CYPRESS — Brendan Vacations is reporting a significant rise in demand for overnight castle stays in 2025.
The company, a leader in Celtic travel, projects that 70% of this year’s bookings for customizable itineraries will include at least one night in a historic castle. As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, interest in stays at Ireland’s renowned Ashford and Dromoland Castles continues to outpace 2024 figures, when nearly 60% of bookings featured at least one castle overnight.
“An overnight stay in a historic castle is the ultimate exclusive experience advisors can offer their clients,” says Catherine Reilly, Managing Director of Brendan Vacations. “Today’s travellers – whether honeymooners or multigenerational families – are seeking stays that blend history, culture, and elegance. With Brendan Vacations’ expertly curated itineraries, advisors can offer journeys that connect travellers to the rich heritage of Ireland and Scotland, all while enjoying the magic of a castle stay.”
Brendan Vacations currently offers 10 remarkable castle stays across Ireland and Scotland, including the iconic 16th-century Dromoland Castle, once home to the O’Brien family, descendants of the last High King of Ireland, and the 13th-century Ashford Castle, previously owned by the Guinness family. Other castle accommodations in Ireland include the family-owned Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, the four-star Ballyseede Castle, and the 18th-century Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa. In Scotland, guests can choose from the 17th-century Crossbasket Castle, the family-run Fonab Castle Hotel, and the luxurious Inverlochy Castle Hotel.
Beyond castle stays, Brendan Vacations continues to expand its portfolio of high-end lodging options to meet the growing demand for unique accommodations. This includes luxury five-star hotels and charming family-owned bed & breakfasts. Recent additions to its offerings include Cashel Palace, a nearly 300-year-old red brick manor in Ireland, and the Old Manse of Blair, a historic Scottish mansion featuring a five-star restaurant.
Brendan Vacations provides a range of customizable itineraries designed to accommodate various travel styles, including Rail Vacations, Private Chauffeur, Self-Drive, and Lux-Self Drive. These options allow travellers to explore the mysticism of Ireland and Scotland with flexibility, catering to different budgets and levels of independence – including the opportunity to book an overnight stay in an elegant castle hotel.
For more information on Brendan Vacations’ castle stays, click here.
