sjkelly328,

My wife and I have stayed at Kinnitty Castle twice in the past two years for 2 nights each time.  Personally we really, really like it and plan on going back soon.  However, its not for everyone.  I'll try to objectively give you the positives and the negatives.

Negatives:

Noisy - There is a lot going on at the place.  Usually there is a wedding every weekend and that brings the partying and noise that goes along with that.  Also, no matter what room you're in, I think you will hear noise coming from downstairs for one reason or another.  That's just the way it is there.

Expensive - Well it is a castle hotel so its no surprise that the price is similar to other Castle hotels in Ireland.  Although I believe it is cheaper (and less stuffy!) than places like Ashford, Dromoland, and Glin.  However, if you stay there for two nights and eat and drink there expect to see a hefty bill when you leave.

Food is not great - Don't get me wrong its not bad its just not great.  It definately not the best meals you'll get in Ireland.  Actually my favorite dinner there was the in Monk's Kitchen down in the dungeon bar area where Thurs - Sunday they have an all you can eat deal that was pretty good.  As far as the upstairs restaurant .... I wasn't all that impressed.  I'd rather drive the 8 miles to Birr and go to The Thatch restaurant.

Positives:

Atmosphere - The place has got a medieval look and feel to it that is kind of cool.  I recommend spending the extra $$ and upgrading to an O'Carroll Baronial room with a nice big poster bed.  Dungeon Bar is very cool with Traditional Music Thurs-Sunday.  We've also enjoyed walking around the estate and exploring the grounds.

Activities - Plenty to do especially Thurs - Sunday.  We've done the Falconry course there and that was a great time.  They also have horse riding and clay pigeon shooting.  This year they've started doing a Haunted Castle tour which includes 3 nights dinner and tour (one at each castle - including Leap) that my wife and I wished they were doing last year.

Good Bars - If you like having a good time at night drinking, listening to music, talking to other guests and locals then its a good place to be.  My wife and I have had a really good time there meeting a couple of the locals that like to hang out at the place and some of the other guests.  If you'd rather stay at a quiet, stuffier type of place then its not for you. 

So I guess in summary I'd say that if you want to stay in a luxurious, stuffy, and quiet castle hotel with impeccable food and service then don't go here.  If you want a place that's got a lot going on, has a medieval feel to it, and is a good place to blow some money and have a good time then go.

Lastly if you do go make sure you at least get one Thurs - Sunday night in.  We like to stay there on Wed. and Thurs. nights because that will give us one quiet night and one night hanging out in the Dungeon Bar listening to music.

Mark