Luxury Irish Castle in Gorgeous Country Setting in Tipperary

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Bansha Castle with a backdrop of the nearby Galtee Mountains.

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Parking available

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Bansha, Co.Tipperary

Tipperary Excel

7 min drive

Tipperary Town Public Library

7 min drive

Tipperary Town Plaza

10 min drive

Limerick (LMK)

41 min drive

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

Castle Room

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Copper Beeches

1 Single Bed, 1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

Garden Room

1 Queen Bed

General Sir William's Room

1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

Lady Elisabeth's Room

1 Queen Bed

Round Room

1 Queen Bed

Studio Room

1 Double Bed and 1 Double Futon

7 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 5

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 7

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Dining

Exterior

About this property

Welcome to Bansha Castle, one of Ireland's best kept secret get-aways. A former home of the Butlers of Ormonde, Bansha Castle is now yours to experience as a haven of rest and relaxation. This lovely old country house, dating from the 18th century, is set in private grounds with mature gardens, backed by the beautiful Glen of Aherlow and the famous Galtee mountains. Once owned by General Sir William Butler, the Butlers of Ormond crest is still evident on the facade of the Round Tower, highlighting the rich heritage of this unique residence. Don't feel like cooking every night? The owners occupy a completely separate wing to the main house and are usually available should any problems arise. They can give catering recommendations if required. Bansha Castle is a perfect location for historical and cultural pursuits. Bansha lies at the centre of the heritage trail; The Rock of Cashel, Holycross Abbey and the Medieval City of Kilkenny are all near by.

Activities: There is a variety of leisure activities on offer. Walking/Cycling - forest and mountain trails. Fishing (in season and weather dependent) is five minutes away on the River Suir, one of the best trout rivers in Europe. For golfers there are a selection of excellent courses within easy driving distance. Horse riding, swimming and tennis can all be arranged upon request.

Prefer something less energetic? Why not pamper yourself with a massage or beauty treatment in the comfort of your own room (minimum numbers). Your hosts will be happy to make all the arrangements.

Property manager

Teresa Russell

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Free WiFi

Parking available

Similar properties

Breakfast included

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Bansha

Located in Bansha, this castle is in a rural area and in the mountains. Swiss Cottage and Bolton Library are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ballykisteen Golf And Country Club and Ballykisteen Golf Club. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Bansha, Co.Tipperary

What's nearby

Tipperary Excel - 7 min drive
Ballykisteen Golf And Country Club - 11 min drive
Cahir Castle - 12 min drive
Swiss Cottage - 14 min drive
Rock of Cashel - 16 min drive

Getting around

Tipperary Station - 7 min drive

Restaurants

‪Flanagan's Lane Bistro - ‬7 min drive
‪La Candela - ‬6 min drive
‪Nellies - ‬7 min walk
‪O'Neill's - ‬7 min drive
‪Café Kebab - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxury Irish Castle in Gorgeous Country Setting in Tipperary pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxury Irish Castle in Gorgeous Country Setting in Tipperary?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury Irish Castle in Gorgeous Country Setting in Tipperary?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Luxury Irish Castle in Gorgeous Country Setting in Tipperary located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly castle is within 6 mi (10 km) of Tipperary Excel, Tipp Town Shopping Centre, and Galtee Retail Park. Tipperary Town Plaza and The Hills are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle T.

4 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gabrielle

We absolutely loved our stay at Bansha Castle. Teresa & John were so hospitable and helpful. We will return!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joy L.

17 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Perfect Celebration!

Bansha Castle was the perfect setting to celebrate my 80th birthday with family and friends. The accommodation was elegant, comfortable, and homey, and the hosts, John and Teresa were more than welcoming. They arranged a night of music for us that was enjoyed by all and made for a very special birthday party, and also recommended an excellent caterer, Kay Ryan and her husband Shane, who provided tasty breakfasts and some delicious evening buffets for us. It was a week of celebration enjoyed by all.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Laura H.

