Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a private visit in Brackloon Castle, one of Ireland’s smallest surviving medieval castles still in use as a family home. Experience the relaxed Irish hospitality of the family who live here on an unhurried exclusive visit. We will take you through five floors and five hundred years of history in one building. Join us at the kitchen table and hear the story of the castle’s turbulent past and it's restoration. As you ascend the narrow spiral stairs discover original defensive features such as the murder hole, gunloops and bartizans. Relax in comfort around the open fireplace in the upper room and enjoy tea and refreshments with your host as you learn about the O'Maddens who built the castle and ruled the surrounding district for hundreds of years. Experience life as lived today in an authentic medieval Irish castle and the features that make this such an unexpectedly cosy and inviting family home.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Comfortable, flat non-slip footwear is needed.
Not recommended for young children or travelers with mobility challenges
What To Expect
Brackloon Castle
Enjoy the convivial atmosphere of Brackloon Castle, one of Ireland’s smallest surviving medieval castles still in use as a family home. Rarely open to the public, experience the relaxed Irish hospitality of the family who live here on an unhurried private visit. We will take you through five floors and five hundred years of history in one building. Join us at the kitchen table and hear the story of the castle’s turbulent past and it's restoration. As you ascend the narrow spiral stairs discover original defensive features such as the murder hole, gunloops and bartizans. Relax in comfort around the open fireplace in the upper room and enjoy tea and refreshments with your host as you learn about the O'Maddens who built the castle and ruled the surrounding district for hundreds of years. Experience life as lived today in an authentic medieval Irish castle and the features that make this such an unexpectedly cosy and inviting family home.
Options
Warm Welcome in an Irish Castle Home
What‘s Included
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Coffee and/or Tea
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An extraordinary visit...
Kevin B,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An extraordinary visit inside Brackloon Castle and its history as told by Donal and Alison who call Brackloon home I was greeted immediately with a very welcome smile and handshake by Donal and Alison. I felt very at home with them, both very knowledgeable of the castle and townlands surrounding. I was also able to find out more information about some of my ancestors who were born nearby. Donal gave me some websites that I had not known about to further my research. I highly recommend a visit to Brackloon if one might be interested in castle life. Steps away from Our Lady of Clonfert and just down the road from Clonfert Cathedral. I left having met two new friends . True Irish Hospitality !
Charming and genial expert and host
Paul C,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Donal was not only informative about the castle and its history but about the region and matters specific to my family that has been in the area for generations. Enthusiastic, informative without hype, and overall charming host.
Amazing experience
Karen A,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Donal is an engaging host. He is very knowledgable about the area and Irish history. It is an amazing one-of-a-kind experience to have tea in this 16th century castle.
Magnificent!
Fainche O,Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a lovely experience, my husband is fascinated with Castles so this was a Christmas gift for him, but I enjoyed it just as much as he did! Donal was a wonderful host, so warm and genuine, he had us in stitches one minute and would be giving you some unbelievable facts about the place the next minute! It's so clear to see that this is a passion of his, and it's what makes the experience. The castle is beautiful, and so homely while still maintaining and highlighting many of the original features. Would highly recommend this as an experience, if you are looking for something different, unique and top-class 👌
An experience to treasure1
Cariona N,Jul 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time with Donal, who gave us a comprehensive history not only of the house but the rich history of the area. We got to see 400 year old documents and deeds, to see portraits of the good, the bad and the .... who had power in the area for hundreds of years. An absolutely wonderful experience and we can recommend it to anyone who wants an insight into what it is like to live in a 500 year old castle!
I must, when visiting the area!
Paul M,Mar 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We highly recommend a visit to Brackloon Castle, especially if you have ancestral connections to the area. . Donal and Alison were very gracious hosts. Donal is a fountain of knowledge of the history of the area and the local clans (O’Maddens, Burkes ). He also has many original source documents for anyone doing historical research of the area. Please visit, you’ll come away knowing so much more about the area’s history.
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Operated by Donal Burke