Historic Irish Castle on Lough Sheelin* Exclusive
Castle in Oldcastle, Ireland
- 16+ guests
- 7 bedrooms
- 11 beds
- 7.5 bathrooms
Hosted by Jackie.
- Superhost
- 11 years hosting
Listing highlights
Self check-in
Check yourself in with the lockbox.
Mountain and garden views
Soak up the views during your stay.
Park for free
This is one of the few places in the area with free parking.
Ross Castle is a truly authentic Irish castle, located just one hour from Dublin in County Meath, overlooking the beautiful shores of Lough Sheelin. Guests can enjoy a rare and atmospheric stay in a 500-year-old Norman keep, with the entire castle yours for the duration of your stay.
We allow parties just as long as we are made aware that you plan of having a party and we give you permission.
The castle is also ideal for those seeking history, tranquillity, and a truly unique experience.
The space
We’ve recently completed a stunning new extension above the castle’s wing, creating an extraordinary 3,500 sq. ft. living and entertaining space, as well as our seventh bedroom — the beautiful Bishop’s Suite.
Ross Castle is an exceptional setting for unforgettable family gatherings, holidays, intimate celebrations, and small weddings. This remarkable 500-year-old Irish castle offers the perfect base for your Irish adventure, blending Old World charm, rich history, and modern comfort. Its central location makes exploring Ireland incredibly easy.
For those intrigued by the supernatural, Ross Castle has its own legends. In fact, Lonely Planet named it one of the “Ten Lesser-Known Haunted Places in the World.”
The atmosphere feels authentically medieval — because it truly is.
Accommodation is thoughtfully arranged for comfort and privacy. The three tower bedrooms each feature large, luxurious beds and ensuite bathrooms. On the lower level, guests enjoy generous living space. The Master Bedroom is ensuite with French doors opening onto a private patio, while the Green and Yellow Rooms share an expansive, well-appointed bathroom.
Guest access
When you book Ross Castle, the entire castle is exclusively yours, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy complete privacy in a truly historic setting. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, intimate celebration, wellness retreat, artist workshop, corporate getaway, or simply a peaceful escape, Ross Castle provides an unforgettable experience.
Guests can gather and dine in the elegant Nugent Dining Room, while bespoke catering can be arranged throughout your stay, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your time at the castle.
The magnificent Great Hall offers breathtaking views across Lough Sheelin, creating the perfect setting for memorable moments with family, friends, or colleagues. Outside, unwind on the covered lakeside deck, where you can listen to birdsong, take in the tranquil surroundings, and spot some of the many bird species that inhabit the shores of the lake.
Combining historic charm, luxurious comfort, and stunning natural beauty, Ross Castle offers a unique and exclusive Irish castle experience.
Other things to note
🌿 Morning Activities
1. Lakeside Walk at Lough Sheelin (0–5 mins)
Start your day with a peaceful walk along the shores of Lough Sheelin — perfect for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the lake.
Distance: On your doorstep.
2. Fishing on Lough Sheelin (5 mins)
One of Ireland’s most famous wild trout lakes. Local guides and boat hire are available for guests who want the full experience.
3. Cycling Through the Countryside (0–10 mins)
Bring your bikes or hire locally and explore quiet country roads, rolling farmland, and hidden ruins.
🌼 Midday Adventures
4. Fore Abbey & The Seven Wonders (20 mins)
Explore a magical 7th-century monastic site with ancient stone buildings, holy wells, and beautiful walking trails.
5. Loughcrew Cairns & Megalithic Tombs (25 mins)
Climb to the top of Loughcrew and discover 5,000-year-old passage tombs with incredible views of 18 counties!!
6. Mullaghmeen Forest Walk (25 mins)
Europe’s largest beech forest with marked walking trails — from easy strolls to longer hikes through ancient trees.
7. Castlepollard Village & Tullynally Castle Gardens (25 mins)
Visit the grounds, lakes, and woodland trails of Tullynally — ideal for gentle nature walks and tea rooms.
