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15 bedrooms
The FitzGeralds first settled here in the 1200’s at nearby Shanid Castle following the Norman invasion of Ireland. Their war cry was Shanid Abu! (Shanid forever in Gaelic). In the early 14th century the Earl of Desmond, head of the Geraldines, made hereditary Knights of 3 illegitimate sons he had sired with the wives of various Irish chieftains, creating them the White Knight, the Green Knight of Kerry and the Black Knight of Glin. For seven centuries they defended their lands against the troops of Elizabeth I, and during the Cromwellian plantation and Penal laws.
Several colourful characters have held the title, including Edmund, Knight of Glin, whose son was taken hostage and tied to the mouth of a cannon during the famous Siege of Glin in 1601; to the much loved 25th “Knight of the Women”, who installed mistresses in each of the Gothic lodges; to “Cracked Jack” the 26th knight, who used to ride his horse up the flying staircase to bed.
The 29th and last Knight, Desmond, was perhaps one of the most colourful of all. A respected scholar of Irish art, he also kept the FitzGerald tradition of entertaining and hospitality alive in the castle, something which continues to this day. His grandson will become the 30th.
Glin Castle is available to hire exclusively for private rental accommodation, events, weddings, golf tours, group tours of castle and gardens with lunch and film location.
It is also the perfect venue for any number of corporate activities; from executive lunches and dinners, product launches, team building activity days and day conferences. We can tailor a package to suit your needs.
This unique historic property, home of the Knights of Glin for 700 years, offers wonderful comfort and atmosphere within magical gardens, situated on the banks of the Shannon estuary.
The Castle comprises 15+ enchanting ensuite bedrooms, grand hall, dining room, library, elegant light drawing room, and cosy TV sitting room, all with open fires.
The professional catering kitchen can provide for up to 50 people.
The exceptional gardens behind the house have been created over generations. They include formal lawns, winding gravel walks bordered by ancient Killarney oaks, a picturesque winding stream, meadow with spring bulbs and productive kitchen garden with herbaceous borders.
The castle is available to hire on an exclusive-let, catered basis.
Catherine FitzGerald, daughter of the last Knight of Glin, lives in Glin Castle with her husband, The Wire star Dominic West.
