Is It Worth It to Stay at Barberstown Castle? Honest Hotel Review

Is it worth it to stay at Barberstown Castle in County Kildare? Planning your trip to Ireland might include the question of whether or not to stay in a castle. It is, after all, one of the many reasons people flock there on vacation. As a longtime patron and advocate of hostels for a variety of reasons, Iuxury accommodations don’t turn my head. But toss over 700 years of history and a multitude of stories to uncover and you can call me intrigued. Without further ado, here’s my honest Barberstown Castle review.

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Best Places to Stay in County Kildare, Ireland

Looking for quick suggestions on a variety of places to stay during your visit to County Kildare?
Here are my top recommendations:

• 🏆 Travel with TMc Favourite – Killashee Hotel and Roísín Dubh Houseboat
• ✨ Unique Experience – Roísín Dubh Houseboat
• 📍 Location – Silken Thomas or The Rooms at Firecastle
• 🛏️ Budget – Forest Farm Caravan and Camping
• 💸 Luxury – The K Club
• 💚 Romantic – Barberstown Castle
• 🥰 Weddings – Clanard Court Hotel
• 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Families and Groups – The Rooms at Firecastle
• 👀 I’ve Got My Eye On – Kilkea Castle and Stable Yard House at Burtown House and Gardens

History of Barberstown Castle

Originally named Barbuston for its first owner, Nicholas Barby, it’s neat to trace the linguistic tie to today’s appellage: Barberstown Castle. Built in 1288 as a tower house and fortress, underground tunnels linking the castle and Straffan’s church were discovered in a 1996 renovation. Known as a “Priest’s Hole”, they burrowed beneath the city to protect priests during the Penal Times. In the research I did online, it appears that the exact location of the tunnel is kept secret and it’s now sealed.

The castle and grounds have seen a multitude of changes in its 700+ year history. To date, there have been nearly 40 owners, all of whom have taken great pride in its upkeep and care. When you visit, one of many treasures to find is each previous owner’s name painted on the bedroom doors.

One of the really special aspects of Barberstown Castle is that you can still see the mix of Medieval, Victorian, and Elizabethan architecture. Each subsequent building was added to the property instead of things being torn down and replaced. After spending its infancy defending “the Pale” against Native Irish clans such as Ui Faolain, Barberstown Castle became a working agricultural estate for several families in the late 1600s. A century later in the 1790s, a thatched house was added to the property.

In 1971, Norah Devlin transformed Barberstown Castle into a country house hotel and restaurant, one of the first to do so in Ireland. From 1979 to 1987 it became the home of musician Eric Clapton. Today, owner Ken C. Healy has elevated Barberstown Castle even further to a luxurious 55-bedroom 4-Star hotel and wedding venue. It can be found in Ireland’s Blue Book of Country House Hotels and Restaurants and is Failte Ireland approved.

Though I cannot personally confirm this from my sojourn, there are said to be ghosts that inhabit Barberstown Castle. One of the previous owners is also said to be buried in its walls. Last, it may be fun to know that several celebrity guests have stayed at Barberstown Castle, including Bob Dylan, Arnold Palmer, and Sean Connery. For the most extensive overview that I could find online, visit this blog post on the hotel’s history.

My Experience Staying at Barberstown Castle

First Impressions, Irish Notions, and a Burger

I first visited Barberstown Castle in 2025 on a FAM trip with TBEX. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel out of place going for lunch, until I remembered the Irish and their “notions”. While this aspect of Irish culture inflicts shame on anyone acting above what anyone other than themselves deems appropriate, here it bode well in my favour. You see, at home in North America people still gain satisfaction from putting themselves above others – a case of the Joneses still lurks.

Over more than a decade of living in and visiting Ireland, I’ve dined and now stayed in places that wouldn’t let me in the door at home. In Ireland, everyone is welcome. Just don’t make an arse of yourself. Shaking off the imposter syndrome, I enjoyed chatting with my colleague Gosia and relished the contrast of ancient and contemporary aesthetics in the bright and airy Garden Suite and Bar while savouring a delicious burger (they’re always better in Ireland).

Second Time Around: Regrets and Opportunity

This past summer when I was presented with the itinerary for my trip to County Kildare, a stay at Barberstown Castle was on the list. I got very excited. How many people have the wonderful fortune to stay in a nearly 800-year old property and one kept with so much care? My only regret was that I didn’t have someone to share such a unique place with, be they a friend, partner, or relative. I wanted to soak up as much of this experience as possible.