11 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Home

Very nice place to stay. Clean and spacious. Convenient road access for day trips.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

20 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

EXTRAORDINARY 10-Day Stay at Bansha Castle!!!!

Our family of 14 adults (ages 21 - 79) used Bansha Castle as "home base" while taking day trips (with bus and driver Mike contracted through John Cotter Buses) throughout Ireland, going to Galway, the Connemera region, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Ennis, Ring of Kerry, Cork/Cobh, Killarney, Waterford, Kilkenny, Kildare and Dublin. Nearly all were 1 - 2 hours away. There was also so much to see and do in Tipperary County itself!!!! Teresa and John were AMAZING hosts, working with me for months in advance on day trip logistics so that we maximized our time in Ireland. They also went above and beyond upon our arrival, coordinating massages one day in the castle, John being the photographer for a family photo shoot, and putting me in touch with a fabulous caterer (Barbara) who made and served two dinners in the castle. The castle is EXCEPTIONAL...7 BR/7BA, a fully stocked kitchen and a dining room seating 18 comfortably, to a massive living area with overstuffed couches and a snooker table, to a huge backyard and covered patio, and grounds and flowers meticulously maintained by John. The area restaurants (e.g. Mikey Ryan's, Chez Hans, The Junction, O'Neills Bistro) were all excellent!!!! And Nellie's Pub, a 5-minute walk away, was a family-favorite for a Guinness and watching the GAA national hurling semifinals!! Everything EXCEEDED our expectations!!! (Ask Teresa if you want our itinerary to help you plan your amazing trip!!!!) THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tricia O.

15 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Better than expected - Visit Bansha Castle!

Our family met at the Castle for a week long visit to Ireland to explore our family heritage. This was the perfect launching point for daily excursions to Cork. Limerick, Westport, Newport, Cashel, Chair and Kerry. The Castle is beautifully situated on lush lawns and hills, tucked off the main road and outfitted with a full kitchen, dining room, living room and snooker room. We gathered in the heated patio area in the mornings for coffee and enjoyed late night fires in the working fireplace with games and hot drinks. We hired out some of the meals with a local caterer who the host recommended for traditional Irish Breakfast, cold welcome dinner, continental breakfasts complete with fresher baked soda bread, scones, fruit and porridge and a last night’s meal of Guinness Stew, Cabbage and Bacon and roasted vegetable soup. Highly recommend using Kay and her family for meal prep when you stay in.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emma W.

1 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location for Touring

Twelve of us stayed in this lovely castle for two weeks. The older kids enjoyed the grounds for soccer, running, and ball tossing. There was lots of room indoors to put down play areas for the baby. We explored all over the south of Ireland and the location of Bansha allowed us to comfortably return home each day! The castle owners were welcoming and very good about answering any questions that we had.

Stayed 14 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joel M.

30 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bansha Castle is awesome

This is a beautiful spacious castle. Everyone had their own bathroom/shower. There is a lot of relaxing space inside and a large covered patio area with heat lamps available to use outside. Great country setting and we were able to take many day trips to interesting sites in the area. Very friendly, accommodating couple that own the castle

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

23 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bansha Delight

Our family of 16 enjoyed 10 days at the castle. While Bansha is a small, somewhat remote location, it was the ideal jumping off spot for our travels (if you don’t mind a daily 1-2 hr drive). From here we visited Cork, Cliffs of Moher, Dublin, Bunratty Castle, Rock of Cashel, Galway, The Burren and Kilkenny. Everyone was able to “spread out” or get cozy with many relaxing spaces inside and outside the castle. Sleeping arrangements were ample (ages 7-78) and very comfortable. Access to a full kitchen, with nearby shops allowed us to get on the road early each day, and welcoming pubs and restaurants a short distance away offered the chance to sample local meals at night. Also, a catered dinner by Barbara Russell was a special treat one night. Highlights, aside from the usual stone-kissing and cliff-viewing included a sheep dog demonstration, horseback riding, snooker at the castle, photos on the beach in Connemara by Wonky Eye Photography, learning hurling in Kilkenny, and Mass and dinner in Cashel. So, when people ask “And why are you staying in Tipperary?” Now you know 🍀

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill B.

