Kilkea Castle
Castledermot, Ireland
Castle View, Castledermot, Ireland, R14 XE97
Original Property Opened in 1180
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2020
- The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Most Magnificent Gardens List Is Announced
- The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Most Romantic Hotels List Is Announced
- The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most Romantic Hotels List Is Announced
- The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Most Magnificent Gardens List Is Announced
- The 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most Magnificent Gardens
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Most Romantic Hotels
A stunning 12th Century Castle, Kilkea Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland with history dating back to 1180. Located in Castledermot, situated in the rich and lush countryside of County Kildare, Kilkea Castle is an hour's drive from Dublin. Once the medieval stronghold of the FitzGeralds, the Castle was built by Hugh de Lacey for one of his Norman Noblemen. Today it extends a five star welcome to travelers from around the globe. Kilkea Castle enchants guests from the moment they drive down the beech lined avenue overlooking the Killeshin Hills. Only minutes from the ancient Mullaghreelan Woods, the Castle is set on 180 acres of its very own wonderful woodland and gardens.
Discover
- Discover the fascinating history of Kilkea Castle. An imposing medieval fortress constructed nearly a millennia ago, this spectacular destination was once the ancestral home of the mighty FitzGerald clan. The FitzGeralds of Kilkea Castle were part of an ancient Irish dynasty, who reigned as the Earls of Kildare for centuries.
- Admire the unique carvings of monkeys scattered throughout the structure. The animal is the central component to the FitzGerald family crest, as many legends abound of how a pet monkey saved John Fitzgerald, the 1st Earl of Kildare, from a fire when he was a baby. The most prominent carving is located near the central chimney.
- Gaze upon a wonderful 16th-century chapel while walking through the grounds of Kilkea Castle. The building itself is located within the castle’s ancient cemetery where generations of the FitzGerald family have been buried. Dozens of unique carved stones reside within both the graveyard and chapel, including a stone plaque depicting a mermaid.
Explore
- Explore the Burtown House & Gardens and The Green Barn nearby. The seat for the powerful Fennell clan for many years, this spectacular manor displays brilliant Georgian architecture and a variety of manicured gardens.
- Visit the Duckett’s Grove House over in neighboring County Carlow. Once the ancestral home of the powerful Duckett family, this magnificent 19th-century estate is now a public park that features a walled garden filled with all kinds of plant life.
- Travel to the ruins of Glendalough Cathedral in Glendalough County Wicklow. The structure was originally constructed in the 6th century by St. Kevin of Glendalough, who developed an entire community around the area at the time.
Experience
- Experience the Irish National Stud & Gardens in neighboring Tully. This amazing, state-owned thoroughbred horse-breeding facility is available for guests to tour and even hosts its own equine museum. Several outstanding gardens surround the farm, too, in styles that reflect influences from Asia and Europe.
- Tour the exhibits the Russborough House & Parklands in nearby Blessington of County Wicklow. A Palladian villa from the 1700s, the estate is filled with an assortment of historical paintings, porcelain, and furniture.
- Stroll through the verdant Wicklow Mountains National Park. Covering some 54,000 acres, the region is one of the most popular places in eastern Ireland for numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing and fishing.
- Wander the golf course at Kilkea Castle. Kilkea Castle offers an 18-hole championship golf course that measures 6200 metres. The Course was developed to emphasize the beautiful location: the Castle is visible throughout the course, and the stunning landscape can be enjoyed every step of the way. The course construction uses the River Griese as a natural hazard flowing through the Castle grounds and estate. Two nearby lakes have been incorporated into the course design itself, presenting a unique challenge.
- Unwind at the Spa at Kilkea Castle. With a focus on creating a unique and enriching experience to nurture the mind and body, the Spa at Kilkea Castle offers a variety of treatments including massages, hydrotherapy, and hair and makeup services.
- View one of the many Equestrian experiences offered at Kilkea Castle. Kildare Country is synonymous in the equestrian world with "Thoroughbred County".
- Take some time during the day to learn about and attempting archery, a classic sport that has been around for over 15,000 years.
- Participate in the traditional sport of falconry. The first recorded instance of Falconry was in 2,000 BC and throughout history, it has been a pastime of European nobles.
- Learn about Kilkea Castle's whiskey collection by signing up for a carefully curated experience and be guided by an expert member of the hotels team. The tasting menu includes many incredible Irish distilleries, including Middleton, Green Spot, and Writer's Tears.
- Go fly fishing in the River Griese, which flows through the estate. This river is known for being small but fast-flowing with plenty of deep pools. It is a beautiful clear little river which presents a challenge to the best of fly fishers. All fishing trips must be accompanied by the hotel's expert Ghillies. Guests will fish for Trout and Salmon and must have a permit.
- Create the perfect boat tour, on the Grand Canal or the River Barrow, and select from experiences such as a picnic on board during their tour to Levistown or lunch on the river bank during a day long trip to Maganey. Guests will get to marvel at the majestic sprawling landscapes, flora & fauna and all the river offers.
Taste
- Taste a legendary Guinness Stout in nearby Dublin. Brewed in St. James’s Gate since 1759, Guinness has become synonymous to Ireland itself. Be sure to travel to the historic Guinness Storehouse to savor this iconic beverage.
- Feast upon a classic Irish dish known as coddle. Beloved among natives throughout Dublin, coddle is a delicious combination of sausage, bacon, onions, and potatoes. Come try this local culinary pastime at such renowned restaurants like The Hairy Lemon and Gallagher’s Boxty House.
- Delight in some Irish stew when traveling around County Kildare. Perhaps Ireland’s greatest native dish, Irish stew consists of a mouthwatering combination of meat (typically lamb), potatoes, onions, and other vegetables. No trip to the Emerald Isle is ever complete without tasting this exquisite meal.
Featured Offers
The Exclusive Castle Experience includes use of the 11 Castle Bedrooms, Restaurant, Bar and Drawing Room. This is the ultimate Retreat for up to 22 Guests.
Package Includes a luxurious overnight stay in a newly refurbished Carriage Bedroom and a Full Irish Breakfast.
Package includes one night stay in a carriage room, a full Irish breakfast served each morning, and a four course evening meal on evening of guests choosing.
This bed and breakfast package will leave guests feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
The signature Escape is the ultimate romantic getaway. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, on honeymoon or planning an engagement the team at Kilkea will ensure it is an extra special experience.
Taste the best of what Kilkea Castle has to offer.
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
