Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

Ballyfarnon
Co. Roscommon
Kilronan Castle enquiries
Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, Roscommon

• Beautifully restored Gothic Castle
• Magical timeless setting
• One of Ireland’s best spas.

Set in some of the country’s most unspoilt landscape, Kilronan Castle exceeded expectations on many levels when I visited. The approaching drive through quiet countryside coming upon the splendid sight of Lake Meelagh set the scene for my arrival at the impressive castle. The grounds cover nearly fifty acres of gardens interspersed with mature trees sweeping down to that mighty Lough Meelagh. The castle dates back to the early 1800s and has been restored to give the experience of stepping back to that time and yet enjoying all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel.
The reception area is unobtrusive and staff are friendly, I enjoy a coffee in the lounge where afternoon tea is being served to very relaxed looking guests while my luggage is taken to my room.

ACCOMMODATION AT KILRONAN CASTLE

I believe there are 84 bedrooms in total, some in the original castle building and others in the newer wing that seamlessly extends to the right. The décor and design is very clever in that there is complete continuity throughout the interior. My room was in the original section, and had the most awe-inspiring views. In the early morning the lake was covered with a misty shroud and the birds were in full song and I could have sat by the window for hours! Antique furniture was tastefully arranged throughout the large bedroom, a sumptuously comfortable four poster bed took pride of place, and there was a television and a mini bar, iron and trouser press, full length mirror, a spacious wardrobe and a safe – in fact there were two safes! The bathroom was really gorgeous with under-floor heating, large power shower, luxurious Damana toiletries and a huge double Jacuzzi bath! Needless to say, I enjoyed a deep sleep dreaming of knights and damsels and white horses galloping through the trees!

THE SPA AT KILRONAN CASTLE

This was certainly one of the better hotel spas I have visited, the treatments were excellent, my therapist, Sinead was delightful, very friendly and professional. I put myself in her hands immediately as she guided me through a dry-floatation experience followed by a deeply nourishing facial. There are ten treatment rooms, fabulous water features throughout and the gentle scent of fresh flowers in every room. The products she used were from the SPC range, and smelt of zingy pineapple and fresh herbs. There are a full range of packages and treatments for mums-to-be, brides, men and inclusive packages and couples treatment rooms. One very special feature of this spa is the super snug full length robes that envelop you from arrival to departure. In my case that was a full two hours later, and I literally floated back to my beautiful bedroom to get ready for dinner.

THE DOUGLAS HYDE RESTAURANT

Kilronan Castle’s fine dining restaurant is named after the first president of Ireland who was born nearby in Castlerea in 1860. Besides being President of Ireland from 1938 to 1945, he also wrote many poems and stories inspired by the life and landscape of this magical part of Roscommon. If he were still around, I am sure he would be pleased with the restaurant named after him as the ambiance; service and food were indeed fit for a President. The amuse-bouch of succulent scallop preceded a seafood supper of Tian of Crab & Crab Claws followed by herb-crusted fillet of salmon.

There are two sections to the dining room, and breakfast the next morning was served in the first part with an array of fruits, pastries, cold buffet meats and cheeses while hot food was ordered from the menu and freshly prepared.
Newspapers are available to read while enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

My stay at Kilronan Castle was really enjoyable, and while I felt like I was miles from anywhere and totally off the beaten-track, I was in fact only a two hour drive from Dublin. The atmosphere was truly magical and it is certainly a very romantic place and it would be a wonderful setting for a wedding. One of the things that impressed me most was the tasteful design that seems to have gone into every detail of the restoration of this castle. I could find nothing to fault my experience there at all, except that on the next visit I would have to bring my own knight in shining armour along with me!
Kilronan Castle Estate Roscommon