Though the beautiful grounds and gardens are still accessible to visitors you can now only enter Knappogue Castle in two ways: at the nightly Medieval Banquet which takes place April – October, or by renting the castle (or being a guest of someone who is) for a special event or as lodging.
We were incredibly fortunate to call Knappogue Castle ‘home’ for three nights. The ornate rooms were directly out of a fairy tale and we definitely felt like royalty!
The Sitting Room in Knappogue Castle’s Private Apartments.
I’ll admit to being a bit jittery our first night in the castle. In my room, far down the hall from the girls, I felt very alone and, I’m not ashamed to say, a bit nervous. We had never been told of a ghost in the castle… but surely there could be one? The girls must have been a bit unsettled as well, for it wasn’t long until one, then the other, came to my room and joined me in the huge bed.
Our three night stay passed far too quickly and, though we lamented our short stay, Claire told us it was one of the longer stays for guests, with many coming in for a single night. Take my advice: if you do plan an Ireland castle vacation, no matter which castle you choose, stay for more than one night to really enjoy the surroundings and the incredibly unique situation you are in. It’s a fairy tale come true – don’t hurry through it.
Learn More:
- Official Website: Knappogue Castle / Shannon Heritage
- Ireland Family Vacations: A Royal Stay at Knappogue Castle and Behind the Scenes Video Tours at Knappogue Castle
Written by Jody Halsted
Jody publishes the Ireland travel planning website, Ireland Family Vacations. Her travel philosophy is, “just because you have kids, doesn’t mean you have to stay home!” A frequent traveler to Ireland, Jody helps families plan travel budgets and itineraries that are fun for kids and adults. Jody’s Tips | Website
