Hotel of the week: Castle Durrow, Co Laois, Ireland

Caroline Kamp
Sunday 04 November 2007 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dominating the village of Durrow in County Laois is its castle, now elegantly renovated as a hotel by owners Peter and Shelly Stokes. Inside, the stone staircases and marble fireplaces are complemented by antique furnishings and bold wallpapers. Touches such as the "Lords" and Ladies" lavatories add to a slightly eccentric atmosphere.

The bedroom

Big and tall: our large four-poster bed was almost swallowed up in the cavernous space. The bathrooms are also on the generous side, with toiletries from Molton Brown.

The food and drink

The bar is the most castle-like element, with dark walls and leather sofas. A set four-course dinner, served in the dining room overlooking the vast garden, is ¿50. The hotel is a popular wedding venue though, and the food tastes a bit mass-catered.

The access

The hotel welcomes children but no pets. It has wheelchair access, bedrooms on the ground floor and seats for the bath.

The bill

Doubles start at ¿100 per night, including breakfast.

The address

Castle Durrow, Co Laois, Ireland (00 353 502 36555; castledurrow.com). A member of Ireland's Blue Book (irelandsbluebook.com).

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in