County Meath Castle

Description

Situated amid majestic trees in the tranquil countryside on the County Meath and Cavan border, the castle commands magnificent views of Lough Sheelin, a 4500 acre lake famous for its brown trout, liberally stocked perch and large pike. The secluded setting and spacious, comfortable accommodation offers the visitor an exclusive retreat. Guests will find it the perfect place to relax and unwind, away from the stresses and strains of modern life, or as a venue for a private function. The rental price includes exclusive hire of the castle with 6 bedrooms.
The ancient village in which the castle is situated is on the south side of the River Inny as it enters Lough Sheelin. Its origins go back to the early iron age, with many remains of dolmen stones, ring forts and Norman castles found in the area.
In 1533 Richard Nugent, the 12th Baron of Delvin, commenced the construction of the stronghold. The tower was completed by him in 1537. The great hall and further extensions were finished by his grandson, the 13th Baron of Delvin in 1539. The Castle served as a guard at the western reaches of the pale against the Celtic Irish across the lake in what today is County Cavan.
Weekly prices: €4680 year round
Short breaks: From €1337
Yey! Wait… what is that?
It's the perfect combo of the privacy of your own personal villa, with all the luxury and convenience of a hotel. What's included?
Breakfast, cleaning, welcome drinks and hamper, plus more! Check the Extras tab for all the details.

#### Features
Only six bedrooms, all spacious and en-suite, are made available to guests. This ensures a degree of privacy and space befitting the castle accommodation experience. All rooms are furnished in period antiques to complement the stately ambience. The castle premises are entered through the original archway dating back to 1536 to an inner courtyard and lawn, surrounded by a stone wall and ancient trees.
On the ground floor guests will enter the large entrance hall connecting the tower and sitting room. The latter large room, with a lovely open fireplace, has wide French Windows, giving a view across the lake. This was the original castle bawn. To the right of the entrance hall is where the Great Hall used to be. It contains a spacious sitting-room come dining-room with fireplace. Our own turf is used to light this every evening for guests to enjoy. This room is used for breakfast, dinner and sitting together in a cosy and chatty atmosphere by an Irish turf and wood fire.
Room descriptions for County Meath Castle
1. The Master bedroom; offers a large spacious ground floor bedroom with a 5ft Four Poster and a single bed. The Master bedroom opens onto a patio area and boasts a well portioned ensuite, it is a bright room with tall windows and full length heavy curtains. This room is ideal for three people or as a spacious double with easy access on the ground floor for guests who want comfort and accessibility. This room is large enough to accommodate an additional single bed and is decorated with antique furniture. Approx. 22ftX14ft.
2. The Green room; a spectacular 5ft Four Poster bed dressed with fabric along with a day bed gives this room plenty of flexibility on the ground floor. Bright and airy, the Green room looks out on the west lawn, this room is not ensuite, the bathroom which is shared with the Yellow room is on the hall opposite the bedroom. This room can be combined with the Yellow room for the family package. Approx. 16ftX17ft.
3. The Yellow room; is a bright room with a 4'6” bed overlooking the Castle lawn. It is decorated with period furniture and can be combined with the Green room for the family package. This room is not ensuite, the bathroom which is shared with the Green room is on the hall beside the bedroom. Approx. 13.5ftX8ft.
4. The O'Reilly bedroom; situated on the 1st floor of the original castle tower. This bedroom offers a very comfortable and spacious setting, newly renovated to a high standard with a 5ft double Four Poster bed in keeping with the historical feel of the building. The O'Reilly bedroom contains a cut stone fireplace and would have probably been used as a medieval upper hall, it now boasts a comfortable ensuite bathroom along with the 16th century arrow slits this room is ideal for anyone who wants the feel of an original castle stay. Named after the famous Myles “The Slasher” O'Reilly who died defending the bridge of Finea against General Munroe and Cromwell's army, Myles stayed in the castle the night before the battle. Approx. 14ftX15ft.
5. Middle Tower, The Baron's room; this bedroom is totally unique with a high stone vaulted ceiling over a 5ft Four Poster bed and antique furniture. The windows are original cut stone arrow slits with a raised platform for an archer to launch arrows during an attack. The Baron's room has an ancient ensuite which was designed as a holding cell, this room offers comfort along with a medieval feel for anyone looking to experience an Irish Castle stay. The castle was built by Baron Richard Nugent during the reign of King Henry VIII and passed on to his grandson who become known as “The Black Baron”. Approx. 19.5ftX11ft
6. The Upper Tower, Sabina's room; located on the 3rd floor is our most popular room, open and spacious this beautiful bedroom has a feeling of history and legend with an antique 5ft half Testa and day bed. Sabina's room is ideal for families or couples looking to experience an historical stay in a medieval Irish Norman Castle or Keep. This room offers a bright ensuite with stunning views across Lough Sheelin and the surrounding country side of Cavan and Meath. If you love castles and want an authentic room to stay in this is it! In the mid 1500's, Sabina Nugent was the daughter of Richard “The Black Baron” Nugent who grew up spending many summers in the castle, falling in love with a chieftain's son Orwin O'Reilly in what can only be described as a tragic romance, known now as the story of Orwin and Sabina. Approx. 17.5ftX16ft.

