I love exploring European castles, especially when you can stay in them! I just took a trip with my mom to Castle Durrow in Ireland and it was a dream come true. Everything from the gardens to the bedrooms to the hallways to the entry way was punctuated with amazing period antiques from the tapestries to the furniture straight out of a fairytale. Lets explore Castle Durrow!

Getting to Castle Durrow

Castle Durrow is about 1.5 hours from Dublin Airport and it is smack dab in the middle of the Irish countryside, so you need to rent a car to get there. Hertz Europe to the rescue! My Mom and I have both never driven on the left side of the road, so we were a little nervous, but we got used to it so quickly! So to all of you, who have never driven in the UK or Ireland, have no fear, it’s easy! We hopped in our little red rental and off we went into the countryside!

Castle Durrow

Castle Durrow is truly that, a castle, once a country home to the Flower Family in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, it has a serious Downton Abbey vibe. Everything from the car turnaround to the front entrance is just so reminiscent of that regal period.

As soon as you pull up in the driveway we were amazed at the beautiful architecture. And when we stepped inside the entryway the amazement continued. There are several themed reception areas rooms on the first floor, as well as their main restaurant and a bar.

And when you head down the hallway you come upon the grand marble staircase, which leads up to the main suites. Each suite is so unique and home-y, we each quickly fell in love with ours. The current owners, painstakingly restored this historic home back to its former glory about 10 years ago. The rooms are both period and refreshing. From the vast windows over looking the garden, to the beautiful beds, to the high ceilings and the impeccable wallpaper and other furnishing, it is a place you are never going to want to leave.

It’s truly a traditional functioning castle. You feel as though you get a genuine period castle experience, with the modern day amenities.

The Gardens

The walled Gardens were also restored 10 years ago. And they have come a long way. But you would never know that it has only been that long, they appear as if they are just as the Flowers left them.

With acres to explore, it was like a dream wandering through the various terraces and parterres punctuated with statuary and arbors bursting with blooms. The hornbeam hedges, boxwood and topiary trimmed to perfection, rendering the regal element. For the garden enthusiasts I recommend putting aside a few hours to explore the gardens because you don’t want to miss any hidden gems such as the sunken garden, which has a Mediterranean theme that is spectacular!

So you’ll want to take your time exploring and experience all the amazing colors, textures and scents that filled the grounds. The perfect way to rejuvenate after traveling. There were so many hidden nooks and crannies, that it took 3 days at the hotel to really see them all!

And I’m sure when we come back someday, there will be lots more to explore.

The Spa

This may be a historic country estate, but it has a wonderfully modern spa and hair salon on property! There are lots of tempting treatments on their menu, but they just launched an amazing new facial treatment that we just had to try, a hydra facial. And for just 50 euros for an hour long facial, how could we pass it up!

Using Thalgo, seaweed-based products, the facial was so moisturizing and soothing for my summer skin. It was just the perfect way to get into vacation mode!

Dining

Castle Durrow has 3 on-site dining options, the lobby bar, the main restaurant and the terrace restaurant. Unfortunately, the main restaurant was closed during our visit due to several weddings, so we only got to try the terrace restaurant. But the menu was fantastic nonetheless. A comfortable, casual restaurant, the menu was filed with well-executed Irish classics like Fish and Chips, steak and potatoes and more! And each night the desserts were creative and delicious as well.

Oh and as some of you know, European hotel breakfast buffets are my guilty pleasure. And this one did not disappoint. If you are a tea connoisseur like my mom you’ll love their traditional Irish tea, which comes unlimited as well as the coffee. A gorgeous display of local cheeses, meats, fruits and pastries, it was the perfect compliment to all the Irish hot specials you could order.

Irelands Blue Book

Irelands Blue Book is a collection of impeccable country estates, hotels and restaurants, spread all throughout Ireland and Castle Durrow is one of their finest examples. We were fortunate enough to check out a few more of their properties on our trip, so check back soon for my posts about those!

For more of our adventures in the Irish countryside read our blog post on Michelin Stars, Castles and Countryside.