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One of the great heritage houses of Ireland, Glin Castle
has been home to the Knights of Glin, the FitzGerald family for some 700
years, and forms a fabulous residence, rich in elegance and history.
Situated on the banks of the Shannon, within stunning
private grounds, Glin Castle was built in 1800, a homage to medieval grandeur
and Georgian splendour. The history of the estate and that of the flamboyantly
titled Knight’s of Glin stretch back to the 12th Century, when the
Norman FitzGerald's came to Ireland with Strongbow from Wales to aid the
Irish High King Dermot MacMurrough. The Fitzgerald’s were granted
land on the banks of the Shannon and the title of the Knights of Glin.
In about 1200 they built their first castle, the ruins of which can be
seen the village of Glin.
Today Glin Castle is in the hands of the 29th Knight of
Glin, whose association with Christies of London is evidenced in the astounding
array of antiques and objects d’art as well as ancestral portraits
and heraldic crests throughout the castle. From the colonnaded entrance,
with elaborate plaster ceilings, the exquisite reception rooms are adorned
with oil paintings and works of decorative art, together with the Knight
of Glin’s famous collection of antique Irish furniture built up
over the centuries, retaining a sense of the history of Glin Castle.
A distinctive flying staircase leads to the bedrooms,
each of which are sumptuously appointed and individually designed with
traditional chintz décor and fabulous antique furnishings. Lavish
four-poster and half tester beds, Irish prints and splendid old-fashioned
bathtubs add to Glin Castle’s sense of plush cosiness and unique
charm.
Dining at Glin Castle is a suitably ostentatious affair
of candlelight, glinting off crystal and silver set within the dining
room with fabulous ancestral portraits and period features. The menu draws
on freshly caught fish and locally reared lamb and beef with vegetables
and herbs grown organically, within the castle’s walled garden to
produce Irish country house cooking at its best.
These gardens form the perfect setting for intimate walks
through a gracious environment of clipped yew trees and Edwardian walled
gardens with interesting nooks and crannies.
Glin Castle is in close proximity to the famous golf courses
of Ballybunion, Adare and Lahinch as well as the bustling towns of Limerick
and Killarney and is less than two hours drive from Shannon Airport.
Facilities at the hotel:

Activities & Amenities available nearby:

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