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Ballyseede Castle in Tralee is an amazing Irish castle hotel full of history and charm. It is Kerry’s only castle hotel and it was my personal highlight on a recent trip to Kerry, Ireland. I had the pleasure of staying at the award winning Ballyseede Castle this summer as part of an exciting partnership with Tourism Ireland.
From this Ballyseede Castle review, you will see that it is a beautiful place that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time to the Downton Abbey era. There is an Irish Wolfhound to greet you, abundant selections of warm delicious Irish scones, teas of all varieties, 30 acres of private gardens to explore, and an elegant oak staircase that leads to enchanting castle bedrooms. Ballyseede Castle is an Irish castle experience that is not to be missed!
If you love luxurious 4 and 5 star hotels, then you will love this original castle that offers acres of woodlands, beautiful food, wonderful staff and the perfect relaxing country retreat.
Ballyseede Castle Reviews
If you are looking for detailed Ballyseede Castle reviews, then you have come to the right place. In this Ballyseede Castle review, I will share all the details of my stay, including the delicious Ballyseede Castle breakfast, scrumptious dinner at O’Connell’s restaurant, photos from our junior suite, and of course, what to do at Ballyseede Castle.
Ballyseede Castle Review – the Location
Ballyseede Castle Hotel is located in Tralee, County Kerry. The luxury Irish Castle is located in the south of Ireland, nestled just off the Killarney-Tralee main road. The idyllic castle is a 3 hour drive from Dublin City, a 2.5 hour drive from Galway City and a 1.5 hour drive from Cork City. It has easy access to Kerry or Shannon airports, which are 15 minutes and 90 minutes away, respectively.
I highly recommend squeezing a night or two here on your Ireland trip to experience Irish history and an oasis of Irish luxury.
Ballyseede Castle Junior Suite
We stayed in a Ballyseede Castle Junior Suite which was one of the most beautiful castle suites I have ever stayed in. This was a different experience that was so memorable and truly magical. The elegant accommodation was more than I had hoped for. The plush bedding, large bathtub, garden views, fresh cotton robes and accompanying slippers made this an incredibly comfortable room that was difficult to leave!
The junior suites at Ballyseede Castle offer the perfect luxurious getaway for a special occasion. Our junior suite was in the main building and had everything you could think of, or need, including flat-screen TVs, free wi-fi, room service, luxury toiletries, chocolates and more. Without a doubt, I’ll be back to experience this absolute luxury in the near future.
Ballyseede Castle Bedrooms
In addition to the Ballyseede Castle Junior Suite, there are many more options of bedrooms available at Ballyseede Castle. I had a chance to peek into some of the other rooms and they were just as beautiful. Depending on what your preference is, you can go for one of the more modern rooms or a traditional castle room.
There are also 5 bedrooms which are located in the lodge, instead of the main castle. The lodge is two minutes walking distance from the castle and a perfect option for those who wish to explore the countryside and still enjoy the facilities of the castle and grounds. Ballyseede Castle Hotel in Tralee also offers double rooms that are perfect for larger groups or families traveling together.
The bedrooms and suites at Ballyseede Castle are all incredible, spacious rooms. All rooms are en-suite rooms and they offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can find great deals on rooms at Ballyseede Castle through the Ballyseede Castle website. They have many offers including breakfast and dinner options. You can book directly here.
Ballyseede Castle Breakfast
The Ballyseede Castle breakfast is a true delight. A hearty breakfast is served everyday in Ballyseede Castle’s restaurant, O’Connells. Be sure to arrive hungry as this is the delicious breakfast that keeps on giving.
The dining room is the most picturesque natural setting that is a special place to start your morning. We started off with fresh juice, warm homemade scones topped with fruity Irish jam and toast. There is an ample continental area to choose breakfast cereals, fruit, pastries and more. There is also an entire hot breakfast menu that is equally delightful. There is everything from a full Irish breakfast to eggs benedict to omelets and pancakes. The wonderful staff heighten the experience with their warm hospitality. Breakfast at Ballyseede Castle is a must!
Ballyseede Castle Dinner
It was a luxury dining experience through and through at Ballyseede Castle. We had the pleasure of enjoying a 5 course meal in O’ Connell Restaurant for our evening meal.
This was a true traditional Irish experience. The ambiance was perfectly set by candle light, soft piano music and the rain had started a gentle pitter patter against the castle windows. We sat right by the original castle stone walls and spent time admiring the historic dining room and all the preserved artifacts that surrounded us.
