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Kilkea Castle
Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland · Independent · Core Luxury
Hugh de Lacy raised Kilkea in 1180 for Walter de Riddlesford, naming it from Cill Caoide, the churchyard on the grounds. From 1273 the FitzGeralds of Kildare held it more than 700 years, the Wizard Earl and Silken Thomas among them. Jay and Christy Cashman bought the receivership wreck in 2010, spent about 30 million euros, and reopened the 180-acre castle in November 2017.
- Neighborhood: Kilkea Demesne
About Kilkea Castle
- Among Ireland's oldest inhabited castles, dated to 1180.
- The FitzGeralds held it more than 700 years; Silken Thomas's 1534 rebellion brought confiscation, later restored under Edward VI.
- Gerald the Wizard Earl is said to ride from the castle every seventh year on a white horse with silver shoes.
- Historic Hotels Worldwide has recognized the house since 2020.
History
Kilkea Castle is one of Ireland’s oldest inhabited castles, with a history that the estate dates to 1180, when Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster and Chief Governor of Ireland, erected it for the Norman knight Walter de Riddlesford. Built amid the Anglo-Norman conquest, the castle began as a fortified stronghold guarding the southern approaches of County Kildare and took its name from the churchyard on the grounds, an anglicized form of Cill Caoide. By the late 13th century, the property passed into the hands of the FitzGerald dynasty through Emmeline’s marriage to Maurice FitzGerald, the 3rd Lord of Offaly, beginning a family tenure that lasted more than seven centuries. The FitzGeralds became Earls of Kildare in the 14th century, and Kilkea remained tied to some of the most consequential figures in Irish history, including the “Wizard Earl,” Gerald FitzGerald, and the rebel Thomas FitzGerald, known as Silken Thomas.
The castle’s fortunes rose and fell with those of its owners. In 1414, FitzGerald forces strengthened their hold after conflict with local Irish clans, and in 1534 Silken Thomas’s rebellion against King Henry VIII triggered confiscation of the estate; the lands were later restored to the family under Edward VI. In the early 18th century, the 19th Earl of Kildare moved the family seat elsewhere and leased the castle grounds. Over time, the estate changed hands and entered the hotel trade in the 20th century. After falling into receivership in 2009, it was purchased by Jay and Christy Cashman in 2010. The new owners invested about €30 million and spent five years restoring the property before reopening it as a full-service hotel in November 2017. Today, Kilkea Castle combines the original medieval castle with courtyard rooms and lodges across a 180-acre estate, and Historic Hotels Worldwide has recognized it since 2020.
The setting
Kilkea Castle stands on its own demesne near Castledermot in south County Kildare, one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Ireland, built in 1180 by Hugh de Lacy for Norman knight Walter de Riddlesford on lands granted by Strongbow. Through the 1273 marriage of Lady Emmeline de Riddlesford to Maurice FitzGerald, Third Lord of Offaly, the castle passed to the FitzGerald Earls of Kildare for over 700 years. Most famously associated with Gerald, the Wizard Earl, whose ghost is said to ride from the castle every seventh year on a white horse with silver shoes, the property now occupies 180 acres of woodland and gardens overlooking the Killeshin Hills, reopened as a luxury hotel approximately one hour from Dublin.
Restaurants and bars
- The Keep — Restaurant
- The Bistro — Restaurant
- Restaurant 1180 — Restaurant
- Hermione's Restaurant — Restaurant
Experiences
- Golf — A world-class golf course and club on the estate, with green fees discounts offered.
- Irish whiskey tasting — Expert-led tasting with a whiskey menu of over 70 selections from around the world.
- Falconry — Falconry is listed as suited to the estate's grounds.
- Horseback riding — Horseback riding is listed among the activities the estate suits.
- Archery — On-site archery is offered as an activity at the hotel.
- Fishing — Fishing is listed among the hotel's activities.
Amenities
- Spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Fitness center
- Tennis
- Golf course
- Pet-friendly
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More hotels in Kildare
- K Club, The — Independent · Core Luxury