Gothic Castle Estate United Kingdom
Holiday Home Rental Description
Welcome to a Gothic Castle located on the shores of a private lake. The castle is just a short distance from Galway City and conveniently located to Shannon International Airport. The owners can host any event you want, including private parties, gala dinners, weddings and film location. The rental of the castle is always on an exclusive basis so the owner and family move out for your event.
The Castle features pike fishing (fly or spinner) on a private 1000 acre lake – you will be the only boat on the lake allowing complete concentration on the sport at hand. During the season there is also driven pheasant and duck shooting. Around the Estate are a variety of trails offering exploration opportunities for walking, running, cycling, bird watching and nature enthusiasts in unspoiled woodlands and pasture. Within the area there are a large amount of things to do ranging from sightseeing to shopping and golf.
Weekly prices: €25,000Short breaks: From €7140 The castle is located just a short distance from Galway City and conveniently located to Shannon International Airport.
Fishing: The lake is a completely private fishery and as such has not suffered the fate of many of the country’s other lakes with invasive species such as the Zebra Mussel and algal bloom taking hold. There are many large and smaller pike, as well as some perch and rumours of one or two large trout. Exclusivity means that only one boat can be on the lake at any one time, and no more than two anglers in a boat. The castle provides the boat and engine, lifejackets (if necessary), maps, etc. Limited tackle can be rented too, as well as a fishfinder.
Shooting: Bird, Pheasant and Duck shooting as well as Deer Stalking are available during the season by arrangement. Many of the woodlands were planted in the late 1700s and 1800s specifically with the sport of shooting in mind and thus offer great shooting in a convenient location. At the end of the nineteenth century the estate was famous throughout Ireland for the quality and number of woodcock presented. There is a full time game keeper on the Estate who ensures that all guests are extremely well catered for.
The pheasant shoot was established in 2001 by Dromoland Game Sports who run the famous and very successful shoot at the Dromoland Castle Estate in County Clare. On an average day the bag includes Pheasant, Woodcock, Duck, Partidge and Snipe.
The fallow deer on the Estate are plentiful. They can be stalked on foot or from high seats positioned at vantage points around the Estate. There are mature heads for trophy hunters and the meat can be processed by arrangement. Guests coming to the Estate for the first time are accompanied by an employee until they get their bearings and learn the boundaries.
Equestrian: Horse riding is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful 650 acre Estate which surrounds the Castle. The estate has equestrian facilities which include stabling for 10 horses, a sand arena/schooling ground and an excellent cross country course as well as plenty of treks. Guests are welcome to bring their own horses by arrangement. Horses are available to hire locally and can be delivered to the Estate for your enjoyment.
Local hunting includes the Galway Blazers, the North Galway Hunt, East Galway Hunt and the North Clare hunt. There are also local groups that ride out regularly such as the “Turkey Trotters” based near Gort.
The cross country course was designed by the internationally renowned Tommy Brennan. The course is c.2.5 miles long and includes up to 34 Jumps with 56 Options – natural fences designed to challenge all from the inexperienced to professional riders. The course winds its way through woodlands, part of the lake itself, the arboretum and across meadow and pasture, allowing riders and spectators to really appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Estate. Tommy Brennan has also designed the cross country element of the Punchestown 3 day event course, and is responsible for the cross country course at the 2008 Olympics in China.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. If there is anything you would like to arrange for your stay, please contact the Excellence Luxury Villas VIP Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can usually help you arrange any of the following:
Cook/catering
Maid service/extra cleaning
Local day-trips or tours
Airport pick-up/drop-off
Babysitting service
Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
This is by no means an exhaustive list, so please just contact Excellence Luxury Villas VIP Concierge Team to help you arrange any of those little extras that can really make the difference.