BELLE ISLE CASTLE
Nestling close to the water's edge and set within a landscape of lakes and islands of gently rolling hills and fragrant woods, Belle Isle Castle is a haven of luxurious self-catering or fully catered accommodation.

Situated at the heart of Belle Isle Estate and dating from the early 17th century, the castle has been extensively yet sensitively refurbished, ensuring that a full range of modern facilities blends seamlessly with original period grandeur.

This harmony between modernity and antiquity is the careful work of an esteemed international interior designer.

INTERIOR
From an imposing double-vaulted entrance chamber guests pass through an inner hall and into the elegant Drawing Room with its magnificent open fireplace, crowned by an overmantel mirror.

Fine English and Irish antiques, rattan furniture from the spice island of Cebu and striking Russian paintings from St. Petersburg all help to create the room's comfortable and welcoming ambiance while full, floor-length windows offer views outside to a charming sunken garden.

From the opposite end of the entrance hall one enters the Grand Hall, a vast banqueting room complete with its own minstrel's gallery and capable of seating thirty people in opulent comfort.

Antique furniture and paintings by Victorian masters are all offset beautifully by the dramatic colour scheme created by international interior designer, the late David Hicks.

ACCOMMODATION
The eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms within the castle can cater for up to fourteen people in complete comfort and style.

Each room has a quality all of its own featuring either antique or hand-crafted pine furniture and individual characteristics such as exposed oak beams, delicate 19th century ceramics or a striking four poster bed.

The facilities include an all-weather tennis court in the old walled garden, game shooting and boat hire. Specialist-pike fishing, and stalking can be arranged with prior notice.

Option A: Sleeps 8 Weekly rate from £2310 - £3770 (€3385 - €5525) 2 doubles 2 twins 4 bathrooms

Option B: Sleeps 14 Weekly rate from £3300 - £5390 (€4836 - €7900) 4 doubles 2 twins 2 singles 7 bathrooms

READ MORE ABOUT THE CASTLE
Los Angeles Times, March 2003
"Emerald Isle's untroubled waters"
by Don Whitehead

Ireland of the welcomes, October 2002
"A Place Apart"
by Alf McCreary

Art & Antiques, April 2002
"Pluck of the Irish"
by Sallie Brady

Sunday Life, April 2002
"Take a step back in time at Belle Isle"
by Pauline Reynolds

More and more family reunions are now being held at Belle Isle where larger families can eat together at one table while enjoying the use of the castle as if it were their own home.

Living in an historic Irish castle is a superb base from which to trace family roots, explore the countryside or simply relax.

For anyone wishing to research their family’s history, the Centre for Migration Studies at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, Co. Tyrone (about an hour from Belle Isle) will be happy to assist you.