9 Festive Cocktails for the Holiday Season

  • December 11, 2023
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  • https://mlchicagosocial.com/holiday-cocktail-recipes
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The holidays are back again, and you know what that means. Your friends and family want to be entertained! 

Cocktail crafting is a great way to bring people together and try new things. Need a little festive drink inspiration? We gathered a few recipes for holiday cocktails that will keep your besties, in-laws and college-age cousin feeling merry and bright all season long.


Kilkea Castle Presents a New Menu of Exclusive and Expensive Irish Whiskey

  • August 29, 2023
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  • https://kildare-nationalist.ie/2023/08/25/kilkea-castle-presents-a-new-menu-of-exclusive-and-expensive-irish-whiskey-on-his-menu/
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Kilkea Castle offers a diverse whiskey menu featuring over 70 selections from around the world, including a tasting experience led by experts.


Summer Weddings: Majestic Castle Wedding Venues

  • June 26, 2023
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  • https://www.luxxu.net/blog/summer-weddings-majestic-castle-wedding-venues/
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Step into a world of enchantment and regal beauty with LUXXU's list of this Summers Majestic Castle Wedding Venues including our own Kilkea Castle. 


9 Opulent Castle Wedding Venues Around the World

  • June 16, 2023
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  • https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/opulent-castle-wedding-venues-around-the-world
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Looking for a luxurious wedding venue fit for royalty, Architectural Digest named Kilkea Castle as one of the 9 most opulent Castle Wedding Venues around the world.


A Lesson In Customer Service from a 12th-Century Irish Castle

  • April 28, 2023
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  • https://medium.com/@jimmycalder/a-lesson-in-customer-service-from-a-12th-century-irish-castle-d7de1ae9fdfa
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Going Above And Beyond To Reunite A Boy with His Stuffed Animal.


Jane Seymour and US Ambassador Among the Guests at YouthInk in Kilkea Castle

  • December 09, 2022
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  • https://kildare-nationalist.ie/2022/12/09/jane-seymour-and-us-ambassador-among-the-guests-at-youthink-in-kilkea-castle/
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None other than Jane Seymour was in Kilkea Castle recently, attending the fourth instalment of the YouthINK creative arts programme for young people.


Losing the Race, but Winning Each Other

  • July 15, 2022
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  • https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/15/style/bimal-patel-truett-manning-wedding.html

Bimal Patel was seeking a congressional seat in Texas when he and Truett Manning matched on a dating app. By the time his campaign ended, the two were well on their way to a life together.


Be a Spa Queen of the Castle

Embark on a fairytale spa break at some of Ireland’s most majestic castles. Step back in time and experience a world of history, character and opulence. Discover luxury accommodation, lavish gardens, cosy rooms with roaring fires and of course some first class wellness at the spa. 

Ireland is said to be home to some 30,000 castle buildings and ruins. Lucky for those with regal tastes as many of these historic buildings have been renovated into luxury hotels with some of the finest spa facilities around.

We have listed 5 castles in Ireland where you will find a spa fit for a Queen. 


Cute & Colourful: Clodagh and Philip’s Kilkea Castle Wedding

  • April 26, 2022
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  • https://www.weddingjournalonline.com/cute-colourful-clodagh-and-philips-kilkea-castle-wedding/

If you love colour, cosy vibes and cute doggos, you’re going to love this real-life wedding just as much as we do!

Clodagh and Philip Staunton from Galway tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in County Kildare on October 24th with a magical ceremony followed by a twinkling chandelier reception – and even incorporated their Golden Retreviever Teidí into the day and the cake!


Review: Kilkea Castle

  • December 09, 2021
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  • https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/kilkea/kilkea-castle

A castle with near a millennium of history and a wealth of outdoor activities. 


The best hotels in Ireland have been revealed

Not sure where 'Galloway' is but it's a fine list, nonetheless...

The 10 best hotels in Ireland have been revealed, thanks to a new reader's choice list from travel website CN Traveller.  The list comprises hotels found in Dublin, Kildare, Kerry, Laois, Donegal and Galway – though it would be remiss of us not point out that Galway is presented as 'Galloway' on the official rundown


KILKEA CASTLE IS READY TO WELCOME GUESTS AGAIN

Kilkea Castle dates back to 1180; and this fascinating castle and estate combines history and mystical charm with the allure of timeless sophistication and luxury. One of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland, the medieval fortress and estate has undergone a five year, 30 million dollar renovation and restoration – and is nearly ready to extend a 5-star welcome to travelers from around the globe. Located just an hour from Dublin, Kilkea Castle is situated in the lush countryside of County Kildare. The estate features 180 acres of lush woodland, lavish gardens, a serene river, and a world-class golf course and club…


48 hours in Kildare - best hotels, restaurants and things to do on your next staycation

Kildare is packed with fun things to do and see. We stayed in the fabulous Kilkea Castle and were treated like royalty by the helpful and polite staff. Plus the food was out of this world!


