Ballyseede Castle

Nestled among 30 acres of beautiful gardens, Ballyseede Castle wows at first sight. Ivy covers the battlemented façade, while two metal statues of lions (along with the castle’s friendly resident dogs) greet guests by the main entrance. A lovely foyer features black-and-white checkered floors, a fireplace, mustard-colored walls, dozens of antiques, delicate chandeliers, and period couches. The rest of the interiors are equally decadent without feeling stuffy, with classic, elegant decor and details like patterned wallpaper, beautifully restored pieces of wooden furniture, plush carpets, and high ceilings with ornate moldings. Three lounges with large windows, heavy drapes, fireplaces, and elegant seating areas are a favorite spot among guests for a quiet afternoon. Fine china tea sets, plush couches, and dozens of artifacts make spaces feel cozy and homey. 

Although classy and romantic, the hotel also offers family-friendly amenities, such as large Family Rooms, babysitting services, and an outdoor enclosure with three donkeys and four horses that are a huge hit with kids. There isn’t much to do on-site, but the gardens are a serene spot for a stroll and the restaurant is known among locals and visitors alike for its excellent food. Ballyseede Castle is a popular wedding venue, so weekday stays tend to be quieter.

Ballyseede Castle is located on a country road off the N21, a main road connecting southwest Ireland to Limerick and Dublin. The property is surrounded by acres of woods and fields, and there is nothing within walking distance save for nature trails. Tralee, a historic town home to several bars and restaurants and to interesting Kerry County Museum, is a 10-minute drive away. This location, although a little remote, is a good base to explore main attractions such as Dingle and Killarney. Dublin is three-and-a-half hours away.

The hotel has 23 rooms in categories ranging from cozy Standard Double Rooms to large Family units for up to two adults and three kids. All are elegantly decorated with period wooden furniture, heavy drapes, plush carpets, and accent walls with wallpaper featuring classic patterns in earth tones. Each room has its own character and unique features, such as a four-poster bed, a fireplace, bay windows overlooking the grounds, or a luxurious claw-foot tub. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and free bottled water are all standard amenities. Bathrooms are clean and appealing, with shower-tub combos in most, toiletries in large wall-mounted dispensers, and cream-colored tiles. 

A two-minute walk down the road is the Lodge, a standalone building with three additional rooms that can be rented individually or as a multi-room suite for larger groups. Units there have the same characteristics and amenities as rooms in the main building. 

O’Connell is the hotel's elegant on-site restaurant that's popular with locals and visitors alike. Guests rave about its seasonal Irish menu made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. The dining room is stately and refined, with dark green textured walls, period furniture, and gilt framed mirrors and paintings. For a nightcap, guests can head to Pappy’s, a stylish, classic bar decorated with a delicate crystal chandelier and a fireplace with an ornate wood mantelpiece. Pappy’s also serves a small bar food menu. The hotel’s three gorgeous drawing rooms are a lovely spot for a quiet afternoon taking in the serene view, reading a book, or enjoying the free tea and cookies that are offered daily. Other great freebies include Wi-Fi and outdoor parking. An excellent breakfast is served every morning in an elegant hall with exposed stone walls, wooden beams, large classic paintings on walls, a crystal chandelier, and long-board wood floors. Kids seem to love the resident dogs, donkeys, and horses, and babysitting services can be arranged at the front desk.