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Hotel review: This castle in the capital offers real character, superb food and excellent value

"A 15-minute drive from the city centre, and 10-minute stroll to Clontarf promenade, this four-star Dublin castle in leafy Clontarf offers city and coastal escapism in one go."

Sun, 20 Jul, 2025 - 18:12

Jillian Bolger

Clontarf Castle, Dublin 3

Our rating: 8/10

Location

A 15-minute drive from the city centre, and 10-minute stroll to Clontarf promenade, this four-star Dublin castle in leafy Clontarf offers city and coastal escapism in one go.

Best of all, you’re an easy cycle (or short bus trip) to Bull Island, with Dublin Bay’s expansive Dollymount Strand to explore — not to mention proximity to Dublin Port and Dublin Airport.

If you’re hankering after a historic castle experience with some retail therapy, culture, and seaside action close by, it’s hard to think of a better option.

8/10

Style and design

The short tree-lined driveway curves towards a striking facade with a crenellated stone tower.

While a castle has stood here since the 12th century, the current iteration sees a fine neo-Gothic extension attached to the impressive stone tower.

It’s arresting and handsome, and the drama continues indoors where a soaring atrium with glass roof centres around the tower with a huge fireplace and suits of armour.

They’ve done a great job capitalising on the architectural features and Knights Bar has a wonderfully ornate ceiling, soaring stone fireplaces, and capacious leaded bay windows and the hotel’s walls are hung with a vast collection of contemporary art.

Fahrenheit, where dinner and breakfast are served, is a beautiful dining room. The comfy bedrooms, with their clashing decor, are the only jarring note.

8/10

Service

There’s a warm and welcoming ethos across the property, from the upbeat bar staff to excellent restaurant team.

Service is thoughtful and attentive, with staff eagerly engaging with all guests. The only disappointment is at check-in which is functional, impersonal, and formal.

No banter and no smiles, which is a shame, as it creates a first impression that is at odds with the great experience elsewhere.

8/10

Guest rooms

We stay in a compact suite with canopied four-poster bed and views of the Dublin Mountains from the angled skylight-style windows.

The mix of old-style floral prints and swirls, pastels and bold colour (royal purple is the hotel’s signature shade) is not to my taste and I find the decor a bit fussy.

The pillow proves too high and firm for me to sleep comfortably. While the room and bathroom are spotless, things like grubby marks on the paintwork around the window seat and torn lampshades let the room down.

The bathroom is excellent and feels like it has had a design refresh, with good lighting and a powerful shower with extra side jets.

7/10

In-room perks

Even four-star hotels nowadays have raised their game with the complimentary treats and mini bar offering.

Clontarf Castle plays it safe, however, with the basics: Tea and coffee facilities, individual portions of Bewley’s biscuits and bottled water.

The Field Day toiletries are Irish-made and in recyclable packaging.

6/10

On the menu

A creative cocktail menu in Knight’s Bar kicks off the evening, with many signature drinks named after local or historic connections.

Upstairs in Fahrenheit, the ornate dining room is a beautiful space for Paul Devoy’s exciting cooking.

Featherlight vegetable tempura; confit pork belly with Inch House black pudding and celeriac remoulade; and perfectly cooked hake with purple potatoes, green bean and snap pea ragout were all exceptional dishes on a really well-priced menu.

Wines offer great value too and dinner here, with its 2 AA Rosettes, is an unexpected triumph.

Breakfast the next morning is very busy and offers everything you’d expect, including smoothies, cheese, baked goods, and a cooked buffet. It’s not as good as dinner but still decent.

9/10

Activities and amenities

There’s a tiny gym, but no pool or spa and the once generous grounds have long been sold off for housing.

The location is close to the seafront, beach, and glorious St Anne’s Park but beyond a thoughtful art map to help explore the vast collection, events spaces, and nicely-appointed public areas, including comfy mezzanines, there are no extra facilities.

6/10

Checking in

The bill? August Enchantment, which includes an overnight stay and a 2-course dinner in Knights Bar, from €269 for two people sharing.

Room to improve? Check-in needs to be as welcoming as all other staff encounters. The torn lampshade and marks on the woodwork in our room could easily be fixed to raise the standard to that of the carefully presented public areas.

Access for guests with disabilities? The hotel is fully accessible.

Family-friendly? Yes. Kids will love all the historic features and memorabilia.

EV chargers? Yes.