The 16th-century Gregans Castle is an expansive vine-covered estate located in the County Clare of Ireland. In a 1953 photo, you can see a middle-aged J.R.R. Tolkien standing in front of the castle, which was his home base to explore the Burren. Located in Western Ireland, the Burren is a wild and rocky expanse with winding limestone caves that fascinated the author due to their unusual landscape. The property also boasts an 18th-century manor house, which is now converted into a hotel for visitors. And here, you’ll get a full Bridgerton vibe, with old-English style décor, lushly landscaped setting, and quintessential country charm.
The Hotel
Across the road from the still intact tower house of the original 16th-century castle, the manor house was the summer home of the famous Martyn family of Ireland during the 1900s. The ivy-clad house features a charming interior reminiscent of the Aubrey Hall from Bridgerton. You’ll find croquet on the back lawn, open fireplaces dotting the interior, marble floors, and a cozy drawing room to enjoy afternoon tea. The 21 curated suites and guest rooms of the property are independently decorated with antique pieces sourced from across Ireland, capturing the essence of the bygone era. The nearby UNESCO-listed iconic Cliffs of Moher is one of the most visited sites in Ireland.
What it Offers
The hotel also boasts an outdoor dining area within a vast vegetable garden, available for private parties. Working with great local artisan producers, the hotel sources plenty of fresh fish from the nearby Atlantic and the famous Ireland lamb and beef from the Burren. In the dining room of the hotel, guests can enjoy the seven-course dinner menu, which changes daily under the supervision of head chef Robbie McCauley. Lunch, aperitifs, and afternoon tea are served in the cozy seating nooks of the jewel-toned drawing room. Chef McCauley also whips up a surprise seasonal tasting menu for the castle-exploring guests.