5 haunted Irish locations you can actually stay at

THRILL SEEKERS have always relished the prospect of coming face to face with the paranormal, especially around Halloween. But how much would you pay – or rather, how much would you have to be paid – to stay in one of Ireland’s most haunted getaways?


35 Hotels With Lodges in Ireland–My Top Picks, as featured by the Travel Expert.ie

Looking for apartments, houses or hotels with lodges in Ireland? I’ve hand-picked thirty-five Irish hotels that offer self-catering facilities. I’m not a big fan of staying in a hotel room with kids, be it at home or abroad. I prefer the freedom and additional space that an apartment or lodge brings, especially when kids are older.


10 Festive Fall Cocktails To Celebrate the Season

  • October 05, 2021
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  • https://gothammag.com/fall-cocktail-recipes

There’s a crisp feeling in the air, leaves are starting to turn golden brown, and we’re in the mood to get cozy.

Fall is a truly spectacular season, and it’s best when paired with a delicious drink. Next time you put on your favourite sweater and enjoy an evening by the fire, pair it with one of these delightfully-cozy autumn cocktails.


A wheely good family holiday in Kildare

  • September 10, 2021
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  • https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/ireland/a-wheely-good-family-holiday-in-kildare-1.4654854?mode=amp

 It’s worth taking a short detour inland to discover some of the attractions a stone's throw from the capital I once heard someone describe Spain as a polo mint, with everyone visiting the places on the outer ring, but rarely venturing into the middle.



Kilkea Castle: Travel to Ireland with a Royal Flair

  • August 28, 2021
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  • https://joshestrin.com/kilkea-castle-travel-ireland-royal-flair/

While travel abroad in 2020 may not have been possible. The world is opening up again and Ireland welcomes Americans to enjoy her gentle charm. There are certain precautions for traveling safely and I encourage anyone deciding to venture across the pond to make sure they are well informed. Once you get there, allow yourself to enjoy. We have all navigated heightened stress and anxiety so step back in time and allow Kilkea Castle to embrace you in both her history and mystery


INITIATIVE INVOLVING KILKEA CASTLE OWNER LAUNCHES GLOBAL WRITING CONTEST FOR TEENS

YouthINK, a not-for-profit young writers’ initiative, is hosting a special mentorship programme for students in Ireland and the United States.

YouthINK was the brainchild of Christy Cashman, actress, author and owner of Kilkea Castle in Co Kildare; she created it to encourage writing, storytelling, and self-expression in teenagers. The YouthINK short-story writing competition is open to teens, aged 13 to 18 years old, and entries close on 31 December 2021.


Kilkea Castle will make you feel like a king

The island of Ireland is home to some amazing castles where you can truly get treated like royalty. Co Kildare’s Kilkea Castle is, for me, right up at the top of that list. Before the last lockdown I spent a very relaxing two-night break at the 12th-century estate and the efforts of a recent €2million investment are everywhere to see.

Located in Castledermot just an hour’s drive from Dublin, the castle will take your breath away as you drive up the 180-acre estate’s beech-lined avenue on your arrival.


Mother’s Day Lovely Libations: Class in a Glass

Celebrate the main woman in your life with our Mother’s Day lovely libations: a cocktail from a castle, a pretty bottle of rosé, luxury tea, and a sip of peace.


These majestic castle hotels in Ireland let you live out your fairytale dreams

Note from 10Best: Someday, we'll all be ready to pack our suitcases again and head out on our next adventures. In the meantime, we'll keep supporting the places that inspire us. Contact individual businesses for the latest updates.

While there’s a lot to be said for the character and appeal of Ireland’s charming B&Bs, nothing quite compares to staying in a restored castle hotel or traditional country house. Allow these stunning properties to transport you back in time.


A Timeless Autumn Wedding with Blush Pink, Peach and Burgundy

For their theme and colours, they tried to stay away from what was trendy at the time. Instead, they opted for a more timeless look. The colour palette included blush pinks, peaches and a splash of burgundy. They were lucky that their colours went with both a summer and autumn wedding.


Staycation once again? The smart booking guide for 2021

WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HOLIDAY ANYWHERE JUST YET, BUT WE ALL NEED SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR. FROM LUXURY SPLURGES TO FAMILY CAMPING AND SELF-CATERING COTTAGES, WE’VE GOT YOUR HOLIDAY AT HOME COVERED


Kilkea Castle Cupid's Hope

This year, Valentine’s Day might be celebrated at home but that does not mean that those celebrating the most romantic day of the year will have to miss out on enjoying sexy, tasty cocktails!

Kilkea Castle’s master mixologist David Pedro created a special drink that inspires l’amour and includes local products and the castle for inspiration. Named the Cupid’s Hope, this original drink promises to make any celebration more romantic and fun!