5 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property

Bansha Castle was the perfect place for our family trip! The property was beautiful and Theresa was great. We also had Barbara cook our dinner every night and all 16 of us loved everything. I would highly recommend this property.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Lucy Molloy

10 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Castle life

Teresa and John were excellent hosts. Showed us round the property when we arrived. We were struck by how clean the property was, especially important during these difficult times. Very attentive to any needs or queries that arose during our stay, yet seamlessly invisible at other times! We felt we had total privacy. Property has everything we needed for our stay, two families. Not a huge amount to see or do in the area, especially at the minute, but we enjoyed some local walks.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alice B.

17 Aug 2018

Perfect in every way - beautiful, charming, comfortable and excellent location

We have been planning a special family vacation with all our children and grandchildren (17 in total plus a few extras!) for over a year. It was amazing how well it all came together but largely due to the wonderful location (allows for great tours that are only 1 to 2 hours away) and the hospitality that comes with it at the Bansha Castle. Everyone had their own space but were also able to comfortably get together for outside drinks or nice breakfasts and dinners. The kids enjoyed their informal rugby games too on the front lawn. We would highly recommend the breakfasts. The kids were up on time to leave for our tours so that they could begin with their "fancy breakfast". Our hosts were very special in the way they welcomed us and gave us the opportunity to share this special place. Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

asedf d.

2 Aug 2018

Gorgeous

Beautiful

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

asedf d.

2 Aug 2018

Beautiful

Gorgeous

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Carole W.

4 May 2018

GREAT PLACE

We recently gathered our family from California and Oregon and spent a week for our annual Watson family vacation. I can not say enough for the GREAT hospitality we enjoyed. If you like stepping back in time and still have all of the enjoyment of the present, then this could be the place for you. We had a family of (18 ), and they all would love to go back. There is ample room for relaxing and family activities in the living room and game room. There is also a large dining room and kitchen just for your use. The bedroom are all large and nicely decorated with private bathrooms. John and Teresa were great host, available to help in planning and answering questions,; but were not intrusive. The location is great; because it allows you to see a lot of Ireland on day trips. If you stay here, I highly recommend that you have Teresa prepare at least one dinner and breakfast. It was a highlight for our group. Thanks Teresa and John for a lasting great memory.

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

30 Sept 2017

Wonderful place. Gracious hosts

Fantastic base to tour from.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kitty G.

24 Aug 2017

Wonderful and charming in every way.

Bansha Castle is a great house and our group of friends had a fabulous time calling it home for a week. We were a group of 12 adults, converging on Tipperary from Boston, New York, Washington and San Francisco (Berkeley). It's a big, expansive comfortable house. There was plenty of room for our large household -- the bedrooms were all spacious, and there was plenty of room to hang out in the living room, big upstairs landing, back garden, large dining room and big kitchen. The grounds around the house are spectacular -- large manicured lawns, beautiful open fields, enormous beech trees and other trees, distant mountain views, and a lovely walled garden in the back planted with beautiful blooming flower beds. Bansha Castle is right outside of the town (you can walk in for errands, the pub, church, etc.) but the setting is totally private and quiet, set way back off of the road in its own world. The location of the house is in the middle of incredibly beautiful Tipperary scenery and within easy striking distance of a lot of activities, from castle and abbey ruins to hiking, music, restaurants, and boating on Lough Derg. Teresa and John Russell are perfect hosts, warm and welcoming, helpful and informative, while -- although they live in a wing of the house -- scarcely in evidence, quiet, and respectful of their guests' privacy. (The house in general is a very quiet retreat -- thick walls keep sound from traveling from room to room.) We had dinner catered by the Russells one evening, which we highly recommend! Teresa cooked a delicious meal, John served, and they hosted it in the dining room of their wing, one of the stately original rooms of the house; it was an altogether charming and memorable evening. Bansha Castle is a find -- an enchanting place to experience Ireland and create lasting memories. Thank you Teresa and John! With best wishes from all of us.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tricia E.

