Quintin Castle

Situated on the edge of a cliff that descends straight into the wilds of the Irish sea, Quintin Castle stands guard by the coastline as it has done for 800 years. Surrounded by ancient castellated ramparts and extensive manicured gardens, it backs onto the woodlands and farmlands of historic County Down. Built in 1184 by the Anglo Norman Knight, John de Courcey, it remains one of the few occupied Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland, having been restored from near ruin in 1850.

Despite its stoic and imposing façade, which features an impressive array of crenellated towers, guests are met with a genteel luxury within. Renovated to an extremely high standard, Quintin Castle’s exclusive-use accommodation lends itself perfectly to gatherings of up to 24 family and friends for celebrating the most special of occasions.

The dramatic castle also boasts a private beach, a helipad and a jetty offering bespoke boat trips out to sea.

The Castle

Experience living in your very own castle fortress for a group stay of up to 24 guests. The interiors at Quintin Castle are truly delightful and the living rooms across the lower floor have been designed with care and attention to detail.

The Tudor Room

With its wood panelling, large oak table, exposed stone fireplace and arched windows, this dining room has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Baskets of chopped wood next to the grate and candelabras at the ready on the mantel will make you want to snuggle down for an intimate meal with those closest to you and enjoy an evening filled with delicious Irish food, good wine and laughter!

The Long Room

More regal in its appearance, this dining room is filled with natural light which dances off a long, polished mahogany table and chairs and the gilded oil paintings dotted about neutrally-coloured walls. The Long Room is just that; ending in a lounging area with floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of rugs and an array of sumptuous white settees and richly-upholstered armchairs just waiting to be curled up on.

Drawing Room

Accents of dainty blues and subdued reds amongst touches of gold make this room an enchanting, elegant space; ideal in which to plan the day’s activities or reflect on them over a relaxing cup of tea. With a floral theme and artfully-placed antique furnishings, portraits and ornaments, it will sweep you away to centuries gone by.

The wide hall and comforting library offer further enjoyment of Quintin Castle’s luxury and, along with the working kitchen, combine effortlessly to host your house-party weekend.

Dining

The castle is sold on a self-catered basis, but caterers can be brought in if requested.

The Tudor Room can seat 16 and The Long Room seats 22 guests. In the warmer months, you and your party may wish to make good use of the outdoor patio dining areas, slightly elevated from the gravel paths that frame a lovely configuration of four stone-walled garden beds and neat squares of lawn. From these alfresco areas, you can take in the historic natural beauty of Quintin’s unique and secluded location and, of course, the unmatchable scents and sounds of the sea.

Accommodation

Quintin Castle’s luxury and pristinely-presented bedrooms provide accommodation for up to 24 guests in 10 bedrooms and are set across the upper floors of the castle. Each room is individually designed with long, quality drapes, ornate rugs and dark wood antique dressers to link in with the rest of the castle’s refined décor. Most rooms feature delicately-patterned wallpaper and many offer sea views. All bedrooms have modern en-suite bathrooms.

Activities

If you choose to stay at the magnificent Quintin Castle, you will have no shortage of activities with which to fill your time. The coastal castle boasts its very own private beach for guests to enjoy to their hearts' content. It’s quite a rarity for a castle to also have its own private jetty and helipad! Bespoke boat trips and helicopter tours will give you ample opportunity to venture far and wide across the shoreline and above the peaceful countryside that surrounds the castle. In addition, there are the glorious gardens to explore.

History

“In those times of the sword, the caste was our fortress”. Quintin Castle was built by John de Courcey in 1184, the Anglo Norman knight who had conquered large parts of Ulster from 1176.

Quintin remains one of the very few inhabited Anglo Irish Castles in Ulster, having stood guard over the Irish Sea for 800 years. It is said that Quintin was the fifth castle built in Ireland by John de Courcey, “Quintin” being a masculine name of Latin origin, meaning “Fifth”.

Gardens

The rocky inlets of the water’s edge contrast dramatically with the lush mounds of flora and fauna embracing the castle walls. Within the battlements and through stone archways, guests find themselves lost in the mysterious nooks and crannies of these beautiful landscaped gardens. Stone pathways weave through large laurels safely cocooned, whilst wild grasses blow in the wind out on the cliff edge; walking outside the walls is a must in order to truly experience the eternal vistas across the Irish Sea. The changing seasons are very apparent at Quintin, each one bringing with it a sense of wonder and appreciation for the castle’s dramatic landscape.

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