Overview
Luttrellstown Castle sits just twenty minutes from Dublin city centre in the suburb of Clonsilla, perched on a 567‑acre private estate that feels worlds away from the capital’s bustle. The 15th‑century castellated house has been transformed into a 5‑star resort that blends historic grandeur with contemporary luxury. Guests can stay in 20 individually designed bedrooms, dine in award‑winning restaurants such as The Van Stry and Rugged Lane, and enjoy exclusive use of the castle for weddings, corporate gatherings or intimate celebrations of up to 180 guests. The estate’s crown jewel is an 18‑hole championship golf course, designed by Donald Steel and Tom MacKenzie, that winds through parkland, links‑style bunkers and the River Liffey’s dramatic bends.
Architecture
The castle’s exterior showcases a blend of Gothic revival turrets and Georgian symmetry, the result of successive phases of building. The original stone house was begun around 1420 by Sir Geoffrey Luttrell. Substantial rebuilding in the late 18th century (1787‑94) for Henry Lawes Luttrell introduced the castellated façade that dominates today. Bartholomew Byrne carried out stucco work in 1794, giving the front a refined finish. Inside, Baroque and Georgian interiors were added during the Guinness era (1920s‑50s), most notably in the Van Stry and Kentian rooms. The 2007 €20 million refurbishment, overseen by interior designer Arlene McIntyre of Ventura Design, restored historic rooms while adding modern comforts such as the alpine‑style clubhouse.
History
- c. 1210 – The Luttrell family receive the Woodlands townland from King John.
- c. 1420 – Sir Geoffrey Luttrell, 5th Lord Luttrell, begins construction of the stone house that becomes the family seat.
- 17th century – The Luttrells are the largest landowners in the Clonsilla area.
- Early 1700s – Colonel Henry Luttrell, a controversial figure linked to the Battle of Aughrim, inherits the estate.
- 1811 – Publisher‑MP Luke White purchases the estate, renames it Woodlands; his son later becomes Lord Annaly.
- 1844 & 1900 – Queen Victoria visits, sipping tea beside the waterfall that now bears a six‑block granite obelisk erected by Lord Annaly.
- 1927 – Ernest Guinness buys the property as a wedding present for his daughter Aileen Guinness; the house is remodelled and the walled garden expanded.
- 1983 – Sold to the Swiss‑owned Primwest consortium.
- 2006 – Acquired by JP McManus, John Magnier and Aidan Brooks.
- 2007 – €20 million upgrade modernises the castle, golf course and adds the alpine‑style clubhouse.
- 1999 – Victoria Adams (Posh Spice) marries David Beckham in the historic ballroom.
- 2023‑2025 – Repeatedly named Europe’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort at the World Travel Awards and winner of the World Luxury Hotel Awards; also awarded Great Place to Work certification.
The demesne originally comprised the whole townland of Woodlands in the civil parish of Clonsilla. A stream rising near the whimsically named townland of Pass‑If‑You‑Can is dammed to create a chain of artificial ponds, passes under the Royal Canal and emerges at the Strawberry Beds before joining the Liffey only 25 m downstream. The waterfall on this stream is marked by the granite obelisk mentioned above.
Landscape & Gardens
Today the remaining 560‑acre estate features the restored walled garden, the Gardener’s Cottage (a two‑storey retreat with five double rooms, opened 2024) and The Salon – a purpose‑built bridal preparation suite that can host up to ten people. The gardens are planted with native Irish species and provide tranquil walks that link the Royal Canal to the castle’s historic terraces. Seasonal flower displays, especially rhododendrons and native wildflowers, make spring and early summer particularly photogenic.
Golf – Visitor Information
The 18‑hole, 7,347‑yard course is a classic parkland layout punctuated by water hazards on 11 holes and links‑style bunkers that challenge even seasoned players. In 2006 the course was redesigned by Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie and Ebert, adding a short‑game layout, a new practice area and USGA‑standard greens. Signature views include the River Liffey flowing past a Doric temple and the castle itself, especially from the 11th hole where the water mirrors the turrets above.
- Green‑fee rates (2024) – €110 on weekdays, €130 on weekends (high‑season April‑October). Rates are subject to change; advance booking is required.
- Facilities – 5‑bay indoor and 25‑bay outdoor driving range, chipping area, 9‑hole putting green, 3‑hole short course, fully stocked pro shop offering lessons and premium apparel.
- Access – The course welcomes visitors on weekdays and weekends; a tee‑time reservation can be made via the resort’s website or by phone.
- Reputation – Listed on the Top 100 Golf Courses website and regularly hosts national tournaments.
