Researching Castle Hotels in Ireland?
I have never stayed anywhere that has as much character as Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in County Galway, Ireland. What a hoot that hotel is! It was a highlight of our Ireland road trip, and its colors and cast of characters would fit perfectly into a Wes Anderson movie.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is Fun, Quirky Luxury
Want an illustration of how well the hotel pairs luxury with quirk? As the well-dressed porter ushered us into the lobby, what should we see but… the bartender chasing a parrot, yelling “Get back into your cage!”
It turns out the parrot is named Gilbert, and is the “Duty Manager.” From the start, the hotel made us smile.
What Is the Castle Hotel Like Inside?
Our hotel room was gorgeous: Canopy bed, fireplace, claw-footed bathtub, and a view out over emerald green hills replete with the hotel’s own helipad. Too bad we didn’t bring our helicopter!
I loved looking at the castle’s turrets and thinking, “We’re in a castle! We are doing Ireland to the fullest, my traveling toddler.”
A Champagne Welcome to the Castle
Just then, the room phone rang. “You are invited to the champagne welcome,” the receptionist sang when I answered. Ten minutes later, the phone jangled again. “We don’t want you to miss the welcome!” the receptionist urged. “Do come down.”
A Delightful Irish Hotel Staff
Once downstairs, I realized what the fuss was all about. It was a full-out party! A man I later learned to be the co-owner, Paul, was banging at the piano and singing as guests caroused and raised champagne and brie in the air. Baby Devi loved the buzz, and ate his weight in cheese and grapes.
Dinner in the Castle Hotel
Our family shifted over to the dining room, as we’ve embraced the 5:30pm dinner to accommodate Devi’s 7pm bed time. What a dining room the hotel has! Chandeliers winked at us, and candles flickered.
I was reminded of the grand central banquet hall of Bunratty Castle, our first stop on our Ireland road trip.
A Kid-Friendly Castle Hotel and Loyal Guests
While waiting for the restaurant’s famous food to arrive. Devi explored the carpet, crawling hither and thither and flirting with the waitstaff. As more diners trotted in, I began to notice something remarkable: there were more repeat customers than I’ve ever observed in one place!
Happy Repeat Customers to Abbeyglen
“I recognize you,” the waitress was saying to a couple behind us.
“That’s right,” the man smiled happily. “We come here every wedding anniversary. This is our special place! We saw the sale this week for dinner and a room and snagged it for one more visit this year.”
“Well, welcome back!” replied the waitress. I heard version after version of this same conversation. Locals and tourists alike love the hotel, and come back with a passion.
Entertainment at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
As our yummy dinner drew to a close, we heard a commotion. A live band burst in, and with it, a leprechaun! It was the receptionist we had met earlier, clad in a beard and shiny green outfit. That job description must have been classic: “Seeking professional hotel staff for lobby and leprechaun duties.”
Wi-Fi and Celebrities at the Hotel
That night, I found out there wasn’t WiFi internet in the rooms — just public areas — and had a mini-meltdown. Happily, there turned out to be a positive benefit to this situation. Since I needed to sit in the hall to get online, I was able to observe the delightful energy of the hotel until 1am when I finally finished and published my last Cuba article.
What joyful, loyal guests the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel has! You should have heard the laughing and music! It made me smile, and also helped me realize how isolating in-room WiFi can be, as convenient as it is. I also got a chance to see the photos on the wall depicting the numerous A-List celebrities who’ve stayed at the hotel… including Bill Clinton!
Personality and Charm at Abbeyglen
The next morning, the hotel’s owner, Paul, sat with us at breakfast, calling me a “famous journalist” — flattery will get you everywhere, sir! — and ceremoniously bestowing a medal and American flag on our baby. Devi was honored… and also tried to eat the medal. I wish I’d had a medal to give to Paul for “Most Fun Hotel Owner!”
Moving on in the Ireland Road Trip
All too soon, we had to pack and head to our next Ireland road trip destination (stately Kylemore Abbey, which followed the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren), so we didn’t get to experience Abbeyglen Castle Hotel’s excursions, spa treatments, tennis and golf facilities… but I suppose that just means we’ll need to return!
So what do YOU think? Does this seem like a place you’d like to visit? Which hotel that you’ve stayed at has had the most character and quirky charm? Do share!
Enjoy this article and still planning your trip? Click here to book Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, here for an easy link to all Ireland hotel deals, and here for cheap flights to Ireland, and here for deals on Ireland rental cars, as it will give a small commission to help support this site at no cost to you. Happy travels!
We were guests of Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, but all leprechaun-receptionist jokes and opinions are my own.
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Gale says
We stayed here and this is not a “ancient” castle. If you’re looking for a true Irish castle where an Irish clan lived, look elsewhere. Look up the history before you book this place, it was a boarding school
Lillie Marshall says
Great point. Thanks for highlighting this important context!
Alanna says
Visited Ireland for 3 months in 2013 and met a fine Irish lad while there. On one of our weekends away together we stayed in Clifden and stopped at the Abbeyglen for a drink. They actually invited us to stay for the champagne toast but we felt out of place since we weren’t actually guests!! It seems I really need to get back there and stay over. Loved this review, thanks for sharing!
Lillie says
What a fun story! You’ll definitely have to go back, but I’m sure it would have been fine to stay. They are a welcoming bunch!
Suzann says
Myhusband and I and longtime friends just recently returned from a 25th Anniversay trip to Ireland and stayed here two nights. Definitely a highlight of our trip, but the parrot is now Froda. Everything you wrote is true. If I ever get back to Ireland, I hope to stay here again.
Lillie says
Ah! Thanks for the parrot update and for sharing your experience. So glad it was good!
Penny Sadler says
Wes Anderson anything and I’m in. I also like the fact that they include candlelight (real candles) on the tables. I wish you’d stop writing about Ireland! :))
Lillie says
Hehe — sorry to tempt!
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
You’ve got to love a hotel in Ireland that has a parrot! Thanks for sharing.
Lillie says
Seriously. It was such a hilariously winning touch.
Vicki says
Thank you for sharing. My Aunt and a friend and I recently visited Renvyle/Tully Cross area. I believe we missed this little gem, but may have passed it on the Sky Road. I was driving and had to pay attention to the road, if you know what I mean. I hope one day I can visit again, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel will be a must. Thank you for sharing!
Lillie says
Indeed! Meanwhile, WE essentially “missed” Sky Road (which is supposed to be gorgeous) because it was so rainy and cloudy we couldn’t see the famous mountains and ocean!
Tawanna says
Nice castle furnishings. THe champagne welcome sounds like a hoot!
Bonny says
Absolutely adore this castle. Looks very warm and cozy for a castle and the staff appears to be very enjoyable.
Vagabond Tours of Ireland says
Great post Lillie. The Abbey Glen definitely manage to mix quirkiness with luxury. The guest on our tour always enjoy their stay. We love Gilbert the duty manager, who also happens to be a parrot :)
Lillie says
Yes!
Michael says
I’d love to stay in a castle like this. Ireland seems like the perfect place to be Lord and Lady (and Tot) of the Manor.
Lillie says
I love that: Tot of the Manor!
Dave Marshall says
Looks like such a classy hotel!
Lillie says
It’s a great feat to be both classy and fun.