My room was one of the Barton Room Junior Suites off to the right of reception. When I hear “junior”, I think small. My room was anything but small. The coolest antique key opened the door to the room, with the bed to the right and a sitting area in the centre left. Notable features in this area included a beautiful chandelier, large windows facing the back garden, a tv that rose from the foot of the bed, chairs and couches to lounge on, a second tv across from a glass table and 4 chairs where one could work or eat, and a huge mirror in which I’m taking the photo below.

Past the sleeping and sitting area was plenty of closet storage and a table and chairs where one could get ready to go out. Comfy bathrobes, ironing materials, and a coffee station were also in the narrow “room”. At the back of the suite was a spacious bathroom, full of natural light, a large 2-sink counter, a generously-sized jacuzzi tub, a shower, toilet, and heated towel racks.

Bubbles to the Rescue

At this point in my trip, I was see-sawing daily between feverish body aches and a chesty cough. Not ideal for my grand plans to soak up every historic inch of the property. However luck and good fortune would have it that my Junior Suite included a generous jacuzzi tub, perfect for soothing and shaking out any ailments. After making the best use of the daylight to snap photos of the property (I was there to work after all), I had a meal and retired to my room for some much needed R&R. What a difference the powerful jacuzzi jets made against my back.

Eggs and Italian Dust

Two other things stood out to me during my stay at Barberstown Castle. The first was the simplicity and approachability of the breakfast (full Irish buffet) contrasted with the stunning 13th century castle keep in which to eat. The second was the other guests. I had assumed that I might be underdressed, given that my general wardrobe doesn’t include designer threads and the rest of my trip was relatively casual. However, at breakfast I spotted a couple in athleisure and thought I was presented just right in my black Lulu Trousers. I was also delighted to meet Italian couples from Matera, Puglia, another ancient area I’ve been fortunate to visit. Dusting off my rusty Italian, we had a really lovely exchange in the lobby.

My Honest Opinion: Is It Worth It to Stay at Barberstown Castle?

Barberstown Castle is stunning. A magnificent place to host a wedding. A memorable place to share with a loved one. An opulent place to say you’ve stayed overnight. While its price places it out of reach as accommodation for some, its doors are open to the public to enjoy a meal. Is it worth it to stay at Barberstown Castle? I think so, if it’s within your desired trip budget.

I’m appreciative and glad that I had the opportunity to stay overnight in such a special place. Not because it’s expensive (though reasonably priced in comparison to many other luxury accommodation). Not because it’s prestigious and listed on exclusive hotel lists. Not because the chef has crossed paths with the Michelin Guide. My stay at Barberstown Castle reminded me that history will always be fascinating, people are people, and I continue to love and be delighted by restorations that are creatively and tastefully reimagined.

Why You Should Stay at Barberstown Castle

There are a few reasons that immediately come to mind for why you would definitely want to stay at Barberstown Castle:

• First, the obvious. If you have always wanted to stay in a castle, mission accomplished.
• Second, if you are a music fan or fan of Eric Clapton. He bought the castle as his residence from 1979 to 1987 and it is said that the Green Room and original Castle Keep were popular for jam sessions with fellow musicians. If only the walls could talk!
• Third, if you want to be close to Dublin while out in the countryside. Barberstown Castle is only 30 minutes by car to Dublin Airport.
• Fourth, if you love luxury accommodation, say no more.
• Fifth, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, the lush 20 acre grounds are as dreamy as the beautifully decorated rooms.
• Sixth, if you love golf or horses, you absolutely want to stay here.
• Seventh, if you love history, there’s plenty here to learn about before, during, and after your stay at Barberstown Castle.

Why Not to Stay at Barberstown Castle

There are only a few reasons I could come up with that might steer you away from Barberstown Castle:

• First, if the price is not something you’re willing or able to pay for accommodation.
• Second, if history, the quiet of the countryside, or being outside of a major city isn’t of interest.
• Third, if you’re a serious foodie. Now, I say this with an asterisk because I have only eaten a handful of meals there (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner). That being said, while each were well-presented, none were dishes I would rave about. I found the pasta unremarkable and overpriced for what it was, but that is only my opinion and my tastebuds could have been impacted by my cold.

Where is County Kildare Located?

County Kildare is located just under 1 hour west of Dublin by car or train. If you’re travelling from Belfast, it’s approximately 2.5 hours driving and 3.5 hours by train. Coming from Cork, you’re looking to be on the road for about 2 hours and from Galway it’s also a 2 hour drive.

Plan Your Trip to County Kildare

Curious to see County Kildare before you get there? Have a sneak peek here on Instagram!

Want help planning your trip to Ireland? Check out this blog post on Where to Stay in County Kildare and this one about planning a Weekend in County Kildare. Send me a DM on Instagram or through my website contact page and I’ll be happy to help where possible.