Belleek Castle

Nestled within majestic woodlands, scented with ancient Norway Spruce and Scots Pine, this tranquil Irish castle hotel set along the River Moy in rural Ballina offers a truly serene escape. Far from the city’s bustle, yet a short drive from the airport and County Mayo’s top attractions along the coastal route of The Wild Atlantic Way, Belleek offers the perfect setting to relax and celebrate with friends, family or a loved one.

Striking neo-Gothic castle stonework gives way to plush, elegant interiors, where historic charm meets modern comforts, offering discerning guests the ultimate indulgence. The medieval Great Hall’s beamed vaulted ceiling, wood-panelled walls and dramatic chandeliers conjure historic intrigue, while the castle’s bar - with its 17th-century solid oak baulks salvaged from the shipwreck of the Spanish Armada - invites guests to take a cosy seat with a signature cocktail.

An exciting castle experience

From the original suits of armour at various turns to the 13th-century Norman fireplace to imperial statement bedheads, there’s so much to discover and admire here. Conveniently located for exploration of Mayo’s spellbinding landscape, laced with culture and history, Belleek is an ideal countryside escape or romantic weekend break on the West Irish Coast.

Accommodation

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Opulently appointed bedrooms are adorned with sumptuous, tactile fabrics and enriched with a palette of beautifully coordinated, rich colours. Magnificent four-poster beds made from solid wood feature in each room. Every detail is designed for relaxation and comfort, ensuring that your time at one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels is as memorable as it is restful.

In addition, private bathrooms, plasma televisions, complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee machines ensure you have all the facilities you would need.

The Armada Bar

The iconic Armada Bar, built from salvaged Spanish Armada ship timbers, features a striking wooden bar, mullioned windows and period furnishings that create a warm, nautical feel. The perfect setting to enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness or sample rare Irish whiskies.

Dining

Belleek Castle Estate delivers an outstanding, authentic Irish dining experience from its award-winning kitchen, showcasing the finest locally-sourced ingredients. Complemented by refined and attentive service, the hospitality is over all impeccable.

Varied cuisine in multiple settings

Guests can enjoy a range of irresistible menus across stunning locations, from delicious local meats and freshly caught seafood in the Library Restaurant to casual dining in the Jack Fenn Café and Bistro (Wed-Sun 8.30am-4.00pm) to a delightful afternoon tea in the Captain’s Wardroom.

The Library Restaurant is an enchanting fairytale setting; its interiors a symphony of wood with trailing ivy and soft lamplight dancing off ruby-red chair covers. The rustic walk-in Bistro is ideal for family daytime meals with local produce picked straight from the castle’s kitchen gardens.

Activities and leisure

The Wild Atlantic Way and County Mayo

Belleek Castle Estate offers an abundance of striking natural landscapes to explore in its scenic region. Stretching beyond the estate are Ballina’s rolling green valleys that meet the stunning beaches along Mayo’s untouched Atlantic coastline. Unspoiled golden sands framed by dramatic cliffs and ancient rock stacks shelter rich history, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of remarkable wildlife.

Rich in history and culture

The region’s dramatic landscapes are the ancestral home of many migrants – a result of the devastating Potato Famine of the 1840s. History lovers can discover a variety of cultural attractions within easy reach of Belleek Castle - visit the ancient Neolithic sites, wander charming stone villages or take a boat tour to hideaway islands. Adventure-seekers can enjoy surfing on nearby Atlantic waves or horse-riding through scenic trails.

After a day of exploration, return to Balleek Castle Hotel for a relaxing drink before dinner and be sure to visit the castle’s renowned museum featuring fascinating artefacts and stories.

Gardens and the estate

Set within 200 acres of resplendent parkland, Belleek Castle Estate in County Mayo offers an enchanting natural playground for families and adventurers alike. With its sweeping lawns, ancient beech and ash trees, and a primeval forest that invites exploration, the estate is ideal for outdoor activities, ranging from woodland walks and picnics to treasure hunts and nature trails.

Whether you're wandering through the dappled light of the forest paths or enjoying the open expanses perfect for games and relaxation, the extensive grounds provide a wondrous backdrop for creating memorable moments and spending quality time in the heart of Ireland’s finest region.

History

Belleek Castle was built between 1825 and 1831 on the site of a former medieval abbey. Commissioned by Sir Arthur Francis Knox-Gore, the neo-Gothic manor became the ancestral home of the Gore family and subsequently played a significant role in the region’s social and political life throughout the 19th century.

After falling into disrepair in the mid-20th century, it was lovingly restored by Marshall Doran - an adventurer and former merchant navy officer and sailor - who restored the declining manor and transformed it into the unique castle hotel and museum it is today. Doran, also a passionate collector, populated the castle with an eclectic mix of antiques, medieval armour and weaponry, fossils and an abundance of rare and precious artefacts.

A curated museum

Belleek Castle now blends historic charm with modern hospitality, preserving its legacy for future generations. The museum’s guided tour (open to the public 12.00pm and 2.00pm Wed-Sun) offers further insight into secrets of Ireland’s past, during which guests can discover the Marshall Doran Collection, Grace O’Malley “The Pirate Queen’s” bed, the last wolf shot in Connaught and many other curiosities.

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