Location: Headford, County Galway, Ireland, Europe (18 Miles Fr Galway; 155 Miles Fr Dublin; 75 Miles Fr Shannon) View Map
Accommodations: Castle, 6 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
Keywords: Manor
For 700 years, Carraigin Castle has been a landmark on the eastern shore of Lough Corrib, one of the biggest lakes in Ireland. In recent years, this castle has been authentically restored to its former glory using the same materials and techniques as the original thirteenth-century builders. Modern comforts have been incorporated without detracting from the charm and simple grandeur of this ancient dwelling, a rare and beautiful example of the medieval “hall house”.
Surrounded by seven acres of lawns, woodland and meadows, it is an idyllic holiday home in a beautiful lakeside setting. There one can enjoy walking, boating, fishing, riding and sightseeing, or simply relax and contemplate the gothic geometry of the roof timbers.
Family groups or close friends will love the relaxed atmosphere of this authentic 13th-century castle on the shores of Lough Corrib. Carraigin's church-like structure grows out of a field on a slight rise in the land reached by a short avenue across a tree-lined park. The ancient-looking, nail-studded front door on the ground floor was actually made by the owner during the building's restoration in the 1970s. Round the corner, an imposing stone staircase leads to another grand entrance, into a lofty, oak-beamed great hall of truly feudal proportions. There's a comforting smell of turf and wood-smoke in the air and the decor is happily unstudied.
The great hall features a mix of old oak and modern furniture, white walls hung with tapestries and brass rubbings a wide welcoming hearth and a tiny, well-equipped kitchen with a view over the water. Off the hall is a baronial double bedroom with a king-size bed and bathroom. Stone staircases wind upwards to a family room overlooking the hall and to a little single bedroom in the corner tower. From both of these second-floor rooms you can stroll out onto the castle parapets with fabulous views of Lough Corrib and the hills of Clare, Connemara and Mayo. The rest of you sleep in the three cozy medieval vaults below. They are a lot of fun and work if you know each other well as the rooms lead one into the other. However, discrete and rather beautiful free-standing screens are provided.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Lakefront
- Communications
- Cell Phone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
Rate Details (In Euros)
Special reduced letting rates for 2012: For self-catering parties of 2-12 guests Rates quoted are for 2 guests Every additional guest is an extra €45/week Low rates (Jan and Feb; Nov-Dec) .......................... €725-€1450/week Mid-season rates (Mar-May; Sep-Oct) ....................... €725-€1450/week High season rates (Jun-Aug, Christmas, Easter, New Year) .. €725-€1450/week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1969
Why the Owner Chose Headford
Chris had grown up near a ruined castle on the other side of the lake. After a long search all across the West of Ireland he found (and fell) for the ruin.
The Unique Benefits at this Castle
We come for the fishing, fabulous walks, fireside chats and peace and quiet aplenty. There's a boat to rent, with outboard and fishing rods.
Owner's Map of Headford
When Christopher undertook the restoration of Carraigin, his friends and family panicked at the idea of him buying this heap of stones and thought him completely cracked. Chris had grown up near a ruined castle, and it had been his childhood dream to restore one. He was, therefore, quite determined to go ahead with the project. By doing a lot of research into medieval hall houses and visiting nearly every castle in Ireland, Chris lovingly designed every corner and corbel of the building, including the roof and the original door latches. I am particularly fond of the down-stairs front door. It took Christopher 7 years (!) to design it and collect the materials – hand-forged nails, oak planks etc. Finally he took one whole month off to build it, and although I am his wife and I say so myself, the result is quite delightful. In spite of its authentic medieval appearance, Carraigin is as warm and comfortable as any modern holiday home.
Property Photos
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- Irish Lakeside Castle - Headford, Ireland - Vacation Rental with Wi-Fi - Lake View
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- - Headford, Ireland - Vacation Rental with Wi-Fi - Lake View
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- - Headford, Ireland - Vacation Rental with Wi-Fi - Lake View
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- View from the tower
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- Great Hall from the Gallery
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- Timbered roof over Great Hall and Gallery
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- The Great Hall
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- The Master Bedroom
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- The Gallery Bedroom
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- Vault 1 leading into Vault 2
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- Single Ground Floor Bed Room
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- Indoor Original Stairs
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- Ground Floor Entrance
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- View from the tower across Lough Corrib
Traveler Reviews (9)
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Guest: Nancy
(Eaton, Ohio USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11
Review Submitted: 11/15/11
Visiting Ireland has always been a dream of mine; so when my son and friend agreed to visit the country with me we started looking for rentals. It came down to two different properties. I asked my son for input and he simply stated why would you stay anywhere else in Ireland; choose the castle. Of course our choice was the right one. The discriptions and pictures are very accurate. The place is wonderful. Lots of space. The lake and grounds are beatutiful. We loved the big thick comforters on the beds; the oversized bath towels, plenty of hot water. The kitchen is small; but well equipped. We used the washer/dyer every three days; because we packed light. The village of Headford is wonderful. We took many of our suppers there. The caretaker recommended several good places for us to eat at. The caretaker called to check up on us after a week; she made it clear that she was around if we needed anything or simply had any questions. She never hovered or smorthered us. The castle was a great home base for site seeing. In 3/4 hours we were able to be in Dublin; where we spent the day. We also drove down to the South to Dingle (4/5 drive); we spent the night; did the Ring of Kerry the next day and then drove over to Cork to vist the Blarney Castle than beat a path back home to the castle. What a great feeling it is to see that big white tower looming over the tree tops to let us know we were almost home after a long two days of sight seeing. We also went up to the Giants Causway and spent the night in Northern Ireland; another 4/5 hour drive. After the big trips we took short trips closer to the castle the following days. Everything is close to the castle; Galway has the best shopping and eateries. There are so many nice areas in driving distance of an hour or two that can be enjoyed; the caretaker will give advice on these areas also. Go to Ireland; stay in the castle; enjoy the castle; get in the car and drive to see everything Ireland has to offer; then go back home to your castle. Driving was fine; we only got horns blown at us three times; in two weeks that was remarkable. Then you can be just like me; I haven't been able to get the stupid grin off of my face; nor the stars out of my eyes. Ireland is the most wondeful /magical place on earth; so why not see it and stay in a castle while your at it. You won't be sorry.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
a most magical week!
