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Glin Castle

Surrounded by formal gardens and parkland, Glin Castle stands proudly on the south bank of the Shannon; the FitzGeralds, hereditary Knights of Glin, have lived here for 700 years and it is now the home of the 29th Knight and his wife Madame Fitzgerald.

The interior is stunning, with beautiful rooms enhanced by decorative plasterwork and magnificent collections of Irish furniture and paintings.

But its most attractive feature is that everything is kept just the same as usual for guests, who are magnificently looked after by manager Bob Duff.

Guest rooms and suites are decorated in style, with all the modern comforts, plus that indefinable atmosphere created by beautiful old things; accommodation was originally all in suites - huge and luxurious, but not at all intimidating because of the lived-in atmosphere that characterises the whole castle - but there are now “smaller, friendly, rooms with a family atmosphere”.

And there are many small thoughtfulnesses - the guests’ information pack, for example, lists possible outings and itineraries under different interests (gardens, historical etc) and how much time you should allow.

When the Knight is at home he will take visitors on a tour of the house and show them all his pictures, furniture and other treasures; interested guests will also relish the opportunity to enjoy the famous gardens, including the 2-acre walled kitchen garden which provide an abundance of seasonal produce for the castle kitchens.

There is tennis on site, also an interesting shop - and make sure you fit in a visit to O’Shaughnessy’s lovely old pub, just outside the castle walls (see entry). Head chef Seamus Hogan’s menus change daily with the seasons, but a favourite dish is roast rack of lamb with puy lentils, wilted spinach & rosemary jus.

*Glin Castle was our Country House of the Year in 2005.

The garden and house are open to the public at certain times.

Small conferences/private parties (20/30). Not suitable for children under 10 except babies (cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged). Pets permitted by arrangement in certain areas. Gardens, walking, tennis. Rooms 15 (3 suites; all no-smoking). B&B €155pps. Dinner is available by reservation (non-residents are welcome if there is room); an attractive menu with about four choices on each course is offered. Dining Room Seats 30. D 7-9.30, Set D €60. House wine from about €25; sc discretionary. Closed 30 Nov - 1 Mar. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

50km (32 miles) west of Limerick on N69, 4 miles east Tarbert Car Ferry; drive up main street of Glin village, turn right at the top of the square.