Uncover Kilkea Castle's hidden foodie treasures and family-friendly activities.

A girl eating truffle ravioli at Restaurant 1180 at Kilkea Castle Hotel in Ireland

The 45-minute journey from Dublin to Kilkea Castle comes full circle when you find yourself on a winding road that takes you to a castle door.

Even though the door weighs enough to crush you, it’s not the entrance that blows you away.

It’s their approach to Irish hospitality and diverse options for dining.

It’s a castle hotel that takes you out of the grind and into leisure within seconds of arrival.

They must be doing something right…

A seamless transition into leisure is what every traveling family needs.

After you eat an Irish breakfast in bed, play a few rounds of golf, and visit the Kilkea Castle Spa, you realize that leisure in Ireland tastes good.

And the options for dining around the castle make the stay even more enticing for foodies.

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*“I call Kilkea Castle a home away from home.”*

Why is Kilkea Castle Hotel the perfect Ireland stay

Kilkea Castle is nestled into the east of Ireland, on 180 acres of woodland, where one can escape the noise and explore luxury amenities.

It’s family owned and operated and appealing to guests of all types.

Visitors may choose from a castle bedroom, carriage, or separate lodge in the woods. While the main attraction is their golf course, you will be delighted to discover additional surprises for leisure and food.

Additionally, Kilkea Castle Hotel and Golf Resort is a destination that allows you to let your hair down like a queen.

They know “queens” come in different shapes and sizes too.

Maybe you are a foodie like myself who loves to travel for food.

A busy mom who wants to have lunch with her friends.

A couple that desperately needs a spa getaway.

The history buff that is into medieval stuff.

A family of four with a toddler and a tween.

Retired and living your best life.

An avid golfer, a high tea connoisseur, a nature lover, or a local eager to see new faces.

Whoever you are, you can find a slice of rejuvenation within the castle grounds.

I can’t think of a better way to enjoy Ireland with kids than to stay at Kilkea Castle Hotel.

A hand touching an apple on a tree at Kilkea Castle Hotel Ireland — *“Pick & taste the Kilkea Castle experience.*”

Highlights from Kilkea Castle with kids

01 | KILKEA CASTLE MENUS

A girl eating Irish Breakfast in her room at Kilkea Castle Hotel in Ireland — BREAKFAST

Enjoy breakfast in your room. You can take your first meal of the day from your castle bed or dine inside.
Nine times out of ten, we had breakfast delivered to our room. It’s a perfect option if you are a family traveling with a baby or toddler that isn’t yet ready to sit still at a table.
However, eating creamy oatmeal drizzled with honey in bed felt delightful. You can try it too. It can be our secret…

A plate of smoked salmon at Hermione's Restaurant at Kilkea Castle Hotel in Ireland — HERMIONE’S RESTAURANT

Simple and sophisticated.
You can enjoy a smoked salmon appetizer followed by fish and chips with a glass of wine, overlooking the castle grounds in a beautifully painted light green room.
Hermione’s Restaurant is a lovely place to gather for a family meal.
The castle recently added a breakfast menu and Afternoon Tea to Hermione’s Restaurant that I have yet to try.

A mother and daughter sitting with a local sitting in The Keep at Kilkea Castle Hotel — THE KEEP

This is the place where everyone “knows your name.”
By 4 pm every day, I would need a pick-me-up that usually consisted of a pot of black tea to go with my scotch whisky.
You’ll find that Andrew behind the bar has a heart as big as his pours.
You can also chat with a local or watch American tourists from the Midwest try their first pint of Guinness.
Healthy entertainment for everyone.

Two children eating fish and chips at The Bistro at Kilkea Castle Hotel Ireland — BISTRO

For lunch, grab a bite at the Bistro for soup and salad, fish and chips, or a nice cheese plate.
The best item on the menu is their chicken wings.
With its casual scene, the Bistro also makes the best place on the grounds to dine with children.
Toddlers will appreciate the fries and crayons.

A woman holding a cup of sea buckthorn dessert at Restaurant 1180 at Kilkea Castle Hotel Ireland — RESTAURANT 1180

When you want to put on that black dress and lipstick and enjoy a 7-course meal, you can.
A few minutes walk from your room, into the castle, and up the elevator, you will experience a menu that will delight your taste buds.
I strongly recommend the tasting menu.

