Kilkea Castle – Heritage Estate & Ireland’s Medieval Past
A 12th-century stronghold turned country-estate hotel, Kilkea Castle sits amid quiet fields and woodlands near the River Barrow. It’s close to Kildare’s storied plains and within easy reach of Wicklow’s mountains and Kilkenny’s medieval streets. Your private driver handles the short run from the airport so you arrive refreshed—ready for garden walks, afternoon tea, or a gentle spin to nearby heritage sites.
Vehicle Options (One-Way)
- Mercedes E-Class (up to 3 guests / 2 large cases): €225
- Mercedes S-Class LWB (up to 3 guests / 2 large cases): €265
- Mercedes Viano 7-seater (up to 7 guests / 7 suitcases): €255
- Optional stopovers: 1 h + €60 • 2 h + €100
Snapshot for Planners
- Distance / time: ≈85 km • typically ~1 h 15–1 h 30 min, traffic permitting
- Route: M50 → M7 → M9 (Kilcullen/Castledermot) → R418 → local lane into the estate. Final stretch is a tree-lined country approach to the castle.
- Complimentary comfort pause: 20 minutes on request
Realistic Detours Along the Route
- Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, Kildare
- Kildare Village – designer outlet shopping
- Curragh Plains – quick photo stop on Ireland’s historic grasslands
- Athy Heritage Centre-Museum and Grand Canal walk
- Moone High Cross – early medieval high cross near Timolin
Why Kilkea Castle Stands Out
- Widely cited as one of Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited castles—lived in for most of its 800+ years, with only brief interruptions during periods of conflict and repair.
- On-site golf and spa on a 180-acre estate
- Easy day-trip access to Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Kilkenny, and the Carlow countryside
- Country calm within convenient reach of Dublin
- A touch of legend: the “Wizard Earl” is said to return every seven years on a silver-shod white horse.
History & Today
Founded in 1180, Kilkea became a FitzGerald stronghold for roughly seven centuries. While clashes in the late Middle Ages and later turmoil (including around the 1798 rising) brought damage and periods of rebuilding, the estate remained a lived-in seat for the great majority of its history—hence its reputation as one of Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited castles. In the 2010s new private ownership undertook a comprehensive restoration, and the property reopened in 2017 as a country-estate hotel and golf resort. Today it offers dining, spa, and an 18-hole parkland course and serves as a sought-after venue for weddings and private events.
Moments Not to Miss
- Wander the estate paths and gardens at golden hour
- Afternoon tea or dinner in the castle’s historic rooms
- Short hop to Moone High Cross for a glimpse of early Christian Ireland
- Day trip to Glendalough via Wicklow Gap or to Kilkenny’s castle and Medieval Mile
- Sunset stroll by the River Barrow in nearby Athy
Your Chauffeur Route – How It Feels
Leaving the airport, the M50 curves onto the M7 past Naas and the open sweep of the Curragh. The road slips onto the M9, skirting market towns like Kilcullen and Athy before turning onto quiet country roads. Hedges, stone walls, and pastureland give way to the long driveway; then the castle rises ahead. Bags off, you’re free to explore or settle in with a drink by the fire.
Practical Info
- Booking window: 24–48 h recommended (earlier for weekends and weddings)
- Payment: card via SumUp (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX), Apple Pay, Google Pay; bank transfer; cash (confirm when booking)
- Included as standard: flight monitoring, waiting time, meet & greet, tolls, car park fees, complimentary bottled water, Wi‑Fi on board; snacks on request
- Luggage & extras: sedans comfortably fit up to two large cases; please advise in advance if travelling with golf clubs or bulky items. Fleet guideline: max three medium suitcases or two large plus two carry-ons.
- Alternative pickups: Dublin City hotels or Heuston Station are straightforward
- Optional: lady driver available on request
FAQ
- Is Kilkea a good base for exploring?
Yes — it’s ideal for Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough, Kilkenny City, and Kildare’s heritage sites. - Do you offer return transfers?
Yes — we can provide a fixed-price quote for your return, same day or later in your trip. - Is there space for extra luggage or sports equipment?
Yes — let us know in advance so we can assign the right vehicle.
Book Your Private Transfer
Your driver, your route, your pace—arrive at Kilkea Castle relaxed and ready to enjoy the estate. Competitive pricing, clear inclusions, and flexible stopovers make planning easy. Your Journey, Your Way.