STAY AT LISMORE CASTLE
Described by Vogue as ‘ultra-romantic’, Lismore is set in the fairytale surroundings of lush woodland, celebrated gardens and a languid river. Step through to a vast hideaway of grand staircases, tapestries and Old Masters – entirely yours for the duration of your stay.
Lismore Castle’s history is everywhere you look, from the stained-glass windows of the Pugin Hall, to the centuries-old gardens and artworks by Old Masters and leading contemporary artists.
Guests can seek out the (now grassed over) site of Adele Astaire’s California-style swimming pool, search for remnants of cannonfire in the castle walls, and discover sculptures by Antony Gormley and Richard Long in the extensive grounds.
The castle
Accessed via a long, walled drive, the property unfolds through a series of spaces to reveal an astonishing view from a forested cliff. Step through to the medieval banqueting room, or seek out intimate corners – from the children’s playroom to the private courtyard garden.
The rooms
Our 15 bedrooms allow you and your guests the space to relax. Sleeping up to 27 people, no two rooms are alike. Some feature roll-top baths and tapestries, others open fires and forest views. Personal touches such as family photos and portraits are throughout, a reflection of the family’s long history of visiting this special home.
Dining
Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are included in guests’ stay, carefully planned and prepared by our head chef, who makes everything from scratch – including jams and chutneys made with produce from the castle gardens. Dine in the formal banqueting hall, or relax next to the firepit for supper under the stars. The family’s team of private staff – including butlers, gardeners and cooks – will take care of your every need.
The gardens and gallery
Lismore Castle’s seven acres of celebrated gardens are open to the public by day, but exclusively yours from early evening. Among the meadows and orchards you’ll find a greenhouse designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, and Lismore Castle Arts, a gallery hosting internationally-renowned exhibitions. The curator is often on hand for private tours and talks.
Weddings and events
Lismore Castle and its beautiful grounds create an extraordinary backdrop for special events. Exclusively yours for the duration of your stay, guests can hire Lismore Castle for a wedding or celebration and enjoy the warm Irish welcome the family’s team of private staff are known for.
“We are taking with us the most extraordinary memories; every room’s different personality shared its history and secrets with us. From the moment you step onto the grounds and into the Castle your life changes forever. The creaking of the floors, the ticking of the clock, the smell of the fireplace and the colours of the walls ignite the senses. We will miss the staff the most, service was impeccable. Thank you for sharing your home with us.”
FAQ
Dating from 1170, Lismore Castle is the Irish home of the Devonshire family, and is available for private hire in its entirety. Also on the estate is Lismore Castle Gardens as well as Lismore Castle Arts, a not-for-profit initiative founded in 2005 and committed to the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual art in Ireland.
The address is Lismore Castle, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
By road: Lismore Town and the Castle itself are both very well signposted from all directions. The post code is P51 EY68.
By air: Cork Airport is just 50 minutes’ drive away and serves Britain and Continental Europe with scheduled daily flights. Shannon Airport is 2 hours’ drive away and serves the UK, Continental Europe and North America. Dublin Airport is 2h 45 mins away and operates flights to many cities in the UK, Continental Europe, North America, the Far East and beyond with several scheduled daily flights.
Private transfers can be arranged by our concierge team from all Irish airports and railway stations, whether by car, helicopter or alternative means.
Lismore Castle is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and their family, and is now offered as an exclusive-use castle to rent in Ireland.
Both the Lismore Castle Gardens and Lismore Castle Arts are open to the public from March to October. The castle itself is a private home of the Devonshire family, and only available for private rental in its entirety.
Lismore Castle is only available for exclusive-use hire, for a minimum of three nights, making it the perfect long weekend castle to rent in Ireland.
We have 15 bedrooms, sleeping a total of 27.
For all enquiries, please complete our contact form.
From prices include:
- Exclusive use of Lismore Castle, including 15 bedrooms, drawing room, Pugin hall, dining room, sitting room, games room, cinema room, billiard room and courtyard garden
- Butler and waiting staff
- Private cook
- Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner
- Private concierge service to arrange all activities and transfers, costed separately.
Our minimum stay is three nights. Lismore Castle must be taken as an exclusive-use rental.
No. Lismore Castle is only available on an exclusive-use basis, for up to 27 guests staying a minimum of three nights.
While we can cater for weddings, the Castle must be hired on an exclusive-use basis for a minimum of three nights, with one person taking sole responsibility for payment.
Dogs are permitted to stay at our discretion.
We welcome children, and can provide a cot and highchair. However, please note that due to the nature of the historic building, we are not able to provide stair gates or other safety equipment. Older children and teens will enjoy the games room, cinema room and billiard room. We also have a selection of outdoor sports equipment, including croquet and petanque.
Due to the nature of the historic building, including the fact that there are many staircases, unfortunately it is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or limited mobility. There are two bedrooms that offer some accessibility for guests who are able to manage a handful of steps.
We have a wide range of activities at Lismore Castle, including:
- Access to the private courtyard garden and Lismore Castle Gardens
- Access to Lismore Castle Arts – private tours with the curator can be arranged subject to availability
- Tours of the castle, including fascinating stories from our head butler, Denis
- Boules
- Croquet
- Walking/running trails
- Snooker, billiards and table football
- Board games for all ages
- Cinema room
- Playroom
- Audio system
- Large collection of books.
Our team offers a private concierge service to arrange a wide variety of activities and excursions in the area, from hiking, tennis, fishing, golf, kayaking and archery, to sightseeing, shopping, pilates, spa treatments, helicopter rides, art classes, themed parties and cooking demonstrations.
With a wealth of authentic backdrops and scene settings, the castle and wider Lismore Estate offer a multitude of filming and photography locations. For more information please contact filming@devonshiregroup.co.uk