Most family vacations follow a familiar script: resort check-ins, kids’ clubs, poolside drinks, and maybe an excursion. But what if your family’s next adventure involved waking up in a centuries-old building, wandering through grand halls steeped in history, and enjoying activities straight out of a storybook? Castle stays offer the magic of the past, paired with world-class hospitality and endless opportunities for family fun.
Properties like Ireland’s Ashford Castle and Scotland’s Gleneagles don’t just offer a place to stay—they deliver an immersive experience. Here, kids trade splash parks for hands-on falconry lessons and game rooms for treasure hunts that wind through vast, historic grounds. Poolside loungers? Forget those—think fireside storytelling beneath centuries-old beams. It’s less of a vacation and more of a portal to another era.
“A family vacation that includes a castle stay is far more than a typical resort experience,” says Catherine Reilly, Managing Director of Brendan Vacation. “Unlike traditional resorts, these historic properties provide an authentic sense of place, where families can wake up in centuries-old surroundings and immerse themselves in the past.”
Next-Level Luxury
Castles may be ancient, but staying in one today feels anything but outdated. Forget drafty halls and dim candlelight—modern castle hotels wrap guests in history while delivering five-star comfort.
Imagine sinking into a towering four-poster bed, its heavy drapes pooling onto polished wood floors. Grand dining halls glow under the soft flicker of chandeliers, their light bouncing off gilded frames and centuries-old stone. In the library, rows of leather-bound books whisper of history, their spines worn smooth by generations of hands. Every inch of these estates tells a story—one preserved in the cool press of ancient walls, the intricate carvings of a grand staircase, and the hush that settles in a room built to last lifetimes.
But the true magic of a castle stay isn’t just in its grandeur—it’s in how it feels utterly effortless. Here, service is an art form. Staff anticipate your needs before you even realize them. A child obsessed with word puzzles? A custom one appears at breakfast. A family longing for a quiet afternoon? A private picnic is set up on the castle grounds, complete with blankets, fresh-baked scones, and a view straight out of a fairytale. This kind of thoughtful detail turns a stay into a memory-making getaway.
At places like Gleneagles, the hospitality extends to the youngest travelers with thoughtful details like kid-friendly buffets, personalized activity schedules, and a well-executed kids’ club that even adults envy. Every guest, regardless of age, is treated like a king or queen in these places.
Unique Activities You Won’t Find at a Resort
At Ashford Castle, once home to the Guinness family, history comes alive in ways you can touch, see, and feel. Falconry, once a pursuit of nobles, is now an experience for guests who want to step into the shoes of aristocrats past. With expert guidance, you’ll release a bird of prey into the sky, watching as it soars over the castle’s vast 350-acre grounds before returning, talons outstretched. It’s a scene lifted straight from a fairy tale, made real.
The castle’s Lego Butler delivers custom Lego sets to young guests, family picnics can be arranged on a private island, and the staff goes above and beyond—like crafting a custom word find puzzle after noticing a child’s love for them or addressing young visitors as “prince” or “princess.”
Dromoland Castle, the ancestral home of the O’Brien clan, invites families to test their skills at archery, clay shooting, and immersive historical tours. Even mealtimes feel magical, with grand dining halls that have hosted nobility for generations.
Across the Irish Sea, Scotland’s Inverlochy Castle blends Highland majesty with outdoor adventure. Families can hike through the rugged terrain, fish in nearby lochs, or ascend Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest peak. At Crossbasket Castle, the spirit of Scotland comes alive through traditional Highland games, where families can test their skills in caber tossing and tug-of-war.
Meanwhile, at Gleneagles, the activities are seemingly endless. Whether it’s learning the art of falconry, horseback riding, or participating in junior golf lessons on championship courses, kids (and adults) will have no shortage of things to do. And then there’s the kids’ club—so well-executed that even adults might feel a pang of jealousy. Thoughtful details, like special buffets just for kids, elevate the experience and ensure even the youngest guests feel indulged.
Space to Breathe, Explore, and Unplug
A castle stay goes beyond the grand halls and epic adventures—it’s about slowing down. There’s no scramble for a poolside chair, no rigid schedule to follow. Instead, it’s sinking into a fireside seat, the warmth of the flames dancing against ancient stone as stories spill into the night. It’s strolling through quiet gardens at dusk, the air thick with the scent of jasmine, the sky melting from gold to deep indigo. It’s time that feels stretched, unhurried, and just a little bit magical.
So, think beyond the usual getaway when planning your next family trip and step into another world where storybook moments come to life.