An Opulent Destination Wedding Styled Shoot Shot In Ireland

The stately Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort in Kildare, Ireland is the breathtaking backdrop for this majestic styled shoot photographed by Canadian photographer Cassandra Goltsis of Rose Gold Productions. “Kildare is the perfect spot for to capture the feel of luxe, laid-back European romance. “For this shoot an expert team of vendors from across Ireland collaborated to create this magical shoot in the castle gardens.


Mythical and Mystical 12th Century Charm in County Kildare – Kilkea Castle Hotel Review

When planning a romantic escape, for us, nothing springs to mind quicker than a whimsical Irish Castle. In this instance, Kilkea Castle. In an effort to “shop local” we stayed in our lovely Lily White County of Kildare. Dating back to 1180, Kilkea Castle oozes 12th Century charm. There is a distinct air of understated elegance that surrounds the grounds and castle itself that really is quite special.


A new wellness trend lets vacationers do the unthinkable - Keep working

What do you get when you mix a wellness holiday with a “workcation”?

Answer: The “wellness sabbatical,” an emerging trend that allocates time for sunrise yoga classes, meditation sessions and spa treatments — alongside work emails and Zoom calls.

A small but growing number of resorts are tapping into a market of wellness-minded workers who have difficulty going completely off-grid. The experience may even teach travelers how to balance work, play and well-being after the trip ends. 


Kilkea Castle Adapts To Virtual Conferences

Virtual conferencing is coming to Kilkea Castle in Kildare following the hotel’s partnership with agency Mavrix to introduce the facility to its new conference centre.

According to the hotel, Mavrix’s virtual events “are a turnkey communication and engagement solution with interactive applications, in a virtual environment that transform regular meetings into unforgettable experiences”. 


The 10 best castles for weddings in Ireland, RANKED

Ireland is home to beautiful wedding venues, especially its castles. Here are the top ten best castles for weddings in Ireland.

If you are looking for a beautiful wedding in breathtaking surroundings, Ireland is the place to be. Known for its abundance of historic castles, you will have plenty of locations to choose from for your big day. To narrow it down, we’ve picked the top ten best castles in Ireland for your wedding.


KILKEA CASTLE DISCOVER THE MOST REMARKABLE CASTLE HOTEL IN IRELAND

If there’s one experience that cannot be missed in Ireland, it’s the opportunity to stay in an Irish Castle. These intriguing buildings blend centuries of history with an extraordinary level of comfort. An experience we finally crossed of the travel list this very year. Situated only one hour from Dublin, Kilkea Castle in County Kildare, was the chosen one. It has long being on my wishlist, and Kilkea Castle really lived up to all expectations.


11 Super Relaxing Spas to Book into on your Staycation this Year

With all eyes on Ireland, everyone is trying to figure out where best suits their needs in terms of a holiday this year - something that varies from person to person. Some prefer active adventures, some base their getaways completely on food, some want total R&R.


Work Off Your Extra Covid 19 Pounds: Eight More Vacation Ideas To Get Back Into Shape

We detailed five Mexican vacations where you can work out in beyond-the-usual ways to tackle the additional 19 or 20 pounds you may have gained thanks to COVID-19 lockdowns and closed gyms. Looking for other options for when travel restarts? Here are eight more active vacation ideas in the U.S. and beyond to help you get back to your pre-pandemic active lifestyle.


Here are the best Irish hotel deals right now

Planning a staycation with the family?

These hotels are offering discounted rates for guests right now, from all-inclusive stays to buy one, get one half price deals.


Here’s how much it costs to buy out an entire luxury hotel during the pandemic

From cleaning robots to canceled breakfast buffets, hotels are pulling out the stops to ensure a safe environment for their guests and staff during the global pandemic. 

But what about fellow travelers? Are they healthy, are they wearing masks  — and does it seem like the man in the room next door coughs a lot?


4 Stunning Celtic Castles Turned Hotels

Instead of going to the pubs this St. Patrick’s day, read up on these gorgeous historic castles in Ireland now turned into luxury resorts.

EDIT: Although we’re cooped up inside this St. Patrick’s Day, your day doesn’t have to be devoid of all things Emerald Isle. Take a look at these beautiful Celtic castles that we featured in our March issue, and get inspired for your summer or fall vacations.


Kilkea Castle the perfect luxury hotel

Kilkea Castle is only a stone’s throw from Dublin (about an hour’s drive). GG and I arrived as Storm Dennis was in full swing. The 12th century castle stands proudly over 180 acres of woodland, golf course and gardens. I had spent an afternoon there last year at the opening of the Spa, but it was GG’s first glimpse of the hotel.


10 haunted Irish castles you can actually stay in

Fancy an overnight break with a paranormal twist? Check out our list of 10 haunted Irish castles you can actually stay in. Once home to the 11th Earl of Kildare (who specialised in alchemy and black magic), this castle is now a luxury hotel and golf resort. Time it right, and you might witness the ‘Wizard of Earl’ revisiting the castle on his white steed, which he does every seven years.