☀️ Afternoon & Family-Friendly Activities
8. Golf at Crover House (10 mins)
A scenic lakeside golf course perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
9. Horse Riding at Mount Nugent Equestrian Centre (10 mins)
Treks and lessons available for children and adults.
10. Visit Oldcastle (20 mins)
A lively small town with cafés, pubs, shops, and local arts events.
11. Ramor Theatre, Virginia (20 mins)
Catch a play, comedy night, or music performance in this intimate lakeside theatre.
🍽️ Food & Drink Nearby
12. Lunch or Dinner at Crover House Hotel (10 mins)
Lovely food overlooking the lake.
13. Deer Park, Virginia (20 mins)
Delicious & casual dining with a welcoming atmosphere and great cocktails.
14. The Restaurant @ Hotel Castlepollard (25 mins)
Great option for Sunday lunch or family meals.
(I can tailor this list to your favourite local partners — just tell me your preferred restaurants.)
🌙 Evening Activities
15. BBQ
16. Traditional Irish Pubs in Oldcastle (15 mins)
Enjoy live music, tradbands, and the authentic local pub atmosphere.
17. Stargazing at the Castle
With minimal light pollution, Ross Castle is perfect for stargazing — a magical end to the night.
🛡️ Unique Experiences
18. Archery with Bobsgrove archery Club. Enjoy an archery lesson/competition on request through ancient Irish woodlands. (7min drive).
19. Yoga or Wellness Session.
Enjoy a private group yoga session with our in house yoga teacher Steph. After training in India Steph teaches Hatha, Vinyassa Flow, Ashtanga and chair yoga. Please message for more info. (On site)
20. Private Chef Dining Experience (On site)
Enjoy a fine-dining evening prepared by Steph and her team using local and organic Irish produce.
We allow parties just as long as we are made aware that you plan of having a party and we give you permission.
The castle is also ideal for those seeking history, tranquillity, and a truly unique experience.
The space
We’ve recently completed a stunning new extension above the castle’s wing, creating an extraordinary 3,500 sq. ft. living and entertaining space, as well as our seventh bedroom — the beautiful Bishop’s Suite.
Ross Castle is an exceptional setting for unforgettable family gatherings, holidays, intimate celebrations, and small weddings. This remarkable 500-year-old Irish castle offers the perfect base for your Irish adventure, blending Old World charm, rich history, and modern comfort. Its central location makes exploring Ireland incredibly easy.
For those intrigued by the supernatural, Ross Castle has its own legends. In fact, Lonely Planet named it one of the “Ten Lesser-Known Haunted Places in the World.”
The atmosphere feels authentically medieval — because it truly is.
Accommodation is thoughtfully arranged for comfort and privacy. The three tower bedrooms each feature large, luxurious beds and ensuite bathrooms. On the lower level, guests enjoy generous living space. The Master Bedroom is ensuite with French doors opening onto a private patio, while the Green and Yellow Rooms share an expansive, well-appointed bathroom.
Guest access
When you book Ross Castle, the entire castle is exclusively yours, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy complete privacy in a truly historic setting. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, intimate celebration, wellness retreat, artist workshop, corporate getaway, or simply a peaceful escape, Ross Castle provides an unforgettable experience.
Guests can gather and dine in the elegant Nugent Dining Room, while bespoke catering can be arranged throughout your stay, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your time at the castle.
The magnificent Great Hall offers breathtaking views across Lough Sheelin, creating the perfect setting for memorable moments with family, friends, or colleagues. Outside, unwind on the covered lakeside deck, where you can listen to birdsong, take in the tranquil surroundings, and spot some of the many bird species that inhabit the shores of the lake.
Combining historic charm, luxurious comfort, and stunning natural beauty, Ross Castle offers a unique and exclusive Irish castle experience.
Other things to note
🌿 Morning Activities
1. Lakeside Walk at Lough Sheelin (0–5 mins)
Start your day with a peaceful walk along the shores of Lough Sheelin — perfect for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the lake.
Distance: On your doorstep.
