Ballinlough Castle

Ballinlough Castle is a hidden gem in the Irish countryside, just an hour from Dublin.

Set amongst 300 acres of grassland, woodland and lakes, the castle is currently in the hands of its 12th generation of owners, Sir Nicholas and Lady Nugent. Sleeping up to 18 guests, the castle and its spectacular grounds are available to hire on an exclusive-use basis.

Stay

Focussing on relaxed and traditional country house hospitality, Ballinlough has hosted guests from around the world.

Your stay can be tailored to your requirements. Whether within the castle and estate, or exploring the local area, the experienced and attentive team can help make any arrangements.

In total the castle can sleep up to 18 adults in 9 bedrooms (plus an additional single room suitable for a child).

The four master bedroom suites with their four-poster-beds are just what you might hope for in such a home and, along with the five supporting bedrooms, offer all the comforts required by a guest in a modern country house.

Bedrooms at a Glance:

• 5 double bedrooms
• 2 bedrooms which can be either double or twin
• 2 twin rooms
• 1 single room (for a child)

The hall, with its gallery and high level plasterwork, is one of the most charming in Ireland. It is one of three rooms in the castle to have not required redecoration since the late 1930s and the gentle aging of over 75 years is the envy of many an interior designer.

The morning room to the right of the main hall serves as a family/TV room, to ensure that a younger generation is never far from their comfort zone.

The drawing room and dining room, which were built over 200 years ago and overlook the lake, are an acclaimed pair of Georgian rooms. At the time of building, it is believed that their windows were as tall as in any private home in Ireland and the benefits are palpable.

Guests find there are plenty of interesting and entertaining attractions in the vicinity, while others recognise Ballinlough’s superb location as one from which excursions can be made to many different parts of Ireland.

Grounds

The beautiful grounds at Ballinlough Castle offer a peaceful, undisturbed retreat from the pace of modern life. They comprise 300 acres of grassland, woodland and lakes and feature a substantial walled garden with some significant shrubs, roses and climbers. The picturesque lakeside walk is home to many rare wild flowers making it a superb habitat for butterflies and other interesting fauna.

Activities

Guests find there are plenty of interesting and entertaining attractions in the vicinity, while others recognise Ballinlough’s superb location as one from which excursions can be made to many different parts of Ireland.

History

The Nugents at Ballinlough, who are really O’Reillys, having assumed the surname of Nugent in 1812 to inherit a legacy, are almost unique in being a Catholic Celtic-Irish family who still live in their family castle.

Prices