Castle House Clarecastle
What we like most
- Rich history dating back to the 13th century.
- Thoughtful restoration blending old-world charm with modern comfort.
- Great location near Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, and Bunratty Castle.
Insider's Knowledge
- Beautiful walled garden shared with Thomond House.
- Private chef available with advance booking.
- Straw House can be reserved for private dining/events.
Places close by
- Clarecastle village has a café, pubs, and a supermarket.
- Playground within walking distance.
- Ennis, a lively market town, is just 2 miles away.
Description
Castle House is a beautifully restored historic home, dating back to 1778. Originally built as a soldier’s barracks, it has been meticulously revitalized by its dedicated owners, transforming it into a luxurious vacation retreat available for rental.
Nestled within a private and secluded gated courtyard, Castle House is one of two identical residences. Spanning four stories, the ground floor is dedicated to the living areas, while the bedrooms are arranged across the upper three levels.
The kitchen and dining area exude warmth and charm, stretching from the front to the rear of the house. A solid oak dining table, seating up to 10 guests, sits beside a cozy wood-burning stove, making it an inviting space to share meals and unwind in the evenings. The kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances, along with crockery, glassware, cutlery, and cooking essentials. Some original features of the home remain on display, adding character to the space. A spacious utility room houses a washing machine and dryer, and a guest toilet is conveniently located on the ground floor.
The sitting room is a haven of comfort, featuring plush sofas, armchairs, and a wood-burning stove with a supply of timber for your stay. A TV is available for entertainment, and complimentary WiFi is provided for guests.
Castle House boasts eight ensuite bedrooms. The second and third floors each contain three king-sized bedrooms, totaling six. The fourth floor offers two additional rooms—one with twin beds and another with a double bed—perfect for children, who share a bathroom between them. Two of the king bedrooms also include a small sitting area and TV. A luxurious stand-alone bath on each floor provides an indulgent touch.
While Castle House has eight bedrooms, the ideal guest capacity is set at 12 for maximum comfort. Larger groups can book the adjoining Thomond House, an almost identical property, or consider De Clare House (accommodating eight guests) or the cozy Coach House (perfect for two guests).
The shared courtyard provides ample parking just outside your door. At night, the homes are illuminated beautifully. To the rear, a landscaped walled garden—shared with Thomond House—offers a tranquil escape with vibrant flowers and seating areas, ideal for relaxing with a book or a quiet moment of reflection.
For a more personalized experience, a private chef is available upon request to prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This service must be pre-arranged—please inquire with Dream Ireland or the owner directly if your stay is within six weeks.
For larger gatherings, the onsite Straw House can be reserved for private dining or events—please inquire when booking.
Location:
Castle House is situated in the village of Clarecastle, County Clare, alongside the River Fergus and historic castle ruins. It is a convenient 15-minute drive from Shannon Airport, 30 minutes from Limerick, and an hour from Galway. The charming villages of Lahinch, Doonbeg, and Bunratty—home to its famous Folk Park and Castle—are all within a 30-minute drive. The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher are also easily accessible. Ennis, a bustling market town, is just two miles away, while the prestigious five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel is a mere 10-minute drive.
Clarecastle itself is a quaint village with essential amenities, including a church, supermarket, two pubs, and a delightful café offering homemade treats. A children’s playground is also within walking distance of the property.
History:
Castle House and its surrounding site on the banks of the River Fergus have a fascinating history. The area was fortified by the Anglo-Normans in the 13th century with a walled enclosure and castle, remnants of which still stand today.
In the Middle Ages, the castle came under the control of the King of Thomond, but by the late 16th century, British forces had reclaimed it. In the 17th century, the British constructed a barracks on-site, documented in a drawing by Thomas Dineley in 1681. Though some original structures have disappeared, traces remain in the form of limestone chimneypieces and blocked doorways visible in the castle’s east wall.
The barracks complex evolved over the 18th century, built around a central parade ground. The oldest section, the ‘soldiers’ quarters,’ is a long three-story building near the road, while the ‘officers’ quarters,’ an imposing three-story block, was completed by 1766. Additional structures included a hospital, staff house, straw store, and stables. A fortified entrance with gun loops, part of the medieval wall, remains intact.
Decommissioned in the 1890s, the barracks briefly housed Belgian refugees during World War I. After Irish independence in 1922, the Free State government took ownership, eventually selling the buildings in the 1950s. Over time, they fell into disrepair but have now been meticulously restored to their former glory, offering a unique blend of history and luxury for modern visitors.
Location
| Nearest airport |
Shannon |
13.8 km |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest train station | Ennis | 7.2 km |
Amenities
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Bedroom(s): 8 ( Sleeps 12 )
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Bathroom(s): 8
- General facilities: Electricity, Parking, Private Location, Wifi
- Indoor facilities: All Bedrooms En Suite, Dishwasher, Drier, Freezer, Luxury Finishes, Microwave, TV, Washing Machine
- Outdoor facilities: Parking
- Services: Linen provided, Towels provided
Availability
Rates
- Concierge Service
- Expert Advice
- Personally Inspected Villas
| - | Nightly rate | Min. Stay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate summary | € 700 - € 780 | € 4,900 - € 5,460 | 5 Nights | - | |
| 06-Feb-2025 - 10-Apr-2025 | € 700 | 5 Nights | |||
| 11-Apr-2025 - 26-Apr-2025 | € 780 | 5 Nights | |||
| 27-Apr-2025 - 30-Jun-2025 | € 700 | 5 Nights | |||
| 01-Jul-2025 - 31-Aug-2025 | € 780 | 5 Nights | |||
| 01-Sep-2025 - 19-Dec-2025 | € 700 | 5 Nights | |||
| 20-Dec-2025 - 02-Jan-2026 | € 780 | 5 Nights | |||
Additional Information
All prices include tax at 23%
Special Offers
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Our team know each destination and every villa we feature.
We also offer a personalized and fully complimentary concierge service so every part of your trip will be taken care of ensuring you have a hassle free vacation.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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- Type: House
- Sleeps: 12
- Bedroom(s): 8
- Bathroom(s): 8
- Board: Self Catering
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- Long term rentals: No
- Pets: No
- Children: Yes, great for kids
- Wheelchair: No
- Eldery or infirm: Not suitable
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- Holiday type: Family, Luxury Retreats