How to Stay at an Irish Manor House
Many of Ireland’s grand estates that take in paying guests are privately owned homes (only a few of which still belong to their original families), so don’t necessarily expect typical hotel amenities such as reception desks and room service. But the experience is well worth it.
Here’s our insider’s guide to getting the royal treatment on the Emerald Isle:
How to Book:
Most “Big Houses” are part of either the Hidden Ireland network or the Blue Book Association, which between them account for more than 60 historic castle and manor houses open to overnight stays.
Also browse The Good Hotel Guide, John and Sally McKenna’s 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland, and the Discover Ireland website. Book ahead; these houses have a limited number of rooms.
Dinner at the manor, which is sometimes a group affair, can also be reserved at booking. Some houses, particularly those with gardens, welcome day visits, whereas others offer guided tours of the house interior, generally by appointment only.
Best Time to Go:
May, June, and September are usually the sunniest, mildest months to visit Ireland. But always be prepared for rain.
Manor Manners:
Act as if you’re staying with friends of friends, and you’re most of the way there. You’re not expected to make your own bed, but bear in mind your host may be the one cleaning up when you’re out. If there’s a hired cleaner, you can leave a tip in the room.
Hair dryers and toiletries are usually provided, but you might want to bring your own just in case (or ask the proprietors to make sure).
In some houses, dogs are free to roam the lower floors. If you’re headed for a walk, consider offering to take the dog along as well.
What to Read:
The Big House has its own genre in the rich world of Irish literature.
The writing duo Somerville and Ross inject considerable humor into the Irish R.M. series, Elizabeth Bowen conveys poignant gravitas in The Last September, and Molly Keane produced dark comic gems such as Good Behaviour.
Coffee-table tome The Irish Country House, by Desmond FitzGerald and James Peill, is lushly photographed by James Fennell.
Travel Trivia:
- In designing the White House, in Washington, D.C., Irishman James Hoban was inspired by Leinster House in Dublin.
- Castletown House, Ireland’s largest Palladian-style manor, was built for innkeeper’s son William Conolly, who became the wealthiest man in Ireland.
- When Sir Edward Pakenham of Tullynally Castle was killed at the battle of New Orleans in 1815, his family shipped him home for burial preserved in a barrel of rum.
This piece appeared alongside the feature, “At Home In Ireland,” both which originally appeared in the April 2014 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
> Related:
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Cougar travels 1,000 miles in one of longest recorded treksCougar travels 1,000 miles in one of longest recorded treks
- Rare gray whale spotted in the Atlantic—and it's only the beginningRare gray whale spotted in the Atlantic—and it's only the beginning
- Why 'funga' is just as important as flora and faunaWhy 'funga' is just as important as flora and fauna
- Termite fossils prove mating hasn't changed in 38 million yearsTermite fossils prove mating hasn't changed in 38 million years
Environment
- Why the 2024 hurricane season could be especially activeWhy the 2024 hurricane season could be especially active
- Mushroom leather? The future of fashion is closer than you think.Mushroom leather? The future of fashion is closer than you think.
- This deadly fungus is hitchhiking its way across the worldThis deadly fungus is hitchhiking its way across the world
- Why 'funga' is just as important as flora and faunaWhy 'funga' is just as important as flora and fauna
- This exploding mine holds a treasure that may change the worldThis exploding mine holds a treasure that may change the world
History & Culture
- See the story of Jonah and the whale like never beforeSee the story of Jonah and the whale like never before
- This ancient mosaic offers extraordinary insights into the pastThis ancient mosaic offers extraordinary insights into the past
- These are the real dunes that inspired Dune—and you can visit themThese are the real dunes that inspired Dune—and you can visit them
- Meet the only woman privy to the plot to kill Julius CaesarMeet the only woman privy to the plot to kill Julius Caesar
Science
- Women’s bodies are understudied—but that’s starting to changeWomen’s bodies are understudied—but that’s starting to change
- Hundreds of tiny arachnids are likely on your face right nowHundreds of tiny arachnids are likely on your face right now
- What's worse than a hangover? Hangxiety. Here's why it happens.What's worse than a hangover? Hangxiety. Here's why it happens.
Travel
- A taste of West Bengal, from curries to Kolkata street foodA taste of West Bengal, from curries to Kolkata street food
- Discover southeastern Spain's secret coastal regionDiscover southeastern Spain's secret coastal region
- All aboard Norway's slow train under the midnight sunAll aboard Norway's slow train under the midnight sun