15 Traditional Irish Foods and Dishes to Try on St. Patrick's Day

  • February 24, 2020
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When you think about Irish food, the first thing that probably comes to mind is corned beef and cabbage. But it turns out corned beef is not considered an Irish national dish, says David McKane, the executive chef of Kilkea Castle in county Kildare. "The connection with Saint Patrick's Day specifically originates as part of Irish-American culture, and is often part of their celebrations in North America," he says. This might lead you to wonder then: What do people who live in Ireland eat? Here, Irish chefs and restaurant owners dish on traditional Irish food, so you can serve the most authentic meal at your St. Patrick's Day party, including soda bread and a seriously tasty trifle to whip up for dessert.


Discovering My Roots in Ireland: Jay Cashman

When I was young, my Great-Aunt Cabby was the historian of the family. She was chatty, and I liked to listen to her tell me about one of our relatives, James Cashman, who emigrated to Boston from Ireland in the 1850s. That’s when I first became interested in my genealogy. Although I had done a lot of traveling, including to Italy, where my mother’s side of the family came from, I had never been to Ireland, where my father was born. So I went there in 1996 for the first time on a vacation with my soon-to-be-wife, Christy, an equestrian fanatic.


25 Romantic Cocktails Perfect For Setting The Mood On Valentine’s Day

At Kilkea Castle's pub The Keep and restaurant The Bistro in Ireland, a vodka-based cocktail served on the rocks that blends blood orange liqueur with fresh squeezed orange juice, topped with a splash of Sprite and lemon juice.  The cocktail is chopped berries and a sprinkle of white chocolate for garnish. “Kilkea Castle offers the Cupid's Kiss all year round as it is a tasty and refreshing cocktail. The beautiful red is the optimum color for Valentine's, whether it be for a morning brunch or evening apero.   It is slightly bubbly, thanks to a dash of lemon juice and Sprite, and goes well with everything from eggs and salads to hors d'oeuvres and sweets,” said Andrew Fairbrother, Kilkea Castle bartender.


Kilkea Castle - 800 years of Irish elegance

One of the oldest still-inhabited castles in the country, this iconic resort is located just an hour away from Dublin and showcases the mystical charm and venerability of Ireland. The medieval estate’s offerings include a sprawling hostelry, a picturesque golf club and superb dining facilities. Rooms maintain their historical significance, adorning floral patterns, marble bathrooms, and enjoying expansive views of the green countryside. In the dining room, guests can enjoy traditional Irish fare from the comfort of velvet upholstered seating.


The Best Hotels in Ireland: 2019 Readers' Choice Awards

  • December 26, 2019
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Whether you dream of the complete castle experience, on site archery, or just a cloudlike bed near Dublin, there's a hotel in Ireland for you—and our readers have been there. For our 32nd annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey—yes, more than three decades—a record 600,000 registered voters weighed in. The impressive number of 2019 results were especially exciting for us: we’re ever curious about where you go, what you loved, and who you went with. As you continue to travel, we continue to listen: Here are the hotels in Ireland you loved most this year.


THE IRISH BLESSING | KILKEA CASTLE

“In the lilt of the Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing.” Ireland, treats each soul with embracing arms, to affirm that every being that visits the land has another soul waiting; the soul of a friend whom you have not met yet. It’s a land bound closely to the past days of tradition, flowing wisely into the present of modernity. It’s a land of vision, magic, life and love, that is alive with the majestic power of stories and longing memories. Ireland smells of old silent stills, piles of stones, half-forgotten taste dwelled in the soft melancholies dipped in quiet smiles of romances. Turas go hÉirinn...


ESCAPE TO THE EMERALD ISLE – 8 SPA HOTELS YOU NEED TO VISIT

Ireland is famed for its spectacular scenery and friendly faces, but did you know it is also home to some of the best hotels and spas in the world? There’s nothing quite like being pampered while escaping the hustle and bustle from everyday life. Why not make a weekend of your pamper time and head to the Emerald Isle for a weekend of bliss in one of the country’s move loved spas?


A Three-day Affair at Kilkea Castle: Bronwyn & Misha

Many of the most beautiful, well-curated, or thoughtfully-planned real weddings we feature on One Fab Day, are international affairs. With guests coming in from all over the world, couples tend to pull out all the stops in showing them great food, flowing drinks, beautiful surroundings, and lots of craic.


Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon marries in lavish Kilkea wedding

Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon has married longtime girlfriend Sarah Lacey in a stunning castle wedding over the weekend. The pair exchanged their vows in SS Mary and Laurence Church, Crookstown, Athy before heading to Kilkea Castle to celebrate in style.


Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon marries girlfriend Sarah Lacey in stunning wedding

There were a number of high profile names at the big day in Kilkea Castle. Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon married girlfriend Sarah Lacey in a stunning wedding over the weekend. The All-Star footballer and the PR Guru said "I do" in SS Mary and Laurence Church, Crookstown, Athy before a lavish reception in Kilkea Castle.


