Gothic Castle Estate

About this property

Welcome to a Gothic Castle located on the shores of a private lake. The castle is just a short distance from Galway City and conveniently located to Shannon International Airport. The owners can host any event you want, including private parties, gala dinners, weddings and film location. The rental of the castle is always on an exclusive basis so the owner and family move out for your event.

The Castle features pike fishing (fly or spinner) on a private 1000 acre lake - you will be the only boat on the lake allowing complete concentration on the sport at hand. During the season there is also driven pheasant and duck shooting. Around the Estate are a variety of trails offering exploration opportunities for walking, running, cycling, bird watching and nature enthusiasts in unspoiled woodlands and pasture. Within the area there are a large amount of things to do ranging from sightseeing to shopping and golf.

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

Gothic Castle sleeps up to 16 guests in eight bedrooms in absolute luxury and due to our location on the Western seaboard it is ideal for family gatherings, friendly weekends away or summer holidays. An advantage of the location is that we can guarantee privacy as well as the utmost discretion for our discerning guests.
We pride ourselves on being able to offer you our guests what you want rather than having to tow the line. The relaxed nature of our staff and of the Castle itself means that guests are encouraged to feel as though the Castle is their own home.
As a family home the Castle offers an utterly unique combination of relaxed formality combined with every day living. The Castle is let on a self catering basis, but extra staff can be organised for your stay should you wish. Also within the grounds are 3 self-catering cottages that can be hired in conjunction with the castle for groups of up to 39 guests.