A Weekend Castle Road Trip Through the Midlands
By Liam Byrne · January 2026 · 6 min read
When my partner suggested a castle-themed staycation, I pictured busloads of tourists at Blarney. Instead, we spent three days discovering crumbling tower houses in Offaly, Westmeath, and Roscommon — and slept in a converted gatehouse that cost less than a Dublin hotel.
Day 1: Leap Castle & Birr
We started at Leap Castle — Ireland's most haunted, if you believe the stories. The private tour was eerie and fascinating. By afternoon we reached Birr Castle Gardens, where the kids ran free while we explored the Great Telescope.
Day 2: The Hidden Gems
Clonony Castle in Offaly is free, unmanned, and utterly magical. We were the only visitors. A local farmer pointed us toward a second ruin down a boreen we'd never have found on our own.
Day 3: Gatehouse Dreams
Our final night was in a restored gatehouse near Athlone — stone walls, a wood-burning stove, and a view of the Shannon. Total cost: €95 for the family. See our Hidden Castles guide for the full list of stops.