Dining
Gourmet options include The Van Stry Restaurant, which blends Irish and international flavours, and Rugged Lane, a more casual venue offering locally sourced dishes. The Castle’s historic ballroom houses the Kentian Room – an elegant setting for intimate civil ceremonies – while the Club Bar and the Spike Bar serve afternoon teas and light bites. Seasonal menus feature a Royal Romance Afternoon Tea (February) and a festive Christmas feast (December 24‑26). The Millennium Suite in the alpine‑style clubhouse provides panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains and is a popular spot for private dining.
Weddings & Events
The castle is available for exclusive hire, offering a range of venues from the historic ballroom to the landscaped gardens, which can accommodate marquee setups for up to 180 guests. The 20 bespoke bedrooms host approximately fifty guests, while the newly added Gardener’s Cottage provides additional accommodation for five couples. The Salon, a purpose‑built bridal suite, offers hair‑and‑make‑up stations, a nail bar and space for up to ten people. All venues are fully accessible, with disabled parking and wheelchair‑friendly routes throughout the estate. The on‑site wedding coordinator, in‑house catering and licensed ceremony facilities ensure a seamless experience.
Notable spaces – The Lady Granville Suite (large ballroom) and the Kentian Room (intimate hall) together accommodate up to 180 guests. The library, with its historic book collection, is a favourite backdrop for ceremony photos.
Notable Guests & Celebrity History
Over the centuries Luttrellstown has welcomed royalty and stars alike: Queen Victoria, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Paul Newman, Ronald Reagan, and more recently Victoria Adams and David Beckham. The venue continues to attract high‑profile events, from celebrity weddings to corporate retreats.
Getting There
Luttrellstown Castle is located at Castleknock, Dublin 15 (postal code D15 RH92). The estate is easily reached by car via the M50 (exit 9) and the R109. On‑site parking is available for guests, with disabled bays close to the main entrance. Public transport options include the Clonsilla train station (approximately 2 km away) and several Dublin Bus routes (e.g., 37, 38, 38c). Taxis and private hire vehicles can also drop passengers at the castle’s gated entrance.
Visitor Information & Practicalities
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Check‑in / Check‑out | From 15:00; until 12:00 (subject to change) |
| Website | luttrellstowncastle.com |
| Phone | +353 (0)1 8609600 |
| Address | Castleknock, Dublin 15, Ireland (postal code D15 RH92) |
| Accommodation | 20 bespoke bedrooms (≈50 guests) + Gardener’s Cottage (5 double rooms) |
| Event Capacity | Up to 180 guests (indoor ballroom or outdoor marquee) |
| Golf Course | 18‑hole, 7,347 yds, water hazards on 11 holes, USGA‑standard greens, redesigned 2006 |
| Clubhouse Facilities | Indoor & outdoor driving ranges, putting green, short course, pro shop |
| Dining | The Van Stry, Rugged Lane, Club Bar, Spike Bar, Kentian Room |
| Accessibility | Disabled parking, wheelchair‑friendly routes, accessible accommodation |
| Public Access | Limited to golf course, restaurants and event spaces (advance booking required) |
| Parking | On‑site guest parking, disabled bays near main entrance |
| Transport | Car via M50/R109, bus routes 37/38/38c, Clonsilla train station (2 km) |
| Pet Policy | Pets are not allowed on the estate |
| Seasonal Events | Valentine’s Day, Royal Romance Afternoon Tea, National Tea Day, Mother’s Day Lunch, Christmas Stay |
Nearby Attractions
- Ardgillan Castle – an 18‑century country house with gardens and a coastal promenade, just a short drive north.
- Royal Canal – runs along the demesne’s edge, offering scenic walks and cycling routes.
- Strawberry Beds – a pleasant riverside walk where the estate’s stream meets the Liffey.
Awards & Recognition
- World Travel Awards – Europe’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort (2023 & 2025).
- World Luxury Hotel Awards – Winner 2024 & 2025.
- Great Place to Work – Certified 2024 and again in 2025 as one of Ireland’s best hospitality workplaces.
Seasonal Events & Highlights
- Valentine’s Day Romantic Escape – partnership with jeweller Weir & Sons, offering a luxury stay and bespoke experiences.
- Royal Romance Afternoon Tea (February) – served in the Van Stry ballroom, featuring fine teas and Irish pastries.
- National Tea Day (1 May) – the Spike Bar hosts a special tea‑time menu celebrating the estate’s historic tea‑drinking tradition.
- Mother’s Day Lunch (30 March) – a set menu in the Millennium Suite with seasonal Irish produce.
- Christmas Stay (24‑26 December) – the castle is booked exclusively for festive guests, complete with decorated halls, fireside dining and holiday entertainment.
- Valentine’s Day Competition – a giveaway in partnership with Weir & Sons, announced on the resort’s blog.
The information above reflects the latest details available from the official Luttrellstown Castle website and recent press coverage.