The Haunted Kinnitty Castle Hotel - Co. Offaly, Ireland

Ghosts of Kinnitty Castle

The hotel has long had a reputation for being haunted and is home to numerous ghosts and phantoms. The most famous ghost at the castle is referred to as the Phantom Monk of Kinnitty, who is probably one of the most communicative ghosts there is – he has been known to communicate with staff members and visitors from time to time and often appears as a solid form. Some people mistake him as a real, living person, whilst others see him as a shadowy phantom. There are also two haunted bedrooms at the hotel, the Geraldine room and the Elizabeth room. Numerous other nooks and crannies at the hotel are also reported to be home to various eerie presences that are seen and sensed by staff and visitors alike.

Brief History

The first castle at Kinnitty was knocked down in 1209 and then rebuilt in 1213 by the Normans. Whilst the Normans were in control of the castle, an Augustinian Abbey was established near the castle. The High Cross and Abbey Wall still remain on the estate today. In 1630 William O Carroll built a new castle in close proximity to the old abbey, but this was confiscated in 1641 by English forces. In 1664, the castle and estate were given to Thomas Winter as a reward for military service.

The castle stayed in the Winter family for 100 years, when it was sold to the Bernard family. In 1811 Catherine Hutchinson commissioned the Pain brothers to extend the castle into what it is today. Unfortunately, in 1922 the castle was burned by Republican forces, but it was rebuilt in 1928. The castle was turned into a luxury hotel in 1994, which is how it stands today.

About

Kinnitty castle hotel is a stunning period hotel with 37 en-suite bedrooms, each decorated in a style in-keeping with the period of the property, many with breathtakingly beautiful antique beds, furniture and bathroom fittings. Every room is decorated differently, right down to the keys, and almost all of the rooms retain their original features.

There is a range of eating and drinking options at the hotel, whether you’d like light refreshments and a range of drinks, traditional food and Irish music or an a la carte menu, there is something at Kinnitty castle hotel for you. There is also a range of private dining services at the hotel – just ask the staff for more details. The castle is well-situated for all sorts of outdoor activities as it is located right at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, some of which are actually offered within the castle grounds. Tennis courts are also available at the hotel, and the castle can also organise horse treks over the Mountains with a qualified instructor. Plenty of family activities are also on offer at the hotel, including a Nintendo Wii and a selection of board games.

Ireland is well known for its hospitality and Kinnitty castle hotel in particular prides itself on providing the very best accommodation for its guests. Many of the current team who work at the castle are second generation staff, keeping the traditions of Kinnitty castle alive.

Features

37 en-suite bedrooms
Individually designed rooms
Tea and coffee making facilities in room
Period features
24 hour room service
Garden
Children’s playground
Bridal suite
Meeting/conference facilities
Bikes available
Toiletries in room
Wi-Fi

Things to do

Kinnitty offers plenty of activities suitable for families, couples and single travellers. There is a tennis court on site, as well as a children’s playground, and if hiking is your thing, some of the Slieve Bloom Mountains are actually located within the ground of the castle. The castle is also ideally located to explore some of the best countryside that Ireland has to offer, as well as some of the best shopping towns.

Room Tariff

Standard double room available from 110 euros, based on two people sharing, breakfast included.
Deluxe double room available from 115 euros, based on two people sharing, breakfast included.

30 euros per night per room for an extra bed. Maximum extra beds in a room: 1.