Hotel review: Don’t bypass this Macroom favourite if you’re seeking a bargain, culture, or coffee

Castle Hotel features one of the friendliest service teams I’ve encountered in some time

Castle Hotel Macroom, Co. Cork

Our rating: 8.25/10

Location

Celebrating 75 years in business this year, this Macroom landmark and member of Original Irish Hotels has now seen generations of the Buckley family welcome guests to the charming, if often overlooked, Cork market town. All the more charming now, thanks to the bypass, which lends the streets a far more relaxed complexion. And, there are plenty of gems to warrant an overnight stay.

8/10

Style and design

The lobby of the Castle Hotel, Macroom

It’s been a big year for the Buckleys. Along with celebrating that sapphire milestone in 2026, it’s also not every year your cousin (yes, the Jessie Buckley) wins an Oscar. A replica Academy Award greets me at reception, which is a warm traditional space featuring a fireplace, upright piano and some striking figures from sculptor Ayelet Lalor.

Soft furnishings here (think crushed velvet and black leather) can age the aesthetic, but corridors have just been nicely renovated and feature smart carpet, lighting, bespoke Macroom murals and pops of colour thanks to fresh flowers throughout. Very much at the heart of the community, it must be noted that there’s a wonderful local feel at the property too.

7.5/10

Service

The decor and art on display in the lobby of the Castle Hotel, Macroom

Castle Hotel features one of the friendliest service teams I’ve encountered in some time, with a mix of seasoned, long-standing staff and particularly polished young members of restaurant staff offering a great vibrancy to the property. A young male server is wishing all diners “a wonderful evening” as he presents dishes, while the breakfast team are warm, personable and intuitive about my gluten-free options. GM Rory Buckley is an affable presence around the property also.

9/10

Guest rooms

A double room in the Castle Hotel, Macroom

The hotel has 56 rooms —from standard rooms to more spacious suites — with views ranging from rear car park to street front. Rooms are comfortable and well kitted out, and feature fine en suites with products by Rituals, but they do feel dated The good news is updates are afoot and I’ve had a sneak peak at fresh interiors of the first phase of rooms, which are expected to be completed by autumn. It must be noted that the current offering is reflected in the rates.

7/10

In-room perks

The Silver Suite inside the Castle Hotel, Macroom

Rooms feature tea, kettles as well as locally produced sustainable coffee pods. There are also miniature bottles of fresh milk. Water is provided with a refillable filter station on each floor.

7/10

On the menu

Buckley's Bar has gained a reputation as a dining hub in Macroom

The Castle has long held a reputation for fine food and the newly appointed chef continues to showcase the hotel’s strong ethic of serving the best of local produce with flair.

Buckley Bar’s is the dining hub and my delicious Macroom caprese starter which featured oodles of creamy local cheese and tasty heirloom tomato (though just one sprig of basil?) was followed by quite a sublimely fresh main of Castletownbere-caught John Dory served with bok choy, spuds, and veggies. A gluten-free flourless chocolate torte, was a touch dry on the crust, but was otherwise moreish and came with black cherry Scúp Ice cream. Rare to see fine desserts on offer for just €8, and a total of €56 for my very enjoyable meal represented excellent value.

Thom's delicious John Dory main

Breakfast is a wholesome showcase of local suppliers with cheeses, charcuterie, smoothie shots and a gluten-free station with freshly baked (rather than individually packaged) goods. For my hot dish, I enjoyed a bacon and potato hash, which completed a really lovely food offering that would match many a five-star, minus the pretension.

9/10

Activities and amenities

The hotel’s leisure centre features a decent hotel gym and a pool. The latter feels a little retro (and it’s open to public members) but it’s a fine option to get some morning laps in. Beyond the hotel, the new Briery Gap cultural centre (featuring everything from Hamnet screenings to an upcoming performance by the Kammerphilharmonie Europa) sits just across the road, the magical Gearagh wetlands are a three-minute drive, while you’ve some buzzy food spots from Pickled to Pop Crowleys on your doorstep. Castle Hotel may just be one of the best value, culture, coffee, or birding breaks around.

The pool in the Castle Hotel, Macroom

8/10

The bill

B&B from €154

• Room to improve? Interiors are the main, arguably only, issue here and those new upgrades should take the guest experience to the next level.
• Access for guests with disabilities? Public areas are accessible with four bedrooms fully wheelchair accessible.
• Family-friendly? Kids menus are available plus a swimming pool with kiddies pool.
• Dogs welcome? Service dogs only.
• EV chargers? No.

• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Castle Hotel
• castlehotel.ie