Dublin footballer Philly McMahon weds Sarah Lacey in stunning winter ceremony

Dublin footballer Philly McMahon has married his long term love Sarah Lacey in a star studded ceremony in Co. Kildare. The seven time All Ireland medal winner with Dublin met his stunning lady back in 2013, and celebrated today in front of family, friends, and some of Philly’s Dublin teammates. The bride stunned in a vintage style dress, while Philly traded his Dublin kit for a dapper looking velvet suit while saying his vows.


Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon's touching gesture as he marries girlfriend in stunning wedding

The newlyweds were joined by a number of a high profile names as they became man and wife. Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon made a touching gesture as he married his girlfriend Sarah Lacey in a stunning wedding over the weekend.


Kilkea Castle lights up for Christmas

  • December 03, 2019
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OVER 400 people recently gathered for a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the festive season at Kilkea Castle. Santa paid a visit to the castle and guests enjoyed treats of mince pies, mulled wine and warming hot chocolate, before viewing the tree lighting in the castle gardens. 


Regality Is Reality at Kilkea Castle in Ireland

Ireland’s Kilkea Castle at Castledermot ups its international allure with a $30 million renovation while retaining its mystical, historic charm. As the well-known Irish blessing says, “May the road rise to meet you,” and we hope so on your one-hour journey from Dublin, Ireland, to Kildare county’s historic castle at Kilkea.

The castle recently completed a 6-year, $30 milllion renovation to ensure it provides a regal experience for groups seeking a more formal yet exotic location. Indulge in teambuilding that feels like royal treatment through authentic activities, exquisite accommodations and delectable dining experiences. 


Springtime Elegance at Kilkea Castle: Kayla & Bobby

You're going to want to steal this couple's colour palette! I think we can all agree that a destination wedding in an 800-year-old Irish castle calls for a pretty special wedding dress. Well, today's real wedding features not only a drop-dead gorgeous gown, but incredible florals, next-level décor, an impeccably dressed wedding party (including lots of outragously cute little ones - we've never before been so jealous of a page boy's suspenders!) and a frankly thrilling level of personal detail. US couple Kayla and Bobby planned their wedding at Kilkea Castle (and the epic celebrations around it) without ever setting foot on Irish soil, but they were clever enough to recruit some of the best wedding suppliers in the business to lend a hand. Studio Brown were kind enough to share the photographs with us, so let's get swooning!


Breaks: Tall tales and fairytale magic at Kilkea Castle, Co Kildare

You don't have to venture far in Ireland to find a genuine fairytale castle that might just cast a spell on you, as Gail Bell found out on a trip to Kilkea Castle, Co Kildare

ONE of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland, the spellbinding Kilkea Castle in Co Kildare is as full of stories as tall as its fairytale towers

Located outside Castledermot, it was once home to the 11th Earl of Kildare, Gerald Fitzgerald, a ‘wizard earl’ who lived in there until the 16th century. He was a colourful character, apparently, fond of dabbling in the ‘dark arts’ and even credited with orchestrating his own disappearance after demonstrating his supernatural powers to his wife.


Guests gathered at the 12th century Kilkea Castle in Co. Kildare, to celebrate the launch of the luxurious new spa.

Guests gathered at the 12th century Kilkea Castle in Co. Kildare, to celebrate the launch of the luxurious new spa.


Sun, sweat and fun for Kathryn and her campers

  • October 04, 2019
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PRESENTER Kathryn Thomas is taking a leaf out of Francis Brennan’s book and taking her first group of boot campers abroad for a detox session in the sun. 

Just like the popular Kerry hotelier, the RTE star (40) will be leading a group of intrepid travelers for a week-long adventure. But there won’t be any slumming it for Kathryn’s travelers – they will be staying in a top luxury hotel in Valencia where she will put them through their paces with her Pure Results Bootcamp.


Luxurious new spa opens at Kildare's Kilkea Castle

  • October 02, 2019
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TV personality Kathryn Thomas launched the new €2 million spa at Kilkea Castle in Kildare earlier today. 

Kathryn, who recently got married at the castle, said she was delighted to be launching the new spa, which she availed of before her big day six weeks ago, adding that it was such a great day she would 'like to do it all again'.


12 Incredible Fairytale Castles Where You Can Stay the Night

Sippy cups and dirty dishes may be your reality now, but it doesn’t have to be. Plan your escape to a real-life castle to experience the royal treatment (at least for a few nights). From Italy to California, scroll through the photo gallery to discover the world’s coolest castles that you can rent for as little as $20 per person, per night. Move over Belle, there’s a new queen in town.


Extraordinary Glamour at Kilkea Castle: Laura & William

Within seconds of hitting play on this wedding film from the talented team at VowArt Wedding Storytellers, you can tell that the couple in question, Laura and William are an incredibly stylish duo.