#### Location
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.
Why not relax and listen to the rare corncrake on the water meadows of the Shannon near the monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise, or take a walk through the forests at adjacent Mullaghmeen. Visit one of the many local bogs and shore areas teeming with an abundance of bird life, or travel the country roads looking for Irelands avi-fauna.
The Shannon-Erne Waterway is the leading waterway in Ireland. Cruising on the River Shannon and the Grand Canal is an ideal way to experience the Irish countryside. The Castle is ideally located to serve as base for cruising-day trips on the area's waterways.
The scenery around the Shannon and the Loughs in the area is a beautiful accompaniment. The roads are not busy and amenity areas are a regular occurrence for all travelers. The Lough Sheelin Region has a particular attraction for the cyclist in light of the fact that the dedicated cycling route from Killala in Co. Mayo to Ballinamuck in Longford is now open.
Learning to fly or enjoying a fly-over of the area can be arranged through Oliver's VIP Concierge Team. The nearest airport is in Abbeyshrule.
Ireland is the home of Golf! Numerous excellent 18 hole parkland and link courses are situated in this region, providing a challenge to golfers of all levels with a multitude of championship courses to choose from. The nearest course is across the lake at Crover House.
Racing "the dogs" is an Irish tradition, a popular spectator sport where the thrill of the race ensures a thoroughly enjoyable night out. Greyhound Race tracks with frequent races are found in nearby Mullingar and Longord.
Co. Meath contains four horse racing tracks which hold numerous events during the year. Point to Point local meetings are very popular among local horse racing followers in the area. Horse racing at Kilbeggan is an action packed spectator sport and on racing nights the quiet midland town is transformed into a festival.
There are a couple of equestrian centres found in the vicinity offering riding and trekking over farmland, mountain and forest trails. This region offers a horse riding experience to suit both beginners and more experienced riders. The beautiful terrain of this region makes it a very suitable horse riding area. For pony trekking, cross country and showjumping, arrangements can be made at nearby Ross House. The Equestrian Centre will meet all your needs on the horse front. They offer pony trekking, riding lessons, cross country outings or showjumping. It is possible to stable horses there if required.
Lough Sheelin offers opportunities for sailing enthusiasts. Dromineer and Garrykennedy on the River Shannon are ideally suited for those who sail for fun or in competition. Sailing courses are available in some areas.
The Irish Midlands offer an abundance of hiking opportunities: Why not try the Boyne Way, Navan to Slane, or the walking trails around Loughcrew Hills. The Cavan Way offers excellent opportunities for the walker, as do the many unmarked trails and side roads. Mullaghmeen, an extensive forest park only a short distance from the Castle, is the most well known in this area. With its splendid beauty, it is a delight for all walkers and nature enthusiasts.
Some water sports can be carried out on Lough Sheelin in the summer. Opportunities also exist at other lakes in the area, some of which are specialized for certain activities such as sailing or canoeing.
Some more urban activities and entertainment such as bowling, carting, cinemas or pools can be found in the larger towns of Cavan, Longford, Navan or Mullingar, which are all within a 30 – 45 minute drive.

#### Extras
Good news! For a little extra, This property is available as a Vill'otelWith a vill'otel holiday, you can enjoy all these services throughout your stay:

- Daily breakfast
- Daily maid service
- Deluxe welcome hamper with local delicacies
- Welcome drinks for your group
- Fridge-stocking service
- Private chef serviceInterested?
If you'd like to book the Vill'otel serviced option, contact us on for a tailor-made quote! Typical costs range between £100-£250 per person per week dependent on requirements.

Please note that all services are subject to availability and must be requested at the time of booking.
Additional catering is available on request as follows:
Breakfast
Cooked breakfast €12 p/p
A la carte breakfast €10 p/p

3 Course Dinner
- includes Starter, Main Course, Desert and Tea or Coffee for €35p/p. Children under 8 years of age for €20p/p.
To arrange catering, contact Oliver's VIP Concierge Team.