2. Fishing on Lough Sheelin (5 mins)
One of Ireland’s most famous wild trout lakes. Local guides and boat hire are available for guests who want the full experience.
3. Cycling Through the Countryside (0–10 mins)
Bring your bikes or hire locally and explore quiet country roads, rolling farmland, and hidden ruins.
🌼 Midday Adventures
4. Fore Abbey & The Seven Wonders (20 mins)
Explore a magical 7th-century monastic site with ancient stone buildings, holy wells, and beautiful walking trails.
5. Loughcrew Cairns & Megalithic Tombs (25 mins)
Climb to the top of Loughcrew and discover 5,000-year-old passage tombs with incredible views of 18 counties!!
6. Mullaghmeen Forest Walk (25 mins)
Europe’s largest beech forest with marked walking trails — from easy strolls to longer hikes through ancient trees.
7. Castlepollard Village & Tullynally Castle Gardens (25 mins)
Visit the grounds, lakes, and woodland trails of Tullynally — ideal for gentle nature walks and tea rooms.
☀️ Afternoon & Family-Friendly Activities
8. Golf at Crover House (10 mins)
A scenic lakeside golf course perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
9. Horse Riding at Mount Nugent Equestrian Centre (10 mins)
Treks and lessons available for children and adults.
10. Visit Oldcastle (20 mins)
A lively small town with cafés, pubs, shops, and local arts events.
11. Ramor Theatre, Virginia (20 mins)
Catch a play, comedy night, or music performance in this intimate lakeside theatre.
🍽️ Food & Drink Nearby
12. Lunch or Dinner at Crover House Hotel (10 mins)
Lovely food overlooking the lake.
13. Deer Park, Virginia (20 mins)
Delicious & casual dining with a welcoming atmosphere and great cocktails.
14. The Restaurant @ Hotel Castlepollard (25 mins)
Great option for Sunday lunch or family meals.
(I can tailor this list to your favourite local partners — just tell me your preferred restaurants.)
🌙 Evening Activities
15. BBQ
16. Traditional Irish Pubs in Oldcastle (15 mins)
Enjoy live music, tradbands, and the authentic local pub atmosphere.
17. Stargazing at the Castle
With minimal light pollution, Ross Castle is perfect for stargazing — a magical end to the night.
🛡️ Unique Experiences
18. Archery with Bobsgrove archery Club. Enjoy an archery lesson/competition on request through ancient Irish woodlands. (7min drive).
19. Yoga or Wellness Session.
Enjoy a private group yoga session with our in house yoga teacher Steph. After training in India Steph teaches Hatha, Vinyassa Flow, Ashtanga and chair yoga. Please message for more info. (On site)
20. Private Chef Dining Experience (On site)
Enjoy a fine-dining evening prepared by Steph and her team using local and organic Irish produce.
Where you'll sleep
1 of 4 pages
What this place offers
Garden view
Mountain view
Lake access
Kitchen
Wifi
Accessibility features
This info was provided by the Host and reviewed by Airbnb.
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Rated 4.95 out of 5 from 92 reviews.
Guest favourite
This home is a guest favourite based on ratings, reviews and reliability
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 96% of reviews
- 4 stars, 3% of reviews
- 3 stars, 1% of reviews
- 2 stars, 0% of reviews
- 1 stars, 0% of reviews
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value
Guests mention
Where you’ll be
Oldcastle
From the host
There is plenty to do in the area, game and coarse fishing on Lough Sheelin, The Loughcrew Cairns are megalithic structures originally built about 4000 BC, Fore Abbey and many more sites of interest.
Meet your host
Born in the 60s
My work: Farming and Hosting.
Business
Hi, I’m Jackie.
My husband Richard and I run Ross Castle. We also manage an organic family farm nearby, where we grow oats, sheep and cattle.
I’m a mum to two grown children, a part-time interior designer, and a lover of antiques. Running Ross Castle is truly a passion — I get to welcome wonderful guests from all over the world and share a place that means so much to our family.
I adore the peace of the countryside, fresh air and the company of good people.
I look forward to welcoming you.
Jackie. is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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