Guest: Aniko
(Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11
Review Submitted: 07/19/11
our large family stayed at carigan for a week this summer. it was a big family reunion of sorts. staying in a castle was a magical experience. it fit our family perfectly. each family had lovely sleeping quarters. we were able to be together in the great room for meals and hanging out time. the castle was comfortable and well decorated. the children particularly loved the downstairs vaulted rooms and the tower bedroom, they pretended we were all students at hogwarts (harry potter.) the grounds of the castle were amazing, the beautiful lake was fun to boat around or just sit beside and enjoy. the location in headford was ideal for trips to galway or up north to cong and westport. our week at carigan castle will be a special memory that will not be forgotten. thank you!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Great Family Get Away
Guest: Wendlings
(Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11
Review Submitted: 07/01/11
We spent a week at Carrigan this past July and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Castle. Our children, 4 and 8, thought it was spectacular and had lots of fun exploring the castle. The country side was beautiful, and nicely situated near Galway and with easy day trips to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. The grounds were beautiful and we also rented the boat - another delight. Would highly recommend this as a great getaway spot and vacation for families and groups. We had a wonderful time!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
It couldn't be more perfect!
Guest: Murreydobe
(Norco, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/07/11
Review Submitted: 05/23/11
Our party of 4 adults spent a truly magic week at Carraigin Castle. No matter how attractive it may seem in photos, it's better in real life! All modern amenities are provided, but that medieval feeling still pervades your every moment. Beautiful location right on the banks of Loch Corrib, and the nearby town of Headford can supply just about anything you might need. We'll be back-we're determined to find that secret tunnel!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Enchanting Castle
Guest: Karen167
(Italy)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11
Review Submitted: 05/05/11
Our family and some friends stayed at the castle in March. We loved it! The sense of history and the detail that the owners have restored is amazing. There were 6 of us total and we had plenty of room to sleep and just lounge about. It is in a great location and in driving distance to so many sights in the Connemarra and Galway area, not to mention only a couple of hours from Cliffs of Moher. The castle has so many wonderful "nooks" to sit and peer out the windows, plus the staircase to the roof for stunning views of the lake. I recommend it to anyone who wants a retreat into history and an experience you'll never forget! (The town of Headford is charming and the people quite friendly!)
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
A Fairytale Holiday
Guest: Kathleen
(Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11
Review Submitted: 03/30/11
My family hopes to return again and again to this spectacular property. The location, on a lake, surrounded by beautiful countryside and of course the castle, are very special. In addition, the caretaker is delightful, Headford has charming pubs and cafes, and you are well positioned for exploring western Ireland, especially Connemara. It will be difficult to leave the castle, though, with the fireplace burning and the comfortable sofas and rocking chairs. I cannot recommend it strongly enough, although I am concerned we will be competing for reservations! Enjoy.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Memorable holiday retreat!
Guest: Louise, Tom & Blair
(Ossining, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/09/10
Review Submitted: 01/12/11
I was looking for a memorable place to take my niece (studying abroad in Galway) and my nephew during our visit to West Ireland. Carraigin Castle was a dream come true! On our arrival, we were greeted by the friendly and competent Irish caretaker who gave us a tour of the comfortably renovated 13th C castle. We spent three days enjoying the amenities of the castle and the surrounding countryside. The location is perfect for exploring Galway and Connemara, or just relaxing in the medieval atmosphere of a real castle! The owners were gracious and very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend the castle and hope to stay there again in the future.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Fairytale Castle
Guest: Patsy
(USA)
Date of Stay: 10/02/10
Review Submitted: 12/06/10
Our stay in Carraigin Castle was everything we hoped for and more. There were just the two of us and we had great fun being King and Queen of our own castle. It took many pictures to capture the amazing features of this beautiful place. A future visit with the grandchildren would be a whole new fantastic experience as well. The location is perfect for exploring the coast of Ireland. Connemara was a favorite area of ours. We also wanted to spend more time just enjoying the castle and the wonderful setting on Lough Corrib. The owners are very gracious and their caretaker is the epitome of the friendly Irish. We highly recommend Carraigin Castle and hope to visit again some day.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Amazing countryside retreat!
Guest: JW
(Philadelphia, PA, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/19/10
Review Submitted: 12/01/10
My wife and I visited Carraigin Castle during August and were treated to a wonderful and hospitable stay. The castle is tucked into a lovely country setting outside of Galway, with lots of options for day trips by car. Nearby horse races, local pubs, and the natural beauty of Ireland are all at your disposal. Also, the experience of staying in your own castle is hard to overstate. It is cute and stately at the same time. We absolutely loved it as a rustic, romantic getaway for a couple, but with its ample bedspace would be perfect for a couple of families with children (the adults could have the upstairs beds and the children could own the "dungeon"). Great!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #307437
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