Castles & Country Manors
Any bucket-list trip to Ireland and the British Isles is going to include visits to castles and country manors. But a trip created with Old Sod Travel is bound to include at least one stay in an elegant castle or refined country manor. It's easy to imagine the lords and ladies who once graced the halls and rooms when you stay the night or visit.
Keep reading to see our collection of favorite castles and country manors, and check out the trip ideas for each country for more ideas on your next Old Sod Travel adventure!
Ashford Castle - Ireland
![Ashford castle Ashford Castle - Ireland](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ashford-castle.webp)
In County Mayo, a magnificent 5-star hotel set on 350 acres on the shores of Lough Corrib. Enter the 800-year-old castle through the front stone gates, then retire to your opulent room or suite. Here you can enjoy restorative spa treatments or venture outdoors to experience falconry or horse-riding through the forest.
![Ashford castle reagan room Ashford castle reagan room](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ashford-castle-reagan-room.webp)
![Ashford castle team Ashford castle team](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ashford-castle-team.webp)
![ashford-castle-falconry_3.png Ashford castle falconry](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ashford-castle-falconry_3.png.webp)
![Ashford castle spa pool Ashford castle spa pool](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ashford-castle-spa-pool.webp)
Inveraray Castle - Scotland
![Inveraray Lovely-evening-in-May-gardensAMENDED Inveraray castle](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Inveraray-Lovely-evening-in-May-gardensAMENDED.jpg)
Once home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyl, this 1700s-era castle offers tours of the castle as well as the grounds and gardens. Enjoy the tearoom and nearby walking routes as well. Stay in one of the charming Holiday Houses that are part of the Argyll Estates either right in Inveraray or nearby.
![Inverary Saloon-piano-view Inverary Saloon piano view](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Inverary-Saloon-piano-view.webp)
![Inverary Dining-room-v-wide_MG_4479 Inverary Dining room](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Inverary-Dining-room-v-wide_MG_4479.webp)
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Cliveden House - England
![Cliveden Cliveden House - England](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cliveden.jpg)
Just outside of London, Cliveden House is a 5-star hotel with 350 years of history enriched with antique furniture and period decor. Stay in the lap of luxury, with not only the decadent rooms but lavish spa experiences, excellent cuisine and country sports.
![Cliveden pool Cliveden pool](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cliveden-pool.webp)
![Cliveden chinese-deluxe-double-rooms Cliveden chinese-deluxe-double-rooms](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cliveden-chinese-deluxe-double-rooms.webp)
![Cliveden shrewsbury-deluxe-suite1 Cliveden shrewsbury deluxe suite1](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cliveden-shrewsbury-deluxe-suite1.webp)
![Cliveden archery-2 Cliveden archery](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cliveden-archery-2.webp)
Highclere Castle - England
![Highclere spring-landscape-2021 Highclere Castle - England](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Highclere-spring-landscape-2021.webp)
Fans of the popular show Downton Abbey will recognize this castle estate that dates back to the 1600s, containing 250-300 rooms. Tours explore the main state rooms used in the show as well as bedrooms and staff quarters. Stay on the estate in the comfortable country Lodges.
![Highclere Castle NE Corner_1 Highclere Castle NE Corner_1](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Highclere-Castle-NE-Corner_1.jpg)
![Highclere foyer Highclere foyer](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Highclere-foyer.webp)
Adare Manor - Ireland
![Adare Manor Exterior Adare Manor - Ireland](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Adare-Manor-Exterior.webp)
This lavish 5-star manor resides in County Limerick. Roam the 840 acres of pristine parkland, dine in the Michelin-star restaurant and reach the depths of relaxation in the spa. At the end of the day, relax and refresh in grand accommodations.
![adare deluxe-room-1-1199x800-fp_mm-fpoff_0_0 adare deluxe room](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/adare-deluxe-room-1-1199x800-fp_mm-fpoff_0_0.webp)
![adare 1-bed-suite-1-1199x800-fp_mm-fpoff_0_0 adare 1-bed suite](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/adare-1-bed-suite-1-1199x800-fp_mm-fpoff_0_0.webp)
![adare oakroom-food-1-970x1724-fp_mm-fpoff_0_0 adare oakroom food](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/adare-oakroom-food-1-970x1724-fp_mm-fpoff_0_0.webp)
![adare-activities-swimming-pool-01 adare activities swimming pool](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/adare-activities-swimming-pool-01.webp)
Ballyfin - Ireland
![Ballyfin Ballyfin - Ireland](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ballyfin.jpg)
Prepare for the spectacular beauty of this 1820s manor at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Here you can enjoy gourmet dining, explore the foothills and mountains, savor wines in the servants-hall-turned-bar, and settle in for the night in an extravagant room or even the picturesque gardener's cottage.
![Ballyfin Sarah Pole room Ballyfin Sarah Pole room](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ballyfin-Sarah-Pole-room.webp)
![Ballyfin marquis room Ballyfin marquis room](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ballyfin-marquis-room.webp)
![Ballyfin cellar bar Ballyfin cellar bar](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ballyfin-cellar-bar.webp)
![Ballyfin gardeners cottage Ballyfin gardeners cottage](https://www.oldsodtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ballyfin-gardeners-cottage.webp)