Charleville Castle, Tullamore: Address, Phone Number, Charleville Castle Reviews: 4.5/5
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Charleville Castle
Charleville Castle
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
Charleville Castle, the Masterpiece of Francis Johnston, once derelict, vacant, closed-off and decaying, has been rescued from near ruin by volunteers of the Charleville Castle Community. Built originally as a dramatic Power Center in the Midlands - a most important Irish symbol of the Union with Great Britain 1801 - it is a project of the Peace Process - authenticate, intact and "of the people". The long avenue to the forecourt is now fully open - some areas require supervised access or guides [set donation] - Volunteers rotate on duty 24/7 - 365 days a year - sharing actively with the public. It is famous for its ghosts stories and unique architecture - it is not a state-funded project and depends entirely on volunteers and supporters - the local community and many thousands more openly express love and support for the Castle. Come visit - we hope you will get a real feeling of what it is to keep a big Castle like this alive - hopefully your visit can be enhanced by a guided tour.
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4.5
261 reviews
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Rourked
dublin68 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Saving the five star review for when we get into the castle.
Beautiful walk up to the gates of the castle- some fairy doors scattered around. Upon arrival the view of the castle is breathtaking.
Beautiful walk up to the gates of the castle- some fairy doors scattered around. Upon arrival the view of the castle is breathtaking.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Grace B
Dublin, Ireland14 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We were away for the weekend staying nearby and came across the castle from a Google search and so lucky we did. We arrive at 2pm and a lovely volunteer at the door named Roman (from France) welcomed us in for a tour (there is a donation to be made as its a voluntary run project) to note they do not have a card machine and we only had credit cards no cash so we drove down to the town to get an ATM and were back for the 3pm tour. The castle is beautiful and its history and stories provided by Roman were so interesting and captivating. The rooms within the castle were just out of this world. Thoroughly enjoyed and will definetly be back. Well done Roman for delivering such a great and informative tour for us. Thank you
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you from all the volunteers and thank you Romain... the card machine is fixed - most sorry about that
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Din B
1 contribution
Feb 2020
One of the most beautiful castles in Ireland! Tour was provided by two volunteer french girls! We visited almost all rooms, was very interesting! Highly recommended for visit!
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
From all the volunteers at Charleville Castle - Thank you - safe route
I hope the French Guides were live volunteers not "floating" residents???
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Keristy & Skylar
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Family
My partner and I made an unexpected stop to Charleville castle, rang the doorbell hoping to see inside and these two lovely ladies let us in and gave us a guided tour throughout the castle. We had many laughs and heard very many tales about the history of the family and the rooms that were available to the public. They had great knowledge about the history of the surrounding areas as well which we greatly appreciated! Sam and Nadine were so warm and welcoming to us to the point where we felt as though we were speaking to our friends not just a "regular tour guide with no emotion" both myself and my partner would absolutely recommend going to visit this magical place! Prior to going to Charleville Castle we visited another location, the staff there had no idea about the history but Sam and Nadine did. They told us stories of not just the one they worked at but others I would go back just to pick their brains more!!! Thank you so much ladies for all your work and obvious love of where you are.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
What a smashing review.... Sam and Nadine ... you were migty lucky
It would be great if all visitors could be so lucky
But I guess that is the mystery of the castle - when to come?
How to be so lucky...
Safe travels
Written 4 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fred Byrne
County Carlow, Ireland48 contributions
Feb 2020
Fantastic Experience. Well worth a a visit if your in the area. Our guide (Santiago) from Argentina was probably the best & most passionate guide I've ever had. Full of knowledge & stories relating to the castle & surrounding areas. Loved it.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CRRG_Dublin
Dublin, Ireland126 contributions
Jan 2020
Hard to get a reply when trying to book our visit by e-mail and phone. But worth the trip and a fascinating castle. Our tour guide, Santiago (from Argentina!!) was brilliant - funny, entertaining, lively but also had a great knowlegde about the castle and Tullamore. Well worth the visit!!
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
To CRRG_Dublin
You guys are simply brilliant. and you overcame all the tests of actually getting a phone to ring in this big heap of a castle when a volunteers just happened to be passing --- 5 stars
Thank you
Santiage will be chuffed - it is great that you found it worthwhile and really good that you told other people .... let's keep the People's Castle ALIVE - Safe Travels
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Visitor
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
An absolutly unique castle with a lot of spooky legends and stories . Even though in January, a very nice guy openend and showed us the castle. He told us about the castle and some ghost stories. He was so passionated about keeping the castle alive! And that all voluntarily. It is definitly worth a visit.
