Location: 5 km (3 mi) Northwest of Castledermot
Constructed: 1181 by Sir Walter de Riddlesford
Kilkea Castle, located in the small village of Kilkea in County Kildare, Ireland, is one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country, with a history dating back to 1180. Nestled within 180 acres of lush woodland, manicured gardens, and a championship golf course, the castle blends medieval grandeur with modern luxury, making it a premier destination for travelers seeking history, elegance, and recreation.
Kilkea Castle’s story begins in the late 12th century during the
Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. In 1180, Hugh de Lacy, the Earl of
Ulster and Chief Governor of Ireland, constructed a motte and bailey
fortification for Sir Walter de Riddlesford, a Norman knight who had
fought in the invasion of 1169. The land, part of the Barony of
Kilkea and Moone, was granted to de Riddlesford by Richard de Clare,
known as Strongbow, a key figure in the invasion. The castle’s name,
“Kilkea,” derives from a churchyard on the grounds, reflecting its
deep roots in the local landscape.
The castle passed to the
FitzGerald family, one of Ireland’s most powerful Anglo-Norman
dynasties, in the early 13th century when Emmeline, de Riddlesford’s
great-granddaughter, married Maurice FitzGerald, 3rd Baron of
Offaly. The FitzGeralds, who became the Earls of Kildare and later
the Dukes of Leinster, held Kilkea for over 700 years, transforming
it into a formidable stronghold and a symbol of their influence in
“The Pale,” the English-controlled region of Ireland.
Key
historical moments include:
1426: John FitzGerald, 6th Earl of
Kildare, extensively rebuilt the castle, strengthening its defenses
and establishing much of the structure visible today.
1537: The
castle was briefly confiscated by the English Crown after “Silken”
Thomas FitzGerald, the 10th Earl, led a rebellion against King Henry
VIII. It was later restored to Gerald FitzGerald, the 11th Earl,
known as the “Wizard Earl” for his reputed alchemical and magical
pursuits. Legend claims he returns to the castle every seventh year
on a silver-shod white charger.
1634: The castle was restored by
Robert Boyle, 1st Duke of Leinster, but fell into disrepair during
the Cromwellian conquest.
18th Century: The 19th Earl of Kildare,
Robert FitzGerald, modernized the castle with Gothic Revival
elements, though the family shifted their primary residence to
Carton House, leasing Kilkea to tenants like Thomas Reynolds, a
United Irishman turned informer.
20th Century: After serving as
the FitzGerald seat again in the mid-20th century, the castle was
sold in 1960 and converted into a hotel. It faced financial
struggles, entering examinership in 2009, but was revitalized by
American businessman Jay Cashman, who purchased it in 2012 and
invested $35 million in renovations.
The castle’s historical
significance is further enriched by its connection to notable
figures, such as polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, born at
nearby Kilkea House in 1874 to a Quaker family.
Kilkea Castle is a striking example of medieval architecture adapted
for modern luxury. The original motte and bailey, still visible near the
River Griese at the base of the castle gardens, was replaced by a stone
fortress in the 13th century. The castle’s iconic tower house, added in
the 15th century, reflects the FitzGeralds’ wealth and power, with
crenelated battlements and thick stone walls designed for defense.
Gothic Revival additions from the 18th century, including pointed arches
and ornate detailing, softened its martial appearance, creating a
romantic aesthetic.
The 180-acre estate is a blend of natural
beauty and curated landscapes:
Woodlands and Gardens: Ancient trees,
manicured lawns, and a rose garden create a serene setting, with views
of the Killeshin Hills and proximity to Mullaghreelan Woods. The estate
has been recognized among the “Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most
Magnificent Gardens.”
River Griese: This meandering river adds to the
estate’s charm and serves as a natural hazard on the golf course.
Motte and Bailey: The original 12th-century fortification site remains a
tangible link to the castle’s origins.
The castle’s interior combines
historical charm with contemporary elegance. Expect richly decorated
spaces with plum and velvet upholstery, floral wallpapers, and sunny
yellow light fixtures. Key areas include the snug Keep Bar with its cozy
hearth, the grand Drawing Room for afternoon tea, and the fine-dining
Restaurant 1180, overlooking the gardens.
Kilkea Castle offers 140 rooms across three distinct
accommodation types, catering to various preferences and budgets:
Castle Bedrooms (11 rooms): Located within the 12th-century
castle, these uniquely designed rooms feature lush linens, marble
bathrooms, HDTVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. They are ideal for those
seeking an authentic historical experience and are available for
exclusive hire for up to 22 guests.
Carriage Rooms: Situated in
the courtyard, these newly refurbished rooms offer modern amenities,
including interconnecting and wheelchair-accessible options. They
balance historical ambiance with contemporary comfort.