The restaurant has an abundance of choice and includes traditional Irish cuisine. Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are used to ensure the most tasty and delicious dishes are presented to you throughout your experience. Every single thing we tried was delicious. I had the heirloom tomato salad to start, followed by a champagne sorbet to cleanse the palate. I had roast sea bass for my main meal and left some room for the most delicious dessert – a rhubarb and custard pavlova. This was one the best desserts I have ever tasted! I’ll be back for this goodness alone.
O’Connell’s Restaurant also offers an extensive wine menu with wine for all preferences. I highly recommend enjoying a romantic candle lit dinner at Ballyseede Castle during your stay.
After your dinner, you can relax in one of the many beautiful drawing rooms or have a beverage at the on-site bar, Pappy’s bar. Pappy’s bar also serves food throughout the day.
Things to do at Ballyseede Castle
As you will have picked up from above, Ballyseede Castle is the perfect place to retreat from the busy hustle and bustle. The magnificent castle has 30 acres of private gardens and woodlands that are waiting to be explored. The gardens are incredibly picturesque and are the perfect spot to relax or read in.
Along with relaxing in the beautiful bedrooms, there are multiple beautiful drawing rooms that are filled with plush couches, cushions, cozy fireplaces and views of the blooming gardens. The perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea, play a game of chess, play the piano or enjoy a catchup with your fellow travelers.
The best part about this romantic castle is the way it makes you pause and slow down to enjoy the beauty that is all around you. I highly recommend that you spend time at the castle relaxing and exploring during your trip. Ireland really is the perfect place to go with the flow, relax and unplug.
Things to do near Ballyseede castle
Ballyseede Castle is located in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland: County Kerry. Kerry is known for its scenic drives, beautiful views and the many things to do.
Tralee is a beautiful town that is a few minutes drive from Ballyseede Castle. A must when in Kerry, is exploring the Ring of Kerry. It is truly magical.
A quick 30 minute drive will have you in Killarney, which is one of the most popular tourist towns in Ireland. It is truly beautiful and worth the drive. See my blog post here for the best things to do in Killarney.
Ireland.com has extensive guides and resources on what to do in Tralee and in Kerry. It is a wealth of knowledge for tourists visiting Ireland. It is perfect for some in depth planning before your Irish adventures.
I update my readers on all my new blog posts when they go live, including all my Ireland travel guides.
Ballyseede Castle Weddings
There were two weddings at Ballyseede Castle during my stay there. The wedding reception looked truly magical. From my experience, the friendly staff at Ballyseede Castle took great care to make sure that all guests were taken care of. The level of detail and service at Ballyseede Castle was so impressive. It looks like an enchanting wedding venue. The gardens and acres of woodland would be the perfect spot for romantic photos.
Find out more about a magical Ballyseede Castle wedding here.
My Overall Ballyseede Castle Review
As you can see from this glowing Ballyseede Castle review, I had a unique experience at this Irish Castle Hotel. The entire time was incredibly special. I am already excited for next time! I highly recommend a stay at Ballyseede Castle.
Check out the latest offers at Ballyseede Castle here.
Frequently Asked Questions
To finish my Ballyseede Castle reviews, I am going to share a few FAQs on the magnificent castle.
When was Ballyseede Castle built?
Ballyseede Castle was built in 1721. The Castle was extended in the later years of the 1700s.
Who owns Ballyseede Castle?
Ballyseede Castle is a family run and operated hotel. Husband and wife duo, Rory and Marnie, along with their dedicated team, have made Ballyseede Castle a luxurious holiday destination since 2005.
How many rooms does Ballyseede Castle have?
There are rooms in the main castle and 5 rooms in the lodge. In total, there are 45 en-suite rooms at Ballyseede Castle.
What is the check-in time at Ballyseede Castle?
Check in time at Ballyseede Castle is from 4pm.
What is the check-out time at Ballyseede Castle?
Checkout time at Ballyseede Castle is at noon.
Is there parking at Ballyseede Castle?
There is ample parking at Ballyseede Castle on the castle grounds. The parking is complimentary and it was easy to find a parking spot each day that we were at the castle.
For more details and booking on Ballyseede Castle, visit the castle website here.
For more details on visiting Ireland and planning your trip, visit www.ireland.com.
Thank you to Tourism Ireland and Ballyseede Castle for hosting us and treating us to a magical experience.