Kilkea Castle - Luxury Castle Hotel in Ireland

Ireland is a wonderful place to visit, renowned for its charming villages, vibrant cities, majestic landscapes, and friendly people. Whether you’re roaming around the streets of Dulbin, visiting a typical Irish pub in a rural village, or enjoying a coastal walk and admiring the stunning scenery all around you, you can find a lot to love in this island nation.


11 GLOBALLY RENOWNED LUXURY SPA RETREATS IN THE WORLD

As an intercontinental jetsetter in pursuit of the most superb transnational spa experiences, you’re sure to desire the finest of exotic escapes. Unique and exclusive services, provided by some of the world’s best therapists, are paramount.


The Best Places to Stay in Ireland

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Ireland, look no further. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites, both hotels and Airbnbs to help you choose the best places to stay in Ireland.


RTE star Kathryn Thomas says wedding was 'best weekend of her life'

RTE star Kathryn Thomas said her wedding was "the best weekend of her life" in a touching post on Instagram. The gorgeous blonde took the leap into married life with long-term partner Padraig McLoughlin at Kilkea Castle in Kildare over the weekend. 


All white now: Kathryn Thomas tells of her fairytale wedding day

Newly-wed Kathryn Thomas has revealed the details of her fairytale wedding to restaurateur Pádraig McLoughlin. The happy couple tied the knot in the plush Kilkea Castle, Co Kildare, last month in front of 200 guests.


Kilkea Castle Hotel Resort & Golf Club Opens The Spa, New Luxury Beauty & Wellness Center

The Spa, the luxurious boutique beauty, wellness and fitness center, is the newest offering at Kilkea Castle hotel resort and golf club in Castledermot, Ireland. The 5,000-square foot facility has been designed to create a relaxing, mindful environment that offers clients a unique and enriching experience where they can nurture both the mind and body. 


Royal retreats: Amazing Irish castle hotels near Dublin

Move over Meghan Markle: it turns out you don’t have to marry into the royal family to live out the ultimate fantasy of sleeping in a castle–instead, it’s as simple as heading to Dublin, Ireland.


5 Tips to Planning Your Destination Wedding Weekend Activities

Destination wedding weekends aren't just about the wedding day itself. Part of the reason you've selected to plan your wedding away from where you live is to experience a special spot with the ones you love most. So, maximize your time on location and plan a weekend that’s worthy of more than a few photo ops—here's how.


Sightseeing Escape: Shamrock Shrift

  • November 11, 2018
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  • Hampton's Magazine
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Dublin may be a well-traveled capital, but Ireland’s County Kildare offers lesser-known nooks and crannies that are at once beautiful, sprawling and eminently haunting.

By Anetta Nowosielska


Trendspotting: More Americans retiring abroad

Jay Cashman visited his ancestral home of Ireland for the first time when he traveled there with his then-fiancee.

They liked it so much, they bought a castle.

“If you find someplace you’re comfortable with, for whatever reason, it gets in your soul,” the Boston real-estate mogul said. “You say, ‘This is where I want to spend some time.’ ”

Cashman and his now wife, Christy, spend a week a month at Kilkea Castle, a 12th-century fortress and 180-acre estate beside the River Greese in County Kildare that they’ve renovated and reopened into a hotel, resort, and golf club but also as their own second home.


Get Spooked This Halloween at Kilkea Castle

What’s more perfect for Halloween than an ancient castle? According to staff and guests, Kilkea Castle in County Kildare, Ireland, even has a collection of resident ghosts, including a white horse ridden by the Wizard of Earl. While we can neither confirm nor deny any ghostly presence, draw your own conclusions with a stay Oct. 31–Nov. 4.


Adults Only Halloween Getaways

Halloween for Adults

Think Halloween is just for kids? Guess again! From real-life murder mystery dinner parties and ghost hunts in abandoned graveyards to overnight stays in haunted hotels and even an extravagant Harry Potter themed shebang in a country estate, the options to get your thrill on are terrifyingly exciting.

Read on to find out which options for a ghoulishly good getaway is best for you!


How to Experience the Luck of the Irish in Dublin

The Irish are lucky for many reasons, though the Republic of Ireland’s lively and enchanting capital city is undoubtedly a prime example of their good fortune. One visit to Dublin will assure you that this city is the proverbial pot of gold at the end of your travels — across Europe and beyond. We’ve already covered Eastern Europe’s best-kept secret, so now we’re heading across the continent to the island of pints and castles, 12th-century pubs, and 18th-century gaols.


Where to Go to Celebrate Milestone Birthdays

  • September 10, 2018
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  • Shermans Travel
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At 80, you want to go somewhere special, but not taxing; a place where you’ll be stimulated but also catered to. And after all your years of wisdom, you’ve earned the royal treatment. Celebrate at the Kilkea Castle in County Kildare, Ireland. Built in 1880, it’s suited for mature guests, with elevators, onsite dining, spa, golf, fishing, a lazy river, and resplendent surroundings.


