I really enjoyed my self guided tour of the splendid interior of Castletown House. The OPW provide a free guide you can download and use as you walk around. Only the ground floor is open for tours but the drawing room, print room and dining room in particular are just resplendent Gorgeous period furnishings and artwork abound and the staff are on hand too to answer any questions. They were so welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. It is free to enter for the rest of 2020 but you must book ahead. I think it's well worth a visit irrespective of whether a fee is charged or not. The grounds are beautiful and if you get decent weather there are loads of walks you can do. It has a plenty of parking, a cafe and toilets but Celbridge town is only a tennish minute walk away if you want a choice of eateries and shops. Just a lovely, lovely place ideal for families; children and adults alike

Castletown House was created by Speaker William Connolly and was the creation of his nephew Tom Connolly and his wife Louisa who was one of the famous Lennox sisters (as dramatized in the 1999 BBC adaptation 'The Aristrocrats'). Saved by Desmond Guiness and the Castletown Foundation it is now in the care of Office of Public Works. The largest and grandest house in Ireland the interiors are out of this world. The tour guide is excellent and will tell you in detail the fascinating story of the house family and collections. Often you get guides who are not very good but every time I visit these guides are excellent. Go when it is quieter to fully appreciate it.The best collection you ever see of Irish furniture and fortunately many of the original contents are on display as well. You can do guided tour or self guide. I often do both but if you self guide make sure have guide book with you as there is no information in the rooms.

This morning in Glorious sunshine we visited Castletown House in Celbridge Co Kildare for our July monthly tour which was hosted by a lovely lady by the name of Anne Nolan who is a font of knowledge on the history of the house and surrounding countryside. She was a most gracious host and her enthusiasm and passion on Castletown was admirable. We were brought through the house and had all the artwork, period furniture, the functionality of the house explained to us. The story of the history of the owners and their families was told to us in detail. We then adjourned for coffee in the lovely cafe and then toured the gardens and grounds. Anne Nolan then rejoined us to give us a tour of the stables and a history of the various horse drawn vehicles. The Gentlemen of our shed expressed their gratitude to Anne for her tour. and all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I would not hesitate to recommend this venue for a day out. Liam Edwards