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hey
Thank you Thank you Thank you
We are delighted you got to visit the little treasure Charleville Castle )which we all love to care for and share when we can)
Thank you
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nate m
Tullamore, Ireland7 contributions
Mar 2019
volunteer-run, donation-supported (no defined entry fee), personal feel to the tour. this is a different tour than you'll have at a more traditional/formal castle, as it's not as established and (thankfully) not run by a large entity. the tour guide was excellent, as was the access to the rooms, the relaxed pace of the tour, and the stories about the family.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kristen
Austin, TX8 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
This castle is a definite must if you're traveling anywhere nearby. It is totally volunteer run, and contrary to other reviews I've seen, ringing the doorbell brought someone right away. I was the only one there (it IS offseason) and the french guide was super friendly and full of information about the castle, and told a few ghost stories as well. I got total "beauty and the beast" castle vibes due to the state it's in, but that was not a bad thing and repairs are ongoing. It'll definitely be worth a second visit in a few years when they have more done!
Written 16 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hey Rodeo
Brilliant. We are all glad you got in ... some others would say "the Gods were with you" but, in fact, like you say we do try our damndest to meet visitors and share their castle with them... we are their caretakers - your caretaker...
Thanks so much for explaning that if we are not there at first "ring of the bell" we will get there..... visitors are known to have lassooed volunteers in the past ... THANK YOU
from all here - see you again ... and we'll keep on it ... we promise to keep it original and prioritize the roof and rapid deployment to weak spots ... our motto "Courage to the wound flows"
Written 18 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Flanno
County Kildare, Ireland72 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
Have been to this castle twice for overnight experiences with Paranormal investigations. Beautiful driveway with an incredible oak which is around 900 years old! The castle itself is steeped in history and although parts of it are severely run down you still get the impression of what it must have been like in days gone by. The ballroom is something to behold as is the amazing staircase. Go and enjoy the ambience and stories. It is worth the visit.
Written 4 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Greetings. Will be traveling to Ireland in October and Charleville Castle is one of our points of interest. Would like more information about the times for guided tours? Kind regards.
Miranda C
5 contributions
You should definitely call them. I think their tour times vary by day since they’re operated by volunteers. We just dropped by in the afternoon and happened to arrive in time for a tour, but it was a gamble. They post the times outside the front door.
How much is it for one adult to go into charleville castle x
Charleville C
Tullamore, Ireland8 contributions
The minimum for a tour which includes two is €20 - otherwise it is €8pp
hazelpauline
Wicklow, Ireland3 contributions
Called there today but was closed . Would you do a tour for 8-10 in our family . Regards
Pauline
Charleville C
Tullamore, Ireland8 contributions
There are always people on duty at the castle --- but there are times when other urgent work (roof etc) distracts from tours. Please be patient . do honk your horn .. gently...Thank you in advance
Markpendergast
London, UK
Hi- hope you’re well- can you please let me know if it’s possible to stay overnight at Charleville Castle?- thanks- Mark
Gizmo123456789
8 contributions
Only just saw your question sorry for delay,it is not possible to stay overnight
Patricia P
Niceville
How do I get a tour and is it open the week of November 11-15?
Dudley S
2 contributions
Hi
Yes we are open all year by prior appointment, including November 11 to 15. You can make arrangements by email which you can find on our website. Please remember we are a an organisation made up by volunteers so advance notice is important. We look forward to seeing you here at Charleville Castle.
Regards
Dudley Stewart
Advntr_Junkee
Riverside, CA9 contributions
Is this castle open year round?
Dudley S
2 contributions
Hi Yes the castle is open, by appointment, year round. From Arch to September it is open to "drop-in" tours from Midday to 5.30 pm.
We look forward to your visit
Regards Volunteer in Charge
Hi, how can I make reservations to stay a night at the Charleville Castle?
Charleville C
Tullamore, Ireland8 contributions
Hi Sharon,.
Charleville Castle has been saved from ruin by the volunteers of Charleville Castle Heritage Trust. It is now a protected Grade 1 Historical Building and Work In Progress. Fire Regulations allow stay overs in the castle for the Night Watch and such - to AAA Approved Volunteers who are trained. From time to time AAA Approved Volunteers ask to stay over under the supervision of the Night Watch.
So to answer your question - you can stay over in the castle with permission of the Duty Officer and Board of Trustees Approval if you become an AAA Approved Volunteer. Fortunately we never have enough volunteers so we invite you to become a member and train to be an AAA Approved Volunteer - see our website.
Welcome on board already
Duty officer
Charleville Castle
Frequently Asked Questions about Charleville Castle
- Hotels near Charleville Castle:
- (2.27 km) Bridge House Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club
- (5.30 km) Grennan's Country House
- (2.21 km) Tullamore Court Hotel
- (1.97 km) Central Hotel Tullamore
- (2.37 km) Sea Dew Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Charleville Castle:
- (2.18 km) Captain House Restaurant
- (2.58 km) The Blue Apron Restaurant
- (2.14 km) Shishir - Thai & Indian Cuisine
- (2.33 km) Siroccos
- (2.14 km) Pizzeria Del Capitano