Lodges:
Overlooking the golf course, these modern, three-bedroom
self-catering units are perfect for families or groups. They provide
spacious, family-friendly accommodations with easy access to the
clubhouse.
Guest reviews highlight the spaciousness, cleanliness,
and luxurious touches of the rooms, though some note minor issues
with sound insulation in adjacent rooms.
Kilkea Castle is a full-service resort, offering a wide range of
activities and dining options:
Golf Course: The 18-hole, par-70
championship golf course, set across 200 acres of parkland with two
man-made lakes, is a major draw. Designed along the River Griese, it
offers stunning views and challenging play.
Spa: The Spa at Kilkea
features five treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite, a
hydrotherapy pool, a thermal suite, and a beauty lounge for hair,
makeup, and nails. Treatments like hot stone massages and facials are
highly praised, with guests noting the professionalism and safety
measures of the staff.
Dining:
Restaurant 1180: A fine-dining
venue offering seasonal, locally sourced Irish cuisine with
international influences, overlooking the rose garden.
The Keep Bar:
A cozy spot for whiskeys, pints of Guinness, or coffee, located on the
castle’s ground floor.
The Bistro and Hermione’s Restaurant: Located
in the clubhouse, these offer informal and sophisticated dining,
respectively, with options like fish and chips or afternoon tea.
Picnic Hampers: Guests can enjoy curated picnic lunches by the River
Griese or on the estate grounds.
Outdoor Activities: Options include
horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, archery, tennis,
fishing, cycling, hiking, and birdwatching. While no stables are
on-site, equestrian activities can be arranged nearby, such as
cross-country rides on the Munny Trail or outings with the Shillelagh
Hunt.
Event Spaces: The castle is renowned for fairy-tale weddings,
corporate retreats, and family gatherings, with over 800 years of
hosting experience. The entire 11-bedroom castle can be booked for
exclusive use, and venues like the Drawing Room and private dining areas
are popular for intimate events.
Kilkea Castle is a cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, embodying
the region’s medieval heritage and Anglo-Norman legacy. Its long
association with the FitzGerald family, one of Ireland’s most
illustrious dynasties, ties it to pivotal moments in Irish history, from
the Norman conquest to the rebellions against English rule. The castle’s
folklore, particularly the legend of the Wizard Earl, adds a layer of
mystique, with tales of alchemy and shape-shifting captivating visitors.
The castle’s preservation by owners Jay and Christy Cashman, who
purchased it in 2012, reflects a commitment to maintaining its
historical integrity while adapting it for modern use. Their efforts
earned Kilkea recognition as one of the “Top 25 Historic Hotels
Worldwide Most Romantic Hotels” and “Most Historic Golf Courses.” The
Cashmans also support cultural initiatives, such as the YouTHINK
program, fostering creative mentorship between teens from Boston and
Ireland.
Guests consistently describe Kilkea Castle as a “fairy-tale”
destination, blending historical charm with exceptional service. The
staff, often singled out for their warmth and professionalism, treat
visitors “like royalty,” with standout mentions of employees like Noel
the bartender and Amanda the massage therapist. The castle’s proximity
to Dublin (just one hour away) makes it accessible, yet its rural
setting feels secluded and tranquil.
Highlights of the visitor
experience include:
Atmosphere: The castle’s enchanting grounds and
well-maintained interiors create a sense of stepping back in time,
enhanced by modern comforts like powerful showers and fast Wi-Fi.
Culinary Excellence: Meals, particularly at Restaurant 1180 and
Hermione’s, are lauded for their quality, with some guests comparing the
dining to Michelin-star standards.
Activities for All: From golf and
spa treatments to exploring the estate’s history, there’s something for
everyone, including families with children. The castle is notably
family-friendly, with lodges and nearby attractions like Delta Sensory
Gardens and Kildare Village.
Events: Weddings and corporate events
are seamless, with guests praising the attention to detail and the
magical setting.
However, some guests note minor drawbacks, such as
occasional noise from adjacent rooms or the need for staff training to
elevate the experience to a consistent five-star level.
Location: Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, Ireland, 5 km
northwest of Castledermot, on the R418 road from Athy to Tullow. Dublin
Airport is 52 miles away, with airport shuttles available.
Access:
Check-in is at the clubhouse reception, and guests must show photo ID
and a credit card. The castle may be closed for private events on
specific dates, so checking availability is advised.
Pricing: Rates
vary by season and accommodation type, with castle rooms being the most
luxurious and lodges offering budget-friendly options. For SuperGrok
subscription details, visit https://x.ai/grok.
Nearby Attractions:
Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Delta Sensory Gardens, Carlow Town Park,
and Moone High Cross provide cultural and recreational options within a
short drive.