Overview
This exclusive-use castle rental has stood on the banks of the River Blackwater since 1170, built on the site of a 7th-century abbey and now recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland. It has been the Irish seat of the Dukes of Devonshire since 1753, and its guest book runs from Sir Walter Raleigh to Fred and Adele Astaire, Cecil Beaton, Lucian Freud, and John F. Kennedy. Taken on exclusive hire, the whole castle — turrets, terraces, and all — belongs to one wedding party or family for the length of the stay.
Fifteen bedrooms sleep up to 27 guests: eleven doubles, a twin, and three singles, most with their own en-suite bathroom, with the two smallest singles sharing a bath — a natural fit for children travelling with family. Antique furnishings, chandeliers, and original artworks fill the rooms, set against a refurbishment that has quietly brought the castle up to modern standards without disturbing its character. For an intimate wedding party or a smaller family reunion, it also works comfortably at eight to twelve guests without feeling empty.
A Pugin-designed banqueting hall anchors the entertaining spaces, its high arched ceilings built for a formal wedding breakfast, with a second, smaller dining room for more intimate dinners. Guests can retreat to a drawing room, two further sitting rooms, a library, and a games room with a full billiards table, or head outside to landscaped gardens, a nine-hole golf course, and a hard tennis court. The River Blackwater runs along the estate’s edge for salmon and sea trout fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with coastal walks and beaches within easy reach.
The castle is run by the Duke’s own butler, Denis Nevin, who has led the private household team for more than 45 years, alongside a private chef and daily housekeeping covering breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner. Every stay can be built around a wedding, retreat, or milestone celebration, with bespoke menus and on- and off-estate experiences arranged throughout Ireland.
Lismore Castle Castle Amenities:
- Pugin-designed banqueting hall for formal dining and receptions
- Landscaped gardens, nine-hole golf course & hard tennis court
- River Blackwater frontage for salmon and sea trout fishing
- Drawing room, library, and games room with billiards table
- Home cinema, wine cellar, and Wi-Fi throughout
- Private butler-led household team and private chef
- Daily housekeeping with breakfast, afternoon tea & dinner service
- Playroom/nursery for family stays
- Bespoke on- and off-estate experiences across Ireland
Lismore Castle sleeps up to 27 across 15 bedrooms in Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland, roughly an hour from Cork Airport. This exclusive-use castle rental is available from EUR 112,350 per week, typically on a seven-night minimum — enquire for dates and availability.
For other dates, cancellations made 61 days or more before arrival are subject to a US$1,000 administration fee. Within 60 days of arrival, the full rental amount is retained.
