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 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.

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 visits the castle once every seven years.   

Located in Castledermot, County Kildare, near the village of Kilkea, it is approximately an hour from Dublin via Irish Rail train, bus, taxi, town car, private vehicle, or Uber Dublin. Upon arriving, the beech-lined entryway of the Castle’s 180 acres of wooded grounds, rose-filled gardens, serene river, and golf resort transform and transport from ordinary to extraordinary.

Kilkea Castle was purchased in 2012 by Americans Jay and Christy Cashman, who embarked on a five-year project to transform it into a 5-star resort castle/hotel. According to Jay Cashman: 

Owning Kilkea Castle is an experience that has three parts for me: One being an amazingly fun project that  allows me to spend lots of time with some of my favorite people in one of my favorite places on the planet (that just so happens to be smack dab in the middle of horse country). Two being, it is a business and there are challenges in making “a go of it”… And three being, I think we have one of the most unique responsibilities as hoteliers with the history of the property and the amazing structure of Kilkea that existed long before we ever came around.