Barberstown Castle, Medieval castle and hotel in Straffan, Ireland
Barberstown Castle is a medieval fortress and hotel set on approximately 20 acres of grounds near Straffan. The property combines a medieval stone keep with later Victorian and Elizabethan additions that expand the original structure.
Nicholas Barby built the fortress in 1288 on Fitzgerald family lands as a stronghold. Ownership changed hands many times over the centuries, with notable figures like Hugh Barton acquiring it in the 1830s.
The castle served as home to musician Eric Clapton from 1979 to 1987, when it became a gathering place for artists. Musicians would come together in the Green Room to play and collaborate during this period.
The castle sits about 25 kilometers west of Dublin with 61 rooms available for guests, including bedrooms, lodges, and a Presidential Suite. Visitors can explore both the building and surrounding gardens at their own pace.
Renovation work in 1996 uncovered an underground tunnel running from the castle to nearby Straffan church. The passage likely dates to the Penal Laws era when Catholics faced persecution.
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