My stay at Carrigeen Castle was one of the creepiest experiences I have ever had, namely due to Peig Butler.

She rudely welcomed us when we arrived at 4pm, insisting that we had written a confirmed email for 4 guests when there was only the 2 of us. After our dinner at this random overly priced Indian restaurant down the street, my mom and I decided to go watch a movie since the castle is slightly depressing looking at night. We got back to the castle around 11:30pm, and Peig condescendingly told us that guests at her home usually never keep her up that late. When I forgot my phone in the car, and stepped out to get it, she was standing in the dark hallway (she slept in the room next to us) in her pajamas and nightcap inquiring what I was doing. She did the same when my mom went downstairs to get her book. In the morning she knocked on the door to tell us the time as it seemed like she was eager for us to get up and going. She then sat down next to us while we were eating our breakfast and talked profusely about Cahir (which was fine), but again, real no appreciation for space and privacy.

All in all, an unforgettable stay. I rarely post reviews, but I definitely wanted to make sure anyone that read this what they were potentially getting into.

If you have read reviews of this castle you know that the positive or negative depends on Peg and David Butler. I read reviews before we committed to our stay and was concerned. Here is what happened. David met us with a matter of fact and proper almost "butler" greeting. If you want someone to cater to you and treat you like royalty, then spend 200 euro each per night at a "real castle" and enjoy. I met Peg later in the evening looking for a late cup of coffee for myself and my 87 year old father. She was more than helpfull sending me back to my room with two cups of hot coffee. This is a very interesting place, the breakfast was delicious, the hosts were interesting and "real" people. If travel is about the experience than this is a GREAT place to include in your travels.

Recently I traveled to Ireland with my family. Our ages ranged from 46 to 80. I am the eldest of 8 children and on this trip I was the designated driver for my Dad and my sister (3rd in line). The remainder of the group was made up of my three younger brothers, their wives and my youngest sister and her husband. The family arrived from the states about 9AM. Four cars were rented at the airport and off we went to begin our tour of Ireland. Starting in Powerscourt, having lunch, getting lost and seperated from the other three cars (cell phones very helpful to us) we finally landed on the Peg Butler's doorstep at Carrigeen Castle in Cahir later than anticipated. The remainder of our party arrived to late to eat but did enjoy pub hopping. I found Peg very helpful with advice just as an Irish mother would give. Drop your bags and get down to the town for something to eat as the resturants would be closing shortly. The food in town was wonderful. I found the Castle to be great. The third floor had the best view and the most comfortable bed. In fact it was the only bed that I slept well in during the entire trip. I had told David that Dad had no trouble with stairs and even after Dad told me about his knees not being as good as they were he loved that top floor. I had an opportunity to talk with Peg about our trip plan and received good advice to take the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer after we left the Dingle Pennisula on our way to Clifden. Carrigeen Castle is a place to stay if you want a truly unequaled experience of Ireland and its' varied people.

I have never stayed at a B&B prior to this. We arrived at the Castle four hours late on a Sunday night (no less). We should have tried to contact the owners to let them know we were running late, always think of this after the fact. My 80 year old father was in a room on the top floor with myself and sister in another room. These rooms used to be cells and it was a lot of fun staying in them. I asked my father about the spiral staircase and he stated that he enjoyed being on the top floor and that the view was spectacutar. Peg and David were concerned about our late arrival more due to us not being familar with the roads. Breakfast was more than I was expecting but very good and Peg and David were very understanding in my wanting less the next morning. They also provided us with information on places to see in and around the area. My sister and I were even given a brief history of the town and Castle which was very interesting. During the whole trip I believe Cerrigeen Castle was one of the best places we stayed and I would love to return someday.
Nancy Goldberg