Huntington Castle
9.7County Carlow, Ireland
Rooms Available
You can book an individual room.
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Historic family home in the south-east of Ireland
Huntington Castle was built in 1625 as a garrison on the strategically important Wexford to Dublin route. After 50 years, the soldiers moved out and the family began to convert the property into a family home. Many generations of the family subsequently added various extensions and details making it a truly unique and interesting place to experience!
Bed & Breakfast
The castle has a small number of historic guest rooms, all with original period features, such as four-poster beds and oak panelling. Most of the guest rooms are en-suite and each room has its own character and story to tell.
An award-winning breakfast is served each morning in the conservatory or the old dining room. It is made using fresh local produce.
Sha-Roe Bistro, winner of Georgina Campbell's Best Chef Award for Ireland, is located at the bottom of the front avenue, beside Osborne's, a charming traditional Irish pub. Both are within a few minutes' walk of the castle, so no taxis are required!
Guests have full access to the gardens and estate; by prior arrangement, the owners can arrange activities or itineraries to suit your requirements.
Self-Catering
The Esmonde Wing (sleeps 6)
An enchanting self-catering apartment within the Esmonde Wing that sleeps up to six people in 3 bedrooms. The apartment looks over the 14th-century abbey and also incorporates the former family chapel. It boasts its own kitchen as well as access door, so your privacy is assured.
The Gate Lodge (sleeps 4)
At the entrance to the castle gates by the edge of the village is a charming 17th-century Gate Lodge. This delightful property has two bedrooms, comfortably sleeping four people. It has a wood-burning stove and private front garden.
The Gate Cottage (sleeps 4)
At the entrance to the castle gates and opposite the Gate Lodge is the recently refurbished Gate Cottage. This delightful property has one double room and one twin room, comfortably sleeping four people. It has a private back yard and wood-burning stove.
The Grounds
The gardens were laid out mainly in the 1680's by the Esmondes. They feature impressive formal plantings and layouts, including the Italian-style 'Parterre' or formal gardens, as well the French Lime Avenue (planted in 1680).
Activities
A less-discovered part of Ireland, Carlow is full of breath-taking scenery and is perfect for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy hiking trails in the Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Leinster, or more leisurely walks along the Barrow Way. There is a variety of boat trips where you might be lucky enough to spot local wildlife, such as kingfishers and otters, or water activities, such as kayaking and paddle-boarding along the River Barrow. There are also lots of opportunities for golf, fishing and cycling within the area.
History
Huntington Castle is the ancient seat of the Esmonde family. The Esmondes moved over to Ireland in 1192 and were involved in other castles, such as Duncannon Fort and Johnstown Castle in Wexford, before building Huntington and settling down in Clonegal.
Prices
Rooms can be booked on a bed and breakfast basis from €290 per night, based on 2 people sharing. Self-catering apartments are available from €280 per night, based on 2 people sharing, for a minimum 2-night stay.
Location
The castle is located in the historic village of Clonegal, along the beautiful Slaney Valley. To the west it is bordered by the Blackstairs Mountains and to the east County Wicklow. Dublin is approximately 90 minutes' drive away.
Reviews
9.7