Charleville Castle
Charleville Castle
4.5
Monday
11:00 - 16:00
Thursday
11:00 - 16:00
Friday
11:00 - 16:00
Saturday
11:00 - 16:00
Sunday
11:00 - 16:00
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.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
268 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
58
Average
19
Poor
9
Terrible
10
Grace B
Dublin, Ireland15 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Lisa V
Perth, UK24 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We landed here completely by accident and were blown away by the intimate tour, conducted by the lady of the house, who, along with her family, manage, repair and raise funds for the castle. It was really interesting to hear how difficult it is to maintain this beautiful place. The tour was of the main floor (the family lives above) and included a stunning ball room and sitting room, entrance hall and library.
The castle is fantastic architecturally, but the human element was really fascinating also. Would definitely recommend to anyone passing through tullamore
The castle is fantastic architecturally, but the human element was really fascinating also. Would definitely recommend to anyone passing through tullamore
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred Byrne
County Carlow, Ireland256 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CRRG_Dublin
Dublin, Ireland132 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
mariameeuwsen
Charlotte, NC7 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Wonderful wonderful tour!! Ramon was a great tour guide and knowledgeable on the property! This is the most beautiful castle we have seen. The detail is unbelievable. We didn’t see Harriet but we did have some mist spots on a couple of our pictures. From our daughters camera! Enjoy!! Well worth going!! Tours start at 11am, travel down the driveway.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
AnneandJoetrips
Stockbridge, GA191 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The castle is currently being renovated, but there are volunteers that will gladly give you a tour of the open areas. (There is a fee to help the restoration. The castle is also believed to be haunted by a little girl who lost here life, when she fell from the back staircase. Take note of the lovely ceilings.
Written 10 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resort15304
Atascadero, California1 contribution
Charleville Castle is situated in the centre of the last forest in all of Ireland. This forest is filled with 700 - 1000 year old oaks, birches and copper beech trees that are absolutely amazing. When you walk through the forest the sense of serenity and peace is calming and restorative. When you walk out from under the trees and see the Castle you are truly awed by the sight.
A family and small group of volunteers run the daily tours. A fun, entertaining group, you can have the best time of your life listening to the stories and anecdotes each individual relates.
Well worth the visit - the Castle is open daily. The forest is a public right of way down to a small river.
A family and small group of volunteers run the daily tours. A fun, entertaining group, you can have the best time of your life listening to the stories and anecdotes each individual relates.
Well worth the visit - the Castle is open daily. The forest is a public right of way down to a small river.
Written 17 July 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlancheDublinIreland
Dublin Ireland75 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
The main gate just off the road is an indication of what to expect. On one side if the gate the wall has crumbled away to be replaced by a tatty piece of board. The castle grounds resemble a dump! There was a music concert last August and bits of the stages, bars, toilets are thrown around along with old tattered sofas and chairs. We still wanted to have a look inside but no one answered the door. It is so sad and really its criminal that such a beautiful and important building is allowed to be destroyed. It is totally neglected. There are some broken windows on the top floor. But the grounds are just criminal...... an absolute disgrace!
Written 2 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin_ww
Cape Town Central, South Africa174 contributions
Jul 2011 • Couples
Passing the outskirts of Tullamore on the N52, you will see the towers and roof of the castle. Finding the entrance is a little challenging, as there are no signs. The castle is set in extensive, overgrown parklands. Arriving at the front, the courtyard gives the impression of a scrapyard. Don't be discouraged! After some extended ringing of the large doorbell, admission is granted and the tour can begin. The castle is owned and managed (?) by a private trust. Determined renovation is ongoing, but apparently in a haphazard way. The castle is used as a venue for music events, esoteric happenings, dancing lessons and as a film site. Our very engaging hostess, who lives on the premises, gave us a passionate tour. The castle is of pleasing proportions and some historic importance, but the inside looks like a mix of an antique shop and a jumble sale. The tour includes some reference to ghosts, rendered more credible by the surroundings.
Overall - interesting and great fun!!
Overall - interesting and great fun!!
Written 9 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes Charleville Castle tries to open to the public as much as is possible and feasible. Come to the gate there will be times posted there. If you are visiting please let yourself in and BE SURE TO CLOSE THE GATES AFTER HOU (horses are keeping the grass tame). Go to the parking area in front of Charleville Castle .. Tours are in groupd - so chat away as the group gathers and enjoy ... then a volunteer will approach to see if they might assist ... then you are sure to have a good tour and contribute a good donation to the good work going on here since 1968. In 1968 the roof was gone already and the castle had fallen into ruin but through a combination of individual and community effort, mostly driven by Bridget (Bonnie) Vance, the castle has come back to life and is regaining its great glory - and this time "by the people and for the people" ... ENJOY
Written 21 June 2024
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.
Written 20 January 2019
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.
Written 21 January 2019
How much is it for one adult to go into charleville castle x
Written 6 November 2018
The minimum for a tour which includes two is €20 - otherwise it is €8pp
Written 11 October 2019
Called there today but was closed . Would you do a tour for 8-10 in our family . Regards
Pauline
Written 18 February 2018
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
Written 11 October 2019
Markpendergast
London, United Kingdom
Hi- hope you’re well- can you please let me know if it’s possible to stay overnight at Charleville Castle?- thanks- Mark
Written 22 January 2018
Only just saw your question sorry for delay,it is not possible to stay overnight
Written 19 February 2018
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
Written 6 March 2017
Is this castle open year round?
Written 20 February 2017
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
Written 20 February 2017
Thank you so much
Safe journey
See you back here someday
Dudley
Written 17 December 2016
Hi there! Just wondering, is there an admission charge for the castle?
Many thanks
Written 8 August 2016
There is a fee because all money goes directly towards restoration works. Under 7's are free. 7-13 €4 adults €8. Well worth it!
Written 9 August 2016
Hi, how can I make reservations to stay a night at the Charleville Castle?
Written 28 May 2016
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
Written 29 May 2016
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