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Property Photos
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Property details
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Bedrooms
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7
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Bathrooms
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2
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Number of fireplaces
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1
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Roof Terrace
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Yes
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Location Map
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Loughrea - Norman Castle
County Galway, Ireland
The castle suffered the ravages of time until the late 1970's when it was purchased by direct descendants of the Earl who undertook a massive renovation. The granite rocks used to repair the six foot thick walls are from a nearby abbey ruin dating from the same period. The castle is still being changed and improved.
The castle has two separate sections, the original tall castle tower and the new great hall wing.
Through stone pilars, an avenue leads to the castle's tall arched wooden doors. Walls of exposed natural stone, wood beamed ceilings and the sandstone or wooddn floors provide authenticity.
In total, there are 7 double bedrooms. Three bedrooms are in the castle tower. They are reached via a the original 90-step spiral stone stairway. There is one bedroom per level with two bathrooms located on levels between the three bedrooms. The Tribes bedroom, pictured here, has the original 800 year old fireplace that has preserved Norman carvings.
The tower bedrooms are beautifully furnished and have excellent electric lighting, but they have little natural light as the windows are the original arrow slits. It's very atmospheric and a bit spooky.
The new addition, attached to the tower, contains the public rooms and 4 more bedrooms.
The main floor has a wide stone entrance hall with a graceful stairway up to the drawing room and two of the four bedrooms.
The medieval-style banquet hall, which seats 120, has an enormous stone fireplace. The room is intended for weddings and other large gatherings. More tables and several sitting arrangements can be provided and there will still be room for the stage and the wood dance floor.
The large, modern kitchen is designed to serve a small group or a massive catered affair. There are w stone floors, granite countertops, walnut cupboards, top quality appliances, including a 6-burner stove. The kitchen has a dining area that has a table that seats 8 comfortably.
There are two bathrooms on the ground floor, each with three toilet stalls. Obviously, this is to serve larger parties.
The drawing room is upstairs. It is very large and furnished with comfortable upholstered pieces, two lush deep pink sofas and several wing chairs. Antiques and art, stone walls and a huge fireplace make this a very impressive room. There is a TV and video player in an antique cabinet. The views from this room are of the lovely rolling Irish countryside.
The four bedrooms in the new part of the castle are all large, luxurious and comfortable. They a stylish decor with a medieval theme. We have stayed in one of these rooms and felt that we were in the lap of luxury. The en suite modern bathrooms all have a shower. Here and in the tower, bed linens and towels are the finest quality.
The battlement, on the roof, can accommodate 300 people for a barbecue or other outdoor activity. It's a fine place for before dinner drinks or long evenings under the stars.
There is a tennis court, helicopter landing pad and parking spaces for 50 cars.
WEDDINGS:
The castle is perfect for weddings. The owner employs a wedding service staff who are delighted to help you create the perfect wedding. Please tell us your dream and we'll give you all the information you need to make that dream come true.
WE REGRET THAT, BECAUSE OF STRICT INSURANCE RULES REGARDING THE TOWER AND THE BATTLEMENTS, THIS PROPERTY IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ATTEND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING WEDDINGS) AT THE CASTLE, NOR MAY THEY BE INCLUDED IN PARTIES WHO WISH TO RENT THE CASTLE .
Galway City is 20 miles. Loughrea Village is 7 miles. Shannon Airport is 40 miles.