abbeyglen castle?

kathy · Veteran Member

abbeyglen castle?

wojazz3 · Guru

I've never stayed there. Reviews of it on Trip advisor range from Brilliant to terrible. According to some of the reports, the building is a cinderblock facade over an old hotel. Ballynahinch is another nearby popular choice.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathy,

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is not a genuine castle, which is why it is not on my "Castle" page. Not every place that has castle in the name is actually a castle, like Balllynahinch Castle Hotel (a fishing lodge). If you are looking for a place to stay in Clifden I recommend Byrne's Mal Dua House. It is very comfortable with good food.

Michele

kathy · Veteran Member

Thanks for the clarifications. I guess i just assumed there was some sort of "truth in advertising" i will keep looking.

The goal here is for a castle experience that would be manageable for my 80 year old father.

cheers!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathy,

Ashford Castle in Cong is not too far from Galway. It is very expensive. I don't know if you have a set budget. You could also try Cregg Castle, Dromoland Castle and Markree Castle.

Michele

kathy · Veteran Member

We took a drive over to Cregg Castle this weekend.

I guess we surprised the family. It turns out that this year they decided to close for the winter. They have not decided when to "officially" re-open but April will be the absolute earliest. Everyone was still most gracious and gave us a tour of the lower floors. It is lovely and the grounds are gorgeous.

The gentleman owner (i am drawing a blank on his name at the moment) also mentioned the entire estate is up for sale. They have decided to completely retire out of the service industry.

Just doing my part to keep you up to date.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathy,

Thanks for the update on Cregg Castle. You would be surprised by just how many different lodgings are actually for sale around Ireland. Owning a B&B or castle might sound romantic. The reality of running such an establishment is something else.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

Wow, Cregg Castle is up for sale. We stayed there last year and have once before also. Pat and Anne Marie Broderick own the castle. I was thinking that it came from her side of the family, but I don't remember for sure. Pat is a fine uillean player and Anne Marie plays the Bodhran. They've done concerts by the fireside but it did seem to me last year that they may be growing a bit tired of it. Pat was away and Anne Marie was only marginally interested in performing. She hired an accordion player to come in and entertain that night and she would drop in for a tune or two from time to time.

I imaging they want a princely sum. The estate is huge.

Bill

kathy · Veteran Member

I believe he said they are asking 8.5 million.

For all the acreage and furnishing, it actually appears to be quite a bargin by the current standards and property prices.

murphybridget · Veteran Member

wojazz3 wrote:
Wow, Cregg Castle is up for sale. We stayed there last year and have once before also. Pat and Anne Marie Broderick own the castle. I was thinking that it came from her side of the family, but I don't remember for sure. Pat is a fine uillean player and Anne Marie plays the Bodhran. They've done concerts by the fireside but it did seem to me last year that they may be growing a bit tired of it. Pat was away and Anne Marie was only marginally interested in performing. She hired an accordion player to come in and entertain that night and she would drop in for a tune or two from time to time.
I imaging they want a princely sum. The estate is huge.
Bill

Bringing in other musicians, like the accordion player you mentioned, can inject new energy into the performances and offer a fresh perspective. Perhaps they're considering selling the castle as a way to embark on new adventures or pursue different interests.