Top 6 Irish Castle Escapes Worthy Of The Traitors Ireland

The Traitors Ireland is now airing on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player, sponsored by DiscoverIreland.ie.

DiscoverIreland.ie has rounded up six atmospheric Irish stays and experiences where visitors can visit some of the country’s most distinctive castles.

From walking alongside Irish wolfhounds and exploring underground dungeons to escaping to a private island, fans can embrace a little of The Traitors Ireland mystique, without the risk of being banished before breakfast.

With all these factors in mind, Hospitality Ireland decided to examine the top six visitor attractions in Ireland, based on research from DiscoverIreland.ie.

1. Ashford Castle

The first on the list is The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Cong, Co. Mayo.

Set within the 350-acre Ashford Castle estate on the shores of Lough Corrib, The Lodge makes an ideal base for experiencing all the estate has to offer. One of its most memorable experiences comes courtesy of Ashford Castle’s resident Irish wolfhounds, which guests can meet and join for a morning walk around the grounds.

There’s plenty more to fill a weekend, with falconry, archery, golf and boat trips on Lough Corrib among the activities available across the estate.

Beyond the castle grounds, visitors can explore the picturesque village of Cong or use the stay as a base for discovering more of Mayo, Conamara (Connemara) and the Wild Atlantic Way.

2. Kilkea Castle

Less than an hour’s drive from Dublin, Kilkea Castle Estate & Golf Club in Castledermot, Co. Kildare offers more than 800 years of history, and plenty of opportunity for a suitably dramatic getaway.

Dating back to 1180 and surrounded by 180 acres of woodland and gardens, visitors can try falconry and equestrian experiences, delve into their own family history with a genealogy experience or retreat to the spa.

For an added Traitors touch, keep an eye out for the estate’s Irish Wolfhound Experience, where guests can meet these iconic animals and discover more about their history.

3. Waterford Castle

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort sits on a private island just outside Waterford City, creating a suitably secluded setting for a few days away in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Enjoy the estate before venturing back to the mainland to explore Waterford’s Viking past, museums, and nearby coastline.

The island setting should keep the outside world at bay.

4. Huntington Castle

Those drawn to the darker side of castle life should make for Huntington Castle in Clonegal, Co. Carlow.

Built in 1625, a guided tour takes visitors through the historic castle and below ground into its dungeons, which today are home to the Temple of Isis. Back in daylight, explore the Yew Tree Walk and Water Gardens before stopping at the castle tearoom.

And there’s no need to make a quick getaway: guests can stay overnight in the castle’s guest accommodation or self-catering cottages, making Huntington the centrepiece of a Carlow short break.

5. Kinnitty Castle

Tucked into the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Kinnitty Castle Hotel in Co. Offaly combines historic castle drama with the wild landscapes of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Guests can delve into the castle’s history on a tour, try their hand at archery, or descend to the aptly named Dungeon Bar.

Outside the castle walls, the Slieve Bloom Mountains offer walking and hiking trails through woodland and open countryside, ideal territory when guests need to disappear for a while.

6. Kilronan Castle

Set in Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa offers the chance to slow down, switch off and enjoy a castle escape in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Visitors can spend some time at the spa, enjoy the surroundings of the estate and use the stay as a base for discovering more of Roscommon and the wider region.

After an evening watching alliances form and suspicions rise on The Traitors Ireland, DiscoverIreland.ie believe it could be just the antidote.