Ballyseede Castle
9.3 Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
Ballyseede Castle dates back to 1721 and is situated in glorious landscaped grounds and gardens within the townland of Ballyseedy. This family-friendly castle is the perfect base from which to tour the south-west of Ireland, including the beautifully scenic Ring of Kerry, and is located only 15 minutes from Kerry Airport.
An authentic castle experience full of Irish charm and personality awaits! Ascend the sweeping stone steps to a pillar-box red door guarded by charismatic stone lions and be ensconced by old-world splendour. The stately façade featuring curved bows and a battlemented parapet is peppered with many windows, allowing the beautifully-decorated castle to be flooded with daylight and bestowed with dramatic landscaped views.
Modern-day luxury permeates the castle which has seen extensive transformation over recent years, in particular the partly glass-domed orangery, revitalised gardens and an entire west wing. Throughout, Ballyseede Castle’s exceptional level and warmth of service has remained.
This family-run estate has family stays at its heart, featuring charming, spacious accommodation, a mix of decadent and relaxed dining experiences and plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Accommodation
Ballyseede Castle features 40 luxurious en-suite bedrooms, pristinely presented and dressed in decadent fabrics, equally balancing comfort and style. Many feature four-poster beds and garden views through long windows. The varied rooms are full of character, and each has been carefully decorated to retain the character and charm of castle living.
Further accommodation is available at the 4-star Gate Lodge, a five-bedroomed property only a two-minute walk from the castle.
Dining
Ballyseede Castle’s O’Connell Restaurant is renowned for serving beautiful food in magnificent surroundings. Choose from the castle’s selection of finest wines to accompany the very best of the region’s meat, fish and seafood.
Indulge in a varied breakfast offering in The Stone Room Restaurant, from Irish cheeses to baked breads. The Orangery and Pappy’s Bar serve an extensive all-day menu catering to all tastes whilst guests can enjoy the traditional afternoon tea in castles formal lounges. Ballyseede Castle features a varied selection of delicious authentic dishes, each featuring the finest locally-sourced seasonal ingredients and served with style.
Activities
There is no limit to the attractions and activities local to Ballyseede Castle - from water adventures to the scenic Skellig Islands to adventurous walks and live theatre.
Gardens/Estate
The estate features beautiful gardens of manicured lawns with interweaving gravel paths framed by low hedges and topiary trees. Benches and comfy seating are dotted throughout the grounds inviting all who stay at Ballyseede to take a moment to smell the flowers.
History
Originally home to the Blennerhassett family, Ballyseede was bought by hoteliers Marnie and Rory O’Sullivan in 2005 and has since undergone an immense but steady restoration.
Prices
Location
Ballyseede Castle is located in Ballyseede in County Kerry, south-west Ireland, three miles from the town of Tralee and eight miles from Kerry airport. It is around a 3.5-hour drive from Dublin and 90 minutes from Shannon Airport.
Ballyseede Castle is ideally located for touring both the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, two of the most scenic areas in Ireland.
Castle guests enjoy the breath-taking and ever-changing scenery around the Lakes of Killarney, the Macgillycuddy Reeks and the Atlantic shoreline.
Reviews
9.3
It was so lovely and the staff were so professional and friendly. The rooms were so welcoming with all of the photos of the family. Our daughter played the piano in Mitzi’s Salon and it made it really feel like home away from home. Our rooms were exceptional. Loved the hot shower. Our adult kids really loved hanging with Dolan and Joe, and Charlie and seeing the donkeys and welsh ponies. Breakfast was exceptional. The grounds had lovely trails to walk. Loved feeling very well taken care of.
Where do I even begin!? This place was absolutely breathtaking! The castle and the grounds were STUNNINGLY beautiful. Our 5-course dinner was divine, and the staff were all so very pleasant. We felt like royalty staying here! The room was lovely and the bathroom - WOW! I walked about the grounds several times just taking in the scenery. The animals on the property were a HUGE bonus! Loved the wolfhounds, donkeys, and mini horses!
It simply gorgeous
Just wonderful! Loved the pups!
Excellent venue, lovely staff, grounds & dogs. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.