Your Irish Fairytale
Ballyseede Castle
Ballyseede Castle Hotel
Ballyseede Castle is a distinguished 18th-century castle located just outside Tralee in County Kerry, set amid mature woodland and parkland close to the Wild Atlantic Way. Built in the 1700s, Ballyseede was long associated with the Anglo-Irish Blennerhassett family and played a notable role in Ireland’s more turbulent history, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Ballyseede Castle is a welcoming luxury castle hotel known for its relaxed elegance, historic character and warm Irish hospitality. Unlike more formal estates, Ballyseede has an inviting, lived-in atmosphere, with open fires, antique furnishings and expansive grounds that encourage guests to slow down and feel at home. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Kerry’s iconic landscapes, including the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry, while still offering the romance and heritage of a true Irish castle stay.
5 Facts Before Visiting Ballyseede Castle Ireland
- 18th-Century Origins: Ballyseede Castle dates back to the 1700s and was historically associated with the Blennerhassett family, one of Kerry’s prominent Anglo-Irish families.
- Historical Significance: The castle is linked to key events in Irish history, including the 1923 Ballyseede incident during the Irish Civil War, making it an important historical site.
- Warm, Lived-In Atmosphere: Unlike more formal estates, Ballyseede Castle is known for its welcoming character, blending historic charm with relaxed hospitality.
- Prime Kerry Location: Situated just outside Tralee, the castle offers easy access to the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park.
- Luxury Castle Hotel Today: Ballyseede has been carefully restored and now operates as a luxury hotel, allowing guests to experience an authentic Irish castle stay with modern comforts.
“A lot of guests expect the ghost to date from hundreds of years ago… so they’re surprised when I tell them that Hilda died in 1965″