County Meath Castle

The highlights

• After a delicious meal, why not warm up by the blazing fire.
• There is a wonderful view of Lough Sheelin from the tower rooms.
• Why not try your hand at a spot of fishing in the lake, please speak with the caretakers for further details on your arrival.
• Or even go horse riding at the nearby stables, which are less than 1km away.
• The charming caretakers can also organise Clay Pigeon shooting at their nearby organic gardens, and can lay on pre/post shoot refreshments.

You should know

• The tower room has 65 narrow steps.
• The castle is in a very rural location and so a car will be needed in order to reach nearby amenities.

The detail

County Meath Castle holds a wonderful location, set in a tranquil position just an hour from Dublin on the shores of Lough Sheelin. The 500 year old Norman Keep makes a truly unique setting for your holiday and a wonderful base from which to explore beautiful County Meath.

The Castle was commenced in 1533 by Richard Nugent, the 12th Baron of Delvin and was completed in 1537. It is said by many to be one of the most haunted places in Ireland, haunted by Nugent's daughter Sabina, who fell in love with a handsome young man named Orwin, son of an O'Reilly chieftain. The two families were foes and knowing their love would be forbidden, they eloped together and boarded a boat by the shore, sadly however, a storm took them by surprise. Orwin did not survive and the heartbroken Sabina retreated to her tower bedroom, never to leave again. Sabina is said to haunt the castle's walls to this very day, still searching for her true love.

The Castle can comfortably accommodate up to fifteen guests, across six well appointed bedrooms, three of which are situated on the ground floor making them ideal for guests who struggle with any mobility problems. The remaining three bedrooms are set in the tower and accessed via the traditional spiral staircase. On the first floor, a four poster double room, and the second floor, a twin room, each of which boasting their own en-suite bathrooms. On the third and final floor, is Sabina's room which features an antique half tester bed, en-suite bathroom and boasts wonderful views across Lough Sheelin and the surrounding countryside.

The castle is located truly in the heart of Ireland, with an hour and a half drive to Dublin. It is less than an hour's drive from Northern Ireland or the preeminent Irish heritage sites of Newgrange, Trim, the Hill of Tara or the River Shannon. There are plenty of things to keep the visitor for three or four engaging days touring in the area, enjoying many popular and preeminent sites in Ireland.

Wild Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach and Eel are only some of the most prominent species of fish available to anglers in this area. The extensive waterways such as the River Shannon, River Inny, Gowna Lakes and Lough Sheelin provide many a fine opportunity for some coarse and game fishing. This is an angler's paradise blessed with a multitude of rivers and lakes. Guests to the Castle can pursue the native Brown Trout or go coarse fishing at their doorstep at Lough Sheelin. There are many other small inland lakes in the area, excellent for fishing. However, Lough Sheelin provides the most beautiful setting possible. Visitors can hire a boat.

Features

Essential