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Temporarily closed until further notice
Castletown House
Castletown House
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
House, café and Biodiversity Garden temporarily closed. Castletown is the first and largest Palladian style mansion in Ireland and is just 20km from Dublin City Centre and sits on the banks of the River Liffey. FREE admission to the restored 18th century parklands, open daily throughout the year. For gate opening times see website. Extensive events programme which includes: Children's art and craft workshops, music recitals, parkland tours, evening concerts, 'Family nights' in the Courtyard Cafe for all this and more refer to website.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
397 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
104
Average
12
Poor
11
Terrible
3
Derek C
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Visited today myself with my partner and 17 month old daughter, had the guided tour at 4pm. The lady tour guide was one of the rudest and obnoxious people I have ever encountered. My daughter wanted to keep moving and looking around so my partner tried to oblige in order to keep her satisfied and quiet so that the tour was not disturbed. We had only gotten into the 2nd room of the tour and the lady tour guide TOLD US that she was "having someone come to take us off the tour" she also told us to move into an adjacent room and not move until this other person came to get us. All of the above was said in a snarky manner and in front of the entire tour group who were visibly uneasy at how she spoke to us. She then proceeded to tell us that we would have been advised that our daughter was far to young for the tour (which was not true, nobody mentioned this to us) which was irrelevant as our daughter was not screaming, crying, or anything else other than encouraging both her mammy and daddy to keep moving so she could look at all of the art work. When we were escorted out by a lady that was very kind, we Informed her of what had happened which is all we could do. We also told her the only reason we didn't go through this tour guide for a shortcut was purely to save any discomfort to the people on the tour, which was a courtesy the guide herself didn't seem interested in giving. This lady should be ashamed of herself and absolutely should not be giving guided tours with such a sour attitude. I'll add one other note and that is this... at the beginning of the tour she was also rude to a young boy of about 8 that asked what she viewed to be a silly question and then said (anyone can ask questions except for you) gesturing the child, granted this may have been in gest bit the child was still visibly awkward after the interaction as her manner was so cold and abrasive. I truly hope this is addressed because it absolutely ruined a tour we were very much looking forward to. We've had our daughter at Malahide Castle for a tour recently and the staff were so engaging and wonderful. I strongly suggest taking a leaf from their book. Everyone else we encountered that worked there was lovely by the way. Just this particular lady was rude enough to ruin your day.
Written 12 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.
Dear 60derekc. We are sorry that you were unhappy with your visit to Castletown House. The day of your visit was free admittance because of Heritage Week. Another person acquired your tickets on your behalf, when they received the child ticket they were advised that the general house tour can be difficult for very young children as they get bored very easily walking through museum rooms. At the start of the tour, all visitors are advised that they must remain together and with the guide at all times. This is to protect both our important collections and to ensure the safety of our visitors. A member of your party was moving ahead into other rooms to look at the artworks, therefore the guide could not see you. The guide who came to bring you off the tour offered to show you around the house separately to the group, but you declined. As your tickets were free we could not offer you a refund so in lieu of refund, you were offered a complimentary tour on another day which you declined. You received free admittance to our Fairy Trail, and children’s play area. We expressed regret for your bad experience on the day. We addressed this incident, in real time and regret that you do not feel satisfied and felt the need to post on TripAdvisor.
Written 28 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
victoria B
Lincolnshire, UK587 contributions
Jun 2022
Regular guided tours are available and are excellent. I ended up being the only visitor on my tour given by Pauline who was a brilliant guide and obviously loved the house.
The place is huge and the tour took around 90 minutes, although I did ask a lot of questions. This gorgeous house was in danger of demolition in the 1960s but rescued by the Irish Georgian Society and Lord Iveagh who managed to buy most of the contents. The place has been beautifully restored and laid out as it was in the eighteenth century with stunning plasterwork. The stories about the family who lived there are fascinating as Lady Louisa was one of the famous Lennox sisters.
The cafe is very good and they made me a great toastie despite it nearly being closing time. There are toilets and a shop by the ticket office inside the house.
The place is huge and the tour took around 90 minutes, although I did ask a lot of questions. This gorgeous house was in danger of demolition in the 1960s but rescued by the Irish Georgian Society and Lord Iveagh who managed to buy most of the contents. The place has been beautifully restored and laid out as it was in the eighteenth century with stunning plasterwork. The stories about the family who lived there are fascinating as Lady Louisa was one of the famous Lennox sisters.
The cafe is very good and they made me a great toastie despite it nearly being closing time. There are toilets and a shop by the ticket office inside the house.
Written 4 September 2022
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.
Teresa C
159 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
This Palladian house has a extensive parkland with a comparable size of bio variety garden. This 18th century country house was initially built by W. Connolly, used by his wife Katherine Connolly for provide social gathering. It presents a taste of neo-Palladian structure from a Italian Galileo style.
Written 14 June 2021
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 Teresa for taking the time to leave this great review. Hope to see you back again soon!
Written 27 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jon
Dublin16 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
A visit to Castletown House is currently NOT recommended.
There is a long running dispute between adjoining landowners, the owners of the house (OPW) and local residents groups.
