Kilkea Castle in County Kildare, Ireland

Stay in the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, Kilkea Castle located in County Kildare. Built in the 12th century Kilkea Castle was once the home of the Fitzgerald family. Located an hours drive from Dublin you will feel like you have stepped back in time when you arrive at Kilkea Castle.

I woke up and felt like I was still in a dream. Looking out the window of my room I could see castle turrets awaiting me and felt like I had drifted into a magical fairy tale. I arrived early in the morning completely wiped out from my overnight flight and ready to face plant on a pillow. I remember seeing bits and piece of the main floor but honestly, all I cared about was hitting the bed with full force and getting some sleep. I knew that I had a busy day ahead when I surfaced from jet lag induced exhaustion.

When I woke up and looked out the windows I had to take a deep breath and remind myself that this was real life and not a dream. That I truly was waking up in a castle in Ireland. A frickin castle in Ireland!!! How is that even a thing happening in my life! Oh my goodness someone pinch me because I am in a frickin castle in Ireland. All of this went through my head as I looked around my room at Kilkea Castle.

Little did I know at this time that I was in the haunted room in the castle this I would learn later in the day. All I knew was that I was living my fairy tale dream of waking up and spending time in a castle. The next few days continued to be a dream as I was able to explore Kilkea Castle and participate in a travel forum of writers from around the world. I am a bird nerd! There is no question if you talk to me that I geek out about birds and love seeing them in the wild. You can imagine my joy when we learned we would get a falconry demonstration in front of Kilkea Castle.

So not only was I sleeping and staying at a castle they were bringing birds to me. Again how is this real life. The staff at Kilkea Castle were amazing and so welcoming. They shared their passion and love for the property with us and made our experience so much more than I thought it would be. This is not only a castle but a house of warmth, caring, and joy being spread on a daily basis.

Yes you can golf at a world-class golf course, yes you can dine on delicious fresh made local food, yes the pastry chef makes delicious creations that should not be allowed to have calories in them. But more than all of this the staff makes you feel at home.

The walls of the castle hold so much history and the staff is there to tell you about it. Including telling you that you are sleeping in the room known as the Wizarding Earl. A room where an earl might have had a rough turn in life and disappeared never to be seen again. A room that sits at the top of the castle and has you wondering who else is joining you for the night.

Thankfully the Wizarding Earl and I did not meet face to face during my stay. I did, however, have a truly amazing nights sleep in the room drifting off to sleep thinking about the history of the castle and who else has stayed in the rooms we were occupying.

Kilkea Castle offers 24 carriage rooms and 33 self-catering lodges. The castle is located on a 180-acre estate that includes a world-class golf course.