Gothic Castle Estate

About this property

Gothic Castle Estate is an enchanting and historic property nestled on the shores of a private 1000-acre lake in Gort, County Galway. Designed by the renowned architect John Nash, who also worked on Buckingham Palace, this breathtaking Gothic Castle offers a truly unique and luxurious retreat. The castle’s interior boasts nine sumptuous bedrooms, accommodating up to eighteen guests, along with elegant reception rooms perfect for hosting private parties, weddings, or gala dinners. The rental is always on an exclusive basis, ensuring complete privacy and a personalized experience.  

Outside, the estate features pristine woodlands, sprawling gardens, and picturesque walking and cycling trails, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature. The private lake is a haven for anglers, providing pike fishing with absolute exclusivity, while seasonal pheasant and duck shooting add to the allure of outdoor pursuits.  

Located just 40 minutes from Shannon Airport and 45 minutes from Galway City, Gothic Castle Estate is ideally situated for exploring Ireland’s stunning western coastline, including the iconic Cliffs of Moher. The surrounding area also offers numerous cultural and recreational activities, from visiting historic sites to shopping and golfing. Experience the elegance, privacy, and warm hospitality that make Gothic Castle Estate a one-of-a-kind destination.

The castle is located just a short distance from Galway City and conveniently located to Shannon International Airport.

Fishing: The lake is a completely private fishery and as such has not suffered the fate of many of the country's other lakes with invasive species such as the Zebra Mussel and algal bloom taking hold. There are many large and smaller pike, as well as some perch and rumours of one or two large trout. Exclusivity means that only one boat can be on the lake at any one time, and no more than two anglers in a boat. The castle provides the boat and engine, lifejackets (if necessary), maps, etc. Limited tackle can be rented too, as well as a fishfinder.

Shooting: Bird, Pheasant and Duck shooting as well as Deer Stalking are available during the season by arrangement. Many of the woodlands were planted in the late 1700s and 1800s specifically with the sport of shooting in mind and thus offer great shooting in a convenient location. At the end of the nineteenth century the estate was famous throughout Ireland for the quality and number of woodcock presented. There is a full time game keeper on the Estate who ensures that all guests are extremely well catered for.

The pheasant shoot was established in 2001 by Dromoland Game Sports who run the famous and very successful shoot at the Dromoland Castle Estate in County Clare. On an average day the bag includes Pheasant, Woodcock, Duck, Partidge and Snipe.

The fallow deer on the Estate are plentiful. They can be stalked on foot or from high seats positioned at vantage points around the Estate. There are mature heads for trophy hunters and the meat can be processed by arrangement. Guests coming to the Estate for the first time are accompanied by an employee until they get their bearings and learn the boundaries.

Equestrian: Horse riding is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful 650 acre Estate which surrounds the Castle. The estate has equestrian facilities which include stabling for 10 horses, a sand arena/schooling ground and an excellent cross country course as well as plenty of treks. Guests are welcome to bring their own horses by arrangement. Horses are available to hire locally and can be delivered to the Estate for your enjoyment.

Local hunting includes the Galway Blazers, the North Galway Hunt, East Galway Hunt and the North Clare hunt. There are also local groups that ride out regularly such as the "Turkey Trotters" based near Gort.

The cross country course was designed by the internationally renowned Tommy Brennan. The course is c.2.5 miles long and includes up to 34 Jumps with 56 Options - natural fences designed to challenge all from the inexperienced to professional riders. The course winds its way through woodlands, part of the lake itself, the arboretum and across meadow and pasture, allowing riders and spectators to really appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Estate. Tommy Brennan has also designed the cross country element of the Punchestown 3 day event course, and is responsible for the cross country course at the 2008 Olympics in China.

Accommodation

Ground Floor
- Great hall
- Saloon
- Gough Room
- Dining Room

First Floor
- Four poster bedroom (double with ensuite, roll top bath and shower)
- Library bedroom (double with ensuite, roll top bath and shower)
- Nannies bedroom (small double with ensuite, roll top bath)
- Rollo’s bedroom (double and single with separate bathroom)

Second Floor
- French bedroom (double and single with ensuite shower)
- Round bedroom (double with separate roll top bath and shower room)
- Yellow Bedroom (double with roll top bath and separate third floor WC)

Third Floor
- Dom’s bedroom (double with separate shared shower room)
- Twin bedroom (twin room with separate shared shower room)

Access to the First floor is via the main staircase, access to the Second and Third floors are via small tower spiral staircases.