The primary access route (via the M4 motorway) is now closed. There is no car park. Access from the other two entrances is difficult and both have limited opening hours. The café is now gone. The house itself is closed. There are no tours. The large grounds themselves are no longer properly maintained. The adjoining lands which were previously accessible are now closed off.
The house is 30% covered in scaffolding which has been there for longer than one year with little progress. The view of and from the steps of the house is now spoilt.
In short – DO NOT visit this attraction! Keep an eye on their web site to see if things change, but at the current pace it may be 2025 or beyond before anything improves.
There is a long running dispute between adjoining landowners, the owners of the house (OPW) and local residents groups.
The primary access route (via the M4 motorway) is now closed. There is no car park. Access from the other two entrances is difficult and both have limited opening hours. The café is now gone. The house itself is closed. There are no tours. The large grounds themselves are no longer properly maintained. The adjoining lands which were previously accessible are now closed off.
The house is 30% covered in scaffolding which has been there for longer than one year with little progress. The view of and from the steps of the house is now spoilt.
In short – DO NOT visit this attraction! Keep an eye on their web site to see if things change, but at the current pace it may be 2025 or beyond before anything improves.
Written 3 July 2024
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.
Paul O
County Monaghan, Ireland6,192 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
The oldest and largest Palladian country house in Ireland makes for a wonderful visit. There are 2 pedestrian gate entrances (one is from Celbridge Main Street), but the main car entrance is located just off junction 6 of the M4. The car park large though has a lot of potholes. From the car park it is a short walk to the house.
The guided tours are every hour on the hour and cost €10 for an adult. No need to pre book, we just showed up. In fact we were tut only 2 people on our tour that lasted 45 mins.
The interior of the house is without doubt the highlight. Spread over 2 floors there is loads to see and admire, including dining rooms, grand halls and bedrooms.
Outside the house is large parkland which you can walk around for free.
The guided tours are every hour on the hour and cost €10 for an adult. No need to pre book, we just showed up. In fact we were tut only 2 people on our tour that lasted 45 mins.
The interior of the house is without doubt the highlight. Spread over 2 floors there is loads to see and admire, including dining rooms, grand halls and bedrooms.
Outside the house is large parkland which you can walk around for free.
Written 16 April 2022
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.
Therese Ergot
4 contributions
Sept 2020
Beautiful house but OPW do not care about environment issues at all. No bins provided. There was one old bin and now there is none. You walk around the grounds and you just see rubbish. No education and encouragement about what can be recycle and what no oh cos there is no bins for bootless, paper, general rubbish.
Written 3 September 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.
Christy_Luv2
Gorey, Ireland1,874 contributions
Jul 2022
This house is one of the best historic houses in Ireland at present. Recently renovated, the Guides are really passionate about the house and our tour was fabulous. Our group was split into two groups and plenty of time allocated to each room and many questions answered. Hard to believe all those years ago, it was a family home! A young 15 year old took it under her wing, following her marriage and her additions to the house are fabulous! She has to be commended. Paintings of the family over the years litter the house. Very many congrats extended to OPW for the renovations and it's lovely that it is now shared with the public. Well recommended.. Thank You.
Written 20 July 2022
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.
Ellie W
11 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
The grounds are beautiful and great for if you are looking to do lots of walking in nature and on paths. The front of Castletown House is currently under renovation (May 2022) and our tour guide said it may be months until it’s finished. We started the tour from the back of the house instead of walking through the front. Our guide was great! Very beautiful house on the inside and worth the tour. You can buy tickets on site.
Written 15 May 2022
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.
Beverly D
1 contribution
Jul 2023
we are an afterschool group and have sent a mixed age group of children several times to do the guided tour. They have really enjoyed this, it is interactive, they allow them to dress up in the clothes and are wonderful at answering all the children's questions. After the tour the children get to play in the extensive grounds and have a treat in the very well run coffee shop. Overall the experience was amazing and the children got to spend the whole day there. The staff are efficient and it was so easy to book. Would highly recommend castletown house for a tour and a day out.
Written 25 July 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.
kmmh58
Newbridge, Ireland641 contributions
Apr 2022
We have been coming to Castletown House for a number of years. However, this Good Friday we took the time to do the Liffey Walk and discovered there is so much more to offer on the grounds of Castletown House. I recorded a video which is now on YouTube (Our Irish Family) of our family exploring Castletown House if you are interested. Honestly, this place is accessible, lots of nooks for kids to explore and they have a coffee shop/restaurant, and toilets here too.
Written 22 April 2022
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.
How long does it take to walk around the grounds? How many KM would it be?
Written 2 August 2020
It depends on the walk. Allow about an hour to walk the entire estate or there are shorter 20 minute walks.
Written 3 August 2020
Quels sont les lieux et hôtels les plus sécurisés et les mieux assures dans ce quartier a Castletown pour un séjour touristique.
Written 21 March 2018
Can you walk around in the evening around 8/9 or is the garden closed??
Written 26 May 2017
The hours vary at different times of year, but the vehicle and pedestrian gates allow access to the parklands for extended hours. From May through August, those gates remain open until 10:15 PM. TripAdvisor will not allow me to include a link, but go to the website, then click on the Plan Your Visit and Tickets and Times links.
Written 26 May 2017
Playground now and fairy garden.lego exhibition at the moment also! Great place!
Written 3 July 2017
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