KILKEA CASTLE’S HALLOWEEN & VALENTINE PACKAGES 2018/19

Kilkea Castle is hundreds of years old, and it has the ghosts to prove it. Built in the late 12th century, Kilkea remains one of Ireland’s oldest habitable castles. Located an hour’s drive southwest of Dublin, the estate sits on 185 acres of green meadows and thick forests near the Killeshin Hills. Its scenic setting is ideally suited to falconry, horseback riding, archery, golf, and some spirited ghost-hunting for the Wizard of Earl on his white horse in the property’s most hotly haunted places, like courtyard and the abandoned graveyard.


Kilkea Castle; Exploring Ireland Like Royalty

Who has not, at one time or another, dreamed of being royalty?  Though you may not receive an official title, a stay at the majestic Kilkea Castle in Ireland’s Ancient East will leave you feeling like king or queen.  Guests will discover over 800 years of history as the destination holds the title of being Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle. Erected in 1180, it was inhabited by the Fitzgerald family, earls of Kildare, for over 700 years and boasts its very own legend, the Wizard Earl, who is said to visit the castle once every seven years.


4 Types of Wedding Venues That Will Entertain Your Guests (So You Don't Have To)

Planning a wedding is enough work without having to take a few steps back and think about entertaining all your guests even during wedding-weekend downtime. Out-of-town guests might arrive a few days before your big day and be on the hunt for things to do around town. You might even have friends and family that make a vacation out of your wedding and look to you as their camp counselor and itinerary planner for the weekend.

To avoid having to put together scheduled activities for your guests or feel like you’re in charge of making sure they have fun all weekend long, here are four types of wedding venues to pick from that will leave you worry-free about whether or not your guests are having a good time.


These Real Life Castles Make It Possible To Have Your Own Royal Wedding

Chances are you’ll never get a chance to get married at Windsor Castle unless you are marrying into the royal family (and there’s not all that many single princes left unless you wait a few decades). Luckily, there’s a lot of pretty fantastic mansions, castles, and regal homes that are so majestic, the wedding will feel like you are a royal, even when you are not!


Christy Cashman's Fairytale Life Includes a Castle

  • May 01, 2018
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  • Sidelines

Christy Scott Cashman grew up the ninth of 10 kids, and her earliest memories involve riding bareback behind her sister on Shirley the pony. “I was about 3, and we’d go out in a group and ride on the trails and sometimes down the highway, but no saddles or anything. It’s like it’s in my blood. When you’re that little and you smell how the horse smells and look into those big brown eyes, it’s a done deal. You’re hooked.”


You, Too, Can Marry Like a Royal

When Alyssa Levintov, a dentist from Cleveland, got married two years ago, she decided to make her wedding as regal as possible.

For the location, Mrs. Levintov, 27, chose the ballroom at the Rockleigh Country Club in New Jersey, a grand room with marble dance floors, crystal chandeliers, gold chairs and gilded fireplaces. “It really looked like someone’s palace,” she said. For their first dance she and her husband, Nick Levintov, 30, commissioned a dancer to compose a Cinderella-like waltz.


Robb Report: Kilkea Castle

Kilkea Castle is a study in contrasts—at once ancient and contemporary, imposingly grand and disarmingly homey. Indeed, there are no signs of dreary draftiness at the 838-year-old estate, but rather a timeless sense of comfort and calm, whether you’re lounging with an Irish coffee in the sun-soaked drawing room or sinking into a crushed-velvet armchair in the cozy Keep bar.


Get Pampered at Ireland's Fabled Kilkea Castle

  • March 29, 2018
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  • Boston Herald

It’s a cool Irish evening and I’m cozied up next to the fire at Kilkea Castle in County Kildare, Ireland. This 12th century masterpiece was recently bought and renovated by Boston businessman Jay Cashman and his wife, Christy, and now non-royals can get an indulgent taste of castle life.


American couple restore Kilkea Castle to former glory

  • February 27, 2018
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Spending time at the newly refurbished Kilkea castle outside Athy is like looking through a window to the past.


hotel-scoop.com: Best Places to Stay in Ireland

When travelers are asked their bucket lists or favorite places to re-visit, Ireland usually tops the list — and even well-traveled writers agree.  The Emerald Isle is a beloved and enchanting country with breathtaking scenery, filled with history and legends, and the locals are friendly. When planning your vacation, from castles to urban historic hotels, consider the following best places to stay in Ireland.