02 | CASTLE ACTIVITIES & LEISURE

The Spa entrance at Kilkea Castle Hotel Ireland — KILKEA CASTLE SPA

Your spa begins with a trip to the thermal suite, where the hydro waters are so strong you may end up in the middle of the pool as I did…
Hopefully, you’ll have Gail as your massage therapist.
Gail will take you to your room, give you a turmeric shot and then put your muscles into a trance.
Your message ends with a fruity sorbet in the relaxation room.
To top it off, you may have your pick of Elemis products to use in the shower room.

Two sisters playing on the golf course at Kilkea Castle Hotel Ireland — KILKEA CASTLE GOLF

The course surrounds the castle, where the River Grease can be encountered at almost every hole. The golf course is a challenging 18-hole activity for golf lovers to flock to.
My two girls loved roughing up the turf after we ate at Hermione’s.
We were also kindly told to get off the turf. Oops…

A girl with a falcon on her arm at Kilkea Castle Hotel Ireland — KILKEA CASTLE FALCONRY

Hold a trained bird of prey in its natural state during a falconry session.
The rush of seeing these animals up close brings you a little closer to nature and its beauty. It’s both scary and fascinating!
You can book a falconry experience through the hotel.
This is by far one of the best family-friendly activities to do at the castle.

Two sisters in the gardens at Kilkea Castle Hotel Ireland — GARDENS

Take your drink from The Keep and walk into fairytale-like gardens.
Above all the experiences at Kilkea Castle, the gardens are my favorite family-friendly experience.
You can stroll where roses bloom like weeds in the summertime and apples perk up in the fall.
The gardens are the perfect place to let the kids loose and for you to go grab a whisky at The Keep.

The River Grease running through Kilkea Castle grounds in Ireland — THE RIVER GREASE

Around the Castle, you can escape to The River Grease, a small fast-flowing river, for relaxation.
It’s a nice place to dip your feet in the summertime.

A girl with a horse near Kilkea Castle Ireland — HORSEBACK RIDING

There is nothing quite like a stroll through woodland while on top of a horse.
You enter this meditative state where it’s just you and the animal. It’s also a great way to relax and clear your mind while your horse takes you for a trot.
Kilkea Castle can help you book a lesson for an equestrian excursion.

Things to do near Kilkea Castle

For a trip outside Kilkea Castle, these are my favorite options for some eats, garden time, and shopping.

What else would a “queen” want to do?

DELTA SENSORY GARDENS | Another great outdoor activity with kids.

THE BURTOWN HOUSE | Gardens, food, and local store.

KILDARE VILLAGE | For shopping, food, and a children’s playground, you can spend half the day at this outdoor shopping mall.

Best Restaurants near Kilkea Castle

MOONE HIGH CROSS | Irish pub, food, and music! You can come into the pub to chat with the locals and experience a bit of “Irish culture.”

CAFFE’500 | Find some of the best pizzas in Ireland 20 minutes away in Carlow.

MAD HATTER CAFE | A lovely local cafe with yummy fresh foods.

READ MORE: 10 Tips For Smooth Dining Out With Kids In Europe

More on Hotels near Kilkea Castle

7 Best Castle Hotels in Ireland.

Where to Stay in Dublin, Ireland.

Burtown House and Gardens, Athy, Co. Kildare.

Kilkea Castle FAQ

WHEN IS THE WEDDING SEASON?

Weddings are happening all the time at Kilkea Castle, especially in the summer. You’ll want to book your stay months in advance if you are looking to visit during this time.

IS KILKEA CASTLE A FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACE?

Yes. As you can see from my photos, kids are welcome at Kilkea Castle. With the woodland to tromp through and food nearby, you’ll find that children can keep themselves busy and well-fed on the castle grounds.

DOES THE HOTEL PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT?

The hotel can arrange taxi rides to and from the airport for you. Just ask guest relations ahead of time.

DO I NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR DINING?

For fine dining at Restaurant 1180, book a reservation to guarantee a table. When it’s peak season, dining can fill fast with the guests coming in for weddings and events.

IS THERE A SPA?

YES. Every mom traveling with kids should try the 50-minute massage followed by the 50-minute facial. This will be the highlight of your stay. It can be our secret. I won’t tell…

IS THE CASTLE ON SOCIAL?