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 Catherine Fitzgerald, daughter of the late Desmond Fitzgerald (who was the 29th Knight) and her husband, Dominic West. Although now mainly a private venue, offered for group bookings and exclusive use events, it is also of interest to independent travellers as individual reservations are accepted when there is availability.
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 Claire Whyte.
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.
Visitors can get a tour of the house with all its wonderful 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, famous golf courses nearby and many interesting things to do in the area - and make sure you fit in a visit to O’Shaughnessy’s lovely old pub, just outside the castle walls (see entry).