Country castles and urban boltholes: Our work in hospitality

Once the medieval stomping ground of the Fitzgeralds, earls of Kildare, Kilkea Castle has retained its majestic stature. We were asked to take their carriage bedrooms and clock tower into the 21st century, without taking away from the history or inherent luxury. A colour scheme of thistle, smoke tones, grey and purple felt sophisticated and slick. In the ballroom, we brought the outside (all that rich, lush greenery) inside through vine-leaf patterned rugs and chandeliers. These were all made by hand in our Italian workshops and given a lavish, pewter finish. As for the ballroom entrance? Diamond flooring in a rich oak finish added real drama.


Hotel Scoop: A Year of Favorites From 11 Jaded Hotel Reviewers

There’s also a golf course, full restaurant, and bar, however, plus updated rooms that won’t make you feel like you’re in a drafty fortress. Order a dram of Irish whisky and listen to a good story as you sit by the roaring fire.


VIE Magazine

A Love Story: Kilkea Castle Is Restored


Castle, Course and Club in Ireland

  • December 16, 2017
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  • Global Traveler
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Ireland’s newest castle hotel is set to open during the first quarter of 2018 in lovely, green County Kildare. About an hour from Dublin and originally constructed in 1180, Kilkea Castle and its surrounding 180-acre estate were treated to a $30 million makeover that took five years to implement.


Hospedado em um Castelo na Irlanda

Já pensou em se hospedar em um castelo na Irlanda? 


Luxury Life Holiday Edition

How Christy Scott Cashman Transformed History


Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort - Back to the Future

  • November 27, 2017
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  • To Travel Too
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If only the walls could talk, Kilkea Castle, Ireland’s longest continually inhabited Castle in County Kildare, could tell tales of witchcraft, a monkey saving a baby from a fire as well as the ghost of the Wizard Earl who is reputed to return on the 7th day of the 7th month of the 7th year on his horse with silver hoofs.


Reyne's Luxury Holiday Gift Guide for 2017

Families that play together stay together. Instead of a traditional present under the tree, how about gifting a magical experience for your equestrian family! Kilkea Castle is offering a special package that will make anyone feel like royalty.

Festive fashion: behind the scenes with photographer Aaron Hurley

  • November 22, 2017
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  • The Irish Times
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Fashion photographer Aaron Hurley shoots 2017's festive fashion story for The Irish Times on location at Kilkea Castle in Co Kildare.


Festive remix: Tear up the fashion rule book this Christmas

  • November 22, 2017
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  • The Irish Times
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A little black dress is always good, but who says festive fashion has to be so cut and dry?


Travel deals: Aer Lingus sale to Europe and Zambia bush camp special

  • November 16, 2017
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  • The Washington Post
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Kilkea Castle in Ireland is offering a special package to celebrate its recent $30 million renovation. (nagelestock.com/Alamy Stock Photo)


Gifts for guys and gals who are always on the go – Los Angeles Times

Do you have someone on your gift list who has wanderlust in his or her heart? We’ve got just the gift.


WATCH: Fireworks over Kildare's historic Kilkea Castle at Friday's relaunch party

  • October 28, 2017
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  • Leinster Leader
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Baronial Hall wedding venue reopened at historic South Kildare Castle


Boston developer turns old Irish castle into posh hotel

  • October 12, 2017
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  • Boston Herald

'I'd like to go buy a castle.'

That’s not the usual reaction to a visit to Ireland (at least not that most people
can follow through on), but Boston construction mogul Jay Cashman took the
idea he had in 1999 and turned it into reality — and then some.


Refit complete, Ireland's Kilkea Castle set to welcome guests

Following a five-year renovation, Kilkea Castle plans to open as a five-star property in early 2018.


Top travel bloggers descend on Kilkea Castle

  • October 03, 2017
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  • Leinster Leader
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The world’s top travel bloggers experienced the best of county Kildare during the TBEX Ireland Summit which was held at Kilkea Castle at the weekend.


Social Media Influencers Visiting Ireland

More than 600 social influencers, with a combined reach of 380m travel fans, have arrived in Ireland to attend TBEX Europe, the largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, content creators and social media-savvy travel industry professionals in Europe.


Kilkea Castle to Reopen as Luxury Hotel in Ireland

Located just an hour outside Dublin is Kilkea Castle, which will soon be the area’s newest five-star hotel. 


Meet the Hollywood actress who has bought herself an Irish castle

With her very own Irish castle to escape to, actress Christy Cashman really is a true Hollywood princess.


Kilkea Castle back open for business

  • September 07, 2017
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  • Leinster Leader
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Kildare’s historic Kilkea Castle will re-open to the public on October 27 after a long hiatus of almost a decade.


You Can Always Get a Tee Time, but Turning a Profit Can Be Tricky

  • August 04, 2017
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  • The New York Times
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Jay Cashman, who runs a marine construction and dredging business in Boston, bought Kilkea Castle outside of Dublin in 2013.


Special Olympics find new sponsors at Kilkea Castle

  • June 14, 2017
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  • Kildare Nationalist
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THE owners of Kilkea Castle which is to re-open in July, have announced a major sponsorship deal for Special Olympics equestrian events in Leinster.