutique/Comfort): The Galmont Hotel & Spa – A fantastic four-star hotel overlooking Galway Bay, just a short walk from Eyre Square.

$$$ (Luxury/Classic): Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate – A spectacular five-star estate just outside the city, famous for its Pullman Restaurant (set in historic Orient Express train carriages).

3. County Kerry (The Scenic Southwest)

If you are looking for dramatic, sweeping scenery, Kerry is unmatched. We highly recommend using Killarney as your basecamp. From there, you can drive the legendary Ring of Kerry, explore the mountains and lakes of Killarney National Park, or drive the scenic Dingle Peninsula.

Where to stay in Killarney (Kerry):

$ (Budget/Practical): Eviston House Hotel – Family-run and located right in the center of Killarney, featuring one of the town's best traditional pubs.

$$ (Boutique/Comfort): Great Southern Killarney – A stunning, historic 19th-century hotel surrounded by gardens, located right in town.

$$$ (Luxury/Classic): The Europe Hotel & Resort – Widely considered one of the best luxury spa resorts in the country, sitting directly on the shores of Lough Lein.

4. Belfast & Northern Ireland

Head north to experience a truly unique city with a completely different pace. Visit the world-class Titanic Belfast museum, take a Black Cab tour to understand the city's complex history, and take a coastal drive north to see the iconic basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway.

Where to stay in Belfast:

$ (Budget/Practical): Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre – Dependable, modern, and perfectly located for walking the city.

$$ (Boutique/Comfort): Bullitt Hotel – A clever, incredibly stylish boutique hotel known for great food and a relaxed, modern vibe.

$$$ (Luxury/Classic): The Merchant Hotel – A breathtaking five-star hotel situated in a historic former bank building, featuring extraordinary architecture and a legendary cocktail bar.