Turin Castle

An Atmospheric Irish Castle Tower

Ever dreamt of being a knight or royalty in medieval Ireland? Then this atmospheric castle tower is the spot to make it come true. Fortified for battle, abandoned for centuries, and reborn as a magnificent vacation home for rent in Ireland, its ancient stories and romance may be lost in the mists of time, but it can be all yours for the night!

Situated in the ancient barony of Kilmaine in County Mayo north of Galway, this 13th-century castle is alive with history and authenticity. Surrounded by 16 private acres of lush walled tree-lined pasture, this imposing tower rises up against the backdrop of picturesque countryside where on a clear day you can see for 40 miles across the stone-walled fields to the Partry and Maamturk Mountains. The summit of Crough Patrick and St. Patrick's holy mountain can be viewed from the Castle's battlements. Abandoned for at least 250 years up until its restoration in 1997, the castle has stood the test of time and is now an exclusive and unusual venue for family vacations and events.

The structure’s original thick stone walls, beamed ceilings, floors and hand-carved doors harken back to its origins as a home for the nobility. Once the heart of medieval life, the second floor’s great hall has a soaring vaulted ceiling and a huge stone fireplace with a large 17th-century oak banquet table. The hall can accommodate up to 25 diners, and the fully-equipped modern kitchen is conveniently located next door with a serving hatch for easy access entertaining. An intricately designed minstrel’s gallery spans one end of the hall and contains a stereo system with CDs which take full advantage of the incredible acoustics.

The fourth floor houses the Lord and Lady’s apartment and comprises a sitting-room, bedroom and bathroom. The ceiling was modelled on Dunsoghly castle and is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The sitting room is gracefully furnished with antiques and tapestries. As with many castles, there is a secret chamber or Oubliette hidden behind a bookcase where valuables or prisoners were once held. The bedroom boasts a four-poster bed lavishly hung with silken drapes and a freestanding antique bathtub.  

The ground floor houses a large family-sized room that can accommodate up to four guests. There are two beautiful French antique beds with two window recesses which were formerly archers' firing platforms, now cleverly adapted as generously sized beds. There is a dedicated bathroom next door in the old guard room.

There are two en-suite bed rooms on the first floor; the larger boasting a stunning white rococo king-sized bed. The smaller, a gothic style double bed. There is another en-suite double bedroom on the third floor situated in the former private chapel. This magnificent vacation home for rent in Ireland is more than a holiday escape, it’s a trip through time!

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Optional catering upon request. Wifi reception is limited to the ground and first floors. Satellite cable TV with DVD player and video library on the top floor sitting room. Stereo system with CD player and music library in the minstrel’s gallery. Kitchen and bath amenities. Upon arrival guests will find a fire laid in the hearth with a generous starter supply of firewood. There are storage heaters in all of the rooms and electricity is metered and charged as used. This is the only private medieval castle in Ireland with en-suite bathrooms all of which have heated towel rails.

There is a romantic chapel in the grounds of the castle which has been approved for civil ceremonies and is a perfect venue for small weddings of to 25 guests.

AROUND

Situated an hour north of Galway in Western Ireland’s County Mayo, this sparsely populated region was once the domain of the powerful De Burgo family who built the many castles and fortifications scattered throughout the area. The area abounds with natural beauty and history. 

The nearest town of Ballinrobe is a short drive from the castle and offers a good selection of pubs and restaurants with the picturesque village of Cong, famous for the John Ford film The Quiet Man, and Ashford Castle just a 20-minute drive west to the shores of Corrib Lake. The castle’s location makes it an ideal base to explore  Connemara National Park and the Aran Islands which are less than an hour away. The spectacular cliffs of Moher are just under a two hour drive from the Castle.

LOCATION

County Mayo, Ireland. Nearest Airports: Knock International (34km) Shannon International (113KM)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Late Spring through Fall for the best weather