mom929
Unregistered User
(8/28/05 9:34 pm)

Staying in a castle without paying a king's ransom?

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I just started planning my first trip to Ireland and am excited to find this forum. Thanks Michelle

I will be traveling with one husband and two sons, ages 7 and 10. My 10 year old is dying to stay in a "real" castle. I'd like not to be put into debtors prison at the end of the trip.

Our itinerary (so far - subject to change so please feel free to comment!) is to fly into Dublin, then go to Kilkenny, Cork, and Ardgroom. We plan to rent an artists' cottage on the beach in Ardgroom for 6 nights. I saw that there is a youth hostel/castle in Kilkenny - Foulksrath Castle. Do you know of it? I don't mind dormitory style sleeping arrangements as long as it is clean and well kept. But I'm worried about it being more like a frat house than a place I'd want to bring children. On the other end of the spectrum of course there are places like Ashford Castle - way out of my price range. Ideally I'd like to spend around $100 per night. I don't need anything fancy. Just clean and comfortable. A friendly, helpful host is always a plus!

I don't know whether we will fly home out of Cork or Dublin. It will depend upon what I can get for airfares. But if round trip out of Dublin is cheapest I need a midway stop between Ardgroom and Dublin. Any suggestions? Another castle would sure be nice for the medieval-loving 10 year old.

Thanks so much for answering.

Wendy

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3368
(8/29/05 10:44 pm)

Re: Staying in a castle without paying a king's ransom?

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Wendy,

I'm glad you found my forum. I try to make it a fun and painless way to plan trips to Ireland.

I don't inspect hostels so have no personal input on Foulksrath Castle. However you will find some reviews here: www.bugeurope.com/reviews...own/ie108/

Have you looked at my "Castle Hotels" page yet? I have a listing of Budget Castles. You might want to consider Carrigeen Castle in Cahir. Be sure to read all the reviews on my forum about it: p210.ezboard.com/fireland...D=85.topic I think that you will want to confirm with the owner that she will accept your sons there. I understand she has strict rules.

If you depart from Dublin the route you take from Ardgroom will determine where you will stay. Some places that would be good are Cashel and Bunratty (your sons would love Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. There is a medieval banquet in the castle too.)

That should get you started.

Michele