Dunloe Castle Ruins
Explore 13th-century castle ruins and lush gardens on a vast estate, offering historical intrigue and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Dunloe Castle Ruins
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 13th-century castle ruins and lush gardens on a vast estate, offering historical intrigue and natural beauty.
"One of our favorite hotels on our trip in Ireland. Very family friendly from room layout to free pony rides for the kids."
⏳ Book Extra Nights
Many guests wish they'd stayed longer to explore the expansive estate and its amenities.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The 64-acre estate is a highlight, featuring gardens, ruins, and river access. Wear comfortable shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dunloe Castle Ruins
Estate grounds
Explore the remnants of a 13th-century castle, steeped in history and offering a glimpse into the past.
Sub-Tropical Gardens
Estate grounds
Wander through 20 acres of lush, vibrant gardens, a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty.
River Laune Access
Estate grounds
Enjoy the serene River Laune, part of the estate's picturesque landscape, perfect for a tranquil stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Estate Exploration
Hotel Renovation Notice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Book Extra Nights
Many guests wish they'd stayed longer to explore the expansive estate and its amenities.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The 64-acre estate is a highlight, featuring gardens, ruins, and river access. Wear comfortable shoes!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Look for fairy doors and enjoy the playground; it's very family-friendly with unique touches.
🚗 Consider Biking
Biking the Gap of Dunloe is a popular activity, with options for pedal-assist bikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Book Extra Nights
Many guests wish they'd stayed longer to explore the expansive estate and its amenities.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The 64-acre estate is a highlight, featuring gardens, ruins, and river access. Wear comfortable shoes!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Look for fairy doors and enjoy the playground; it's very family-friendly with unique touches.
🚗 Consider Biking
Biking the Gap of Dunloe is a popular activity, with options for pedal-assist bikes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens for its stunning location, beautiful grounds, and superb customer service, often calling it a favorite hotel in Ireland. The delicious food, family-friendly amenities, and spacious rooms are frequently highlighted. The only significant drawback mentioned is the hotel's current closure for refurbishment, with many eagerly awaiting its reopening. +3
"Fantastic stay just a pity it was only for 1 night. We were given complimentary room upgrade and a personalised note in room on arrival along with little gift.
Meal that night was delicious with lots of local fare. Breakfast was really good with again lots of local produce. All interactions with staff was pleasurable and there seemed to be no limits with which they were willing to go to help and serve. Will be eagerly awaiting this hotels new reincarnation in 2 years time when it reopens and will most definitely be back there soon after it opens."
kevin beakey
"One of our favorite hotels on our trip in Ireland. Very family friendly from room layout to free pony rides for the kids and everything in between to include hidden fairy doors throughout the grounds and an awesome playground with a zip line! The room layout was my wife and I’s favorite parts. Our three kids each had their own twin bed in a room with no hallway or balcony access. The only access was though a door to our room which had a king size bed for us, but both rooms had their own full bath which was also very nice to have when getting everyone ready. The food was outstanding at the hotel restaurant for both dinner and breakfast. The concierge service was extremely helpful with our daily tours. When we come back to Ireland, the Dunloe Hotel will be on our list to visit again."
Derrick D.
"We stayed here on a recent trip around Ireland and it was easily our favorite hotel. The location is stunning, the grounds are beautiful, and the service was superb. Our only regret is not booking more nights here! Would highly recommend, and would happily return."
Carrie Nicholes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dunloe Castle Ruins are located on the grounds of The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens. The hotel is situated near the Gap of Dunloe, a popular scenic route in County Kerry, Ireland. Visitors often drive or take a taxi to reach the hotel and then explore the ruins on foot.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the ruins can be limited. It's often recommended to arrange private transport or consider a guided tour that includes the Gap of Dunloe area.
If driving from Killarney, take the N72 towards Beaufort and follow signs for the Gap of Dunloe. The hotel and its grounds, where the ruins are located, will be signposted.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the area, including the Gap of Dunloe. Many visitors cycle to the hotel and then walk to the ruins.
Yes, The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens offers parking for guests and visitors exploring the estate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Dunloe Castle Ruins are located on the grounds of The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens. Access to the grounds and ruins is typically included for hotel guests. For non-guests, it's advisable to check with the hotel directly regarding access policies and any potential fees for exploring the estate.
As the ruins are part of the hotel's estate, they are generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to confirm with The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens for any specific access times or restrictions.
Typically, access to the estate grounds and ruins is complimentary for hotel guests. If you are not staying at the hotel, inquire directly with the hotel about any visitor access fees.
Many tours of the Killarney National Park and Gap of Dunloe area include visits to historical sites like the Dunloe Castle Ruins. It's worth checking with local tour operators.
Please note that The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and is closed. It is expected to reopen in 18 months to 2 years.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Dunloe Castle Ruins, you can explore the historical remnants, imagine life in the 13th century, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of the estate. It's a place for quiet reflection and historical appreciation.
While the ruins are historical, exercise caution when exploring. Stick to designated paths and be mindful of uneven surfaces.
The ruins themselves offer dramatic backdrops. Look for vantage points that capture the stonework against the natural landscape of the estate.
Some areas of the estate may involve uneven terrain and stairs, particularly within the ruins. While the hotel aims for accessibility, some parts of the grounds might be challenging.
The ruins are part of The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens estate, which includes extensive gardens and the River Laune. Nearby is the famous Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, and Ross Castle.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most flattering light for photographing the ruins and the surrounding landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins and the estate. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the ruins or distant landscape shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in hotel grounds and national parks. It's essential to check with The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens and relevant authorities before flying a drone.
Absolutely! The 20 acres of sub-tropical gardens offer abundant opportunities for vibrant floral photography and serene landscape shots.
Look for the interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones, the reflections in the River Laune, and the hidden fairy doors scattered throughout the grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the spacious grounds offer plenty of room to run and explore. The hotel's room layouts are also noted for being family-friendly, with separate sleeping areas for children. Many guests highlight the complimentary pony rides as a special treat for the kids.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
While the hotel is undergoing renovation, the surrounding area, including the Gap of Dunloe, offers opportunities for scenic drives, hikes, and cycling. The natural beauty and historical sites provide ample activities for those looking to explore independently or enjoy quiet moments together.
🚶♂️ Budget Travelers
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic estate rather than dining at the hotel. For a budget-friendly way to see the wider area, biking the Gap of Dunloe is a cost-effective and rewarding option, allowing you to experience the stunning landscapes without significant expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens Estate
Central to the estate's charm are the Dunloe Castle Ruins, remnants of a 13th-century structure that whisper tales of the past. Exploring these ancient stones provides a tangible connection to history. For families, the estate is a wonderland, featuring fairy doors hidden throughout the grounds and an excellent playground with a zip line, making it a memorable destination for all ages.
Many guests express regret for not allocating enough time to fully immerse themselves in the estate's offerings, often wishing they had booked more than a single night. The sheer beauty and variety of activities available, from historical exploration to leisurely strolls, make it a place worth savoring.
Activities Around the Gap of Dunloe
For a unique perspective, consider a boat trip that often combines cycling and cruising. These tours can take you from the Gap of Dunloe, through the lakes and rivers, and back towards Ross Castle, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region's natural beauty and historical sites. This multi-modal approach allows you to cover more ground and experience diverse landscapes.
Whether you choose to hike, bike, or take a boat tour, the area surrounding the Dunloe Castle Ruins and the Gap of Dunloe offers an unforgettable adventure. The combination of rugged natural beauty and historical intrigue makes it a highlight for many visitors to Ireland.
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