GLIN CASTLE, COUNTY LIMERICK, IRELAND
If fairy-tale turrets, romantic views and a waterside location is your idea of heaven, then Glin Castle is the place for you. On land owned for 800 years by the Fitzgerald family, hereditary Knights of Glin, the 18th-century castle on the west coast of Ireland in County Limerick was built with entertaining in mind. Conveniently, heiress to the castle, Catherine Fitzgerald, and her actor husband Dominic West are continuing that legacy, hiring it out for gatherings and creative retreats. With five reception rooms and 15 bedrooms, it is a large and versatile space that feels more home-from-home than hotel – but with staff. In fact, the only thing you need is a car to get from Shannon Airport, an hour’s drive away.
A stay here begins with a warm welcome – the fires are lit, afternoon tea is at the ready and Sooty, the family terrier, is on paw patrol. Stylish and unfussy, grand yet informal, and laid-back with an aristocratic air, the decor is magnificent. The rooms are crammed with vintage furniture, candelabra and all manner of Regency trinkets. There’s a drawing room for pre- and post-dinner drinks, a cosy library, sitting room and a Gothic-style dining room that can accommodate at least 12. We feasted on smoked haddock and mussel chowder, a rib of pork with crackling crust and a frangipane tart made with apples from the estate orchard. You can self-cater or hire a private chef – I can give a big thumbs up to the latter.
There is plenty to do on the 400-acre site – croquet, tennis, woodland walks – but you wouldn’t be blamed for staying in, the 15 double rooms are furnished with comfort in mind. Four-poster. Check. REN toiletries. Check. My room has blue and white ikat and Dolly Mixture florals.
If you do venture out, you’ll find the village of Glin, and the traditional pub O’shaughnessy’s. Stop for a quick pint of Guinness or stay longer for music and Irish stew. Not too far away is The Burren in County Clare – great for wildflower lovers. Or take a 15-minute ferry trip to Loop Head Lighthouse on the Shannon estuary. Here, you can enjoy the dramatic Atlantic coastline and have lunch at Keating’s seafood restaurant. For me, the highlight was the countryside, oh and to live like a princess, for a night. CLAIRE BINGHAM
ROOMS PRICED ON REQUEST. CAN BE TAILORED TO SUIT. GLIN-CASTLE.COM