11 July 2017

Wonderful Family Vacation at Bansha Castle

We had a wonderful stay at Bansha castle. Every bedroom was en-suite and the common areas were large enough to comfortably accommodate our entire group of 20. The outdoor courtyard was fantastic with plenty of tables and chairs for relaxing or eating a nice meal. John and Teresa were wonderful hosts and we especially enjoyed our home-cooked meal the night we arrived (highly recommend their traditional Irish menu!). The castle was centrally located and within reasonable driving distance (less than 2 hours) of every site we visited. Thank you John and Teresa for your hospitality and making our stay so memorable.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly M.

7 June 2017

AMAZING!!

This place is a dream come true! All but one bedroom has its own bath and with 7 of us it was absolutely perfect! The kitchen and dining areas supported all 7 of us with no problem and the bedrooms were all very spacious. Would highly recommend this rental!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

James R.

19 Aug 2016

Beautiful Castle, Outstanding Location, Great Host

This was an awesome place to stay for 2 full weeks. We had 18 stay at the castle for a family reunion and everyone enjoyed their stay at the castle. We stayed from 7/30 to 8/13. John and Teresa are great host and gave us a 45 minute tour of the place immediately upon checking in to the castle. All the rooms have their own bathroom which provides even more privacy. There are 3 gathering areas for the family. The kitchen, dinning room and living/pool room. In addition we had a family reunion on 8/7 where 70 attended and all thought the place was beyond fabulous! We had such a wonderful time! Don't need more than 5-7 days worth of clothing since there is a washer and dryer in the castle location in the kitchen. Coffee pots, everything you need in the kitchen. I would rate this place a TEN star, but that is not possible!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

21 Sept 2015

Wonderful stay at Bansha Castle

A group of 16 adult friends stayed at Bansha Castle for 10 nights to explore south and western Ireland . It is perfectly situated to make easy day trips to Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Cork, Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Penninsula and the Cliffs of Moher. John and Teresa were perfect hosts who were always available if we needed them but rarely even knew they were around as they live in a separate section of the castle. Their knowledge of the area is a great resource to plan your stay. We all rented cars but was advised to hire a coach to drive us to the Ring of Kerry which was good advice and John & Teresa can arrange that for you. We also had Teresa prepare dinner for us on our first night and again on our last night. Both meals were amazing. You also have to get to know some of the local people of Bansha. Nellies Bar is a must, she is a real gem. The butcher across the street has great prices and ready made local meat products. A short trip to Tipperary (8 min drive) to the Kickham House, a pub where locals gather for traditional Irish music, a wonderful place to spend an evening (check with John as he is one of the performers). Enough cannot be said about the castle itself. Bedrooms are all a good size and comfortable. Lots of space throughout the castle for our large group. The covered patio is equipped with lots seating, BBQ and heaters which we all enjoyed. Bansha Castle was the perfect base for our memorable holiday in Ireland

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marisa P., Cornelius, NC

16 June 2015

Memorable Week With Family & Friends

Our group of 11 friends and family stayed at Bansha Castle the first week of June 2015. Not only were the accommodations wonderful, but Teresa and John went above and beyond to make our experience extra special. We especially enjoyed the heated outdoor space overlooking their perfectly groomed garden and on the chilly evenings gathering around the fireplace in the living room. Besides the amazing aspects of the castle, it was the special touches that Teresa and John added that made our stay memorable including arranging a birthday dinner our first evening, helping us coordinate a tour bus rental, introducing them to their friends in the community and just simply being there if we needed anything. We hope that one day we'll get the opportunity to come back to Ireland and stay at Bansha Castle again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

30 Aug 2014

Beautiful Bansha Castle

Our eleven member group stayed at the beautiful castle in August and included three generations (teens through grandparents). The castle was a wonderful place to serve as a base for travel in southern and central Ireland. Each of the seven rooms is beautifully done and includes a private bathroom. It has a wonderful kitchen, dining room, and living area. The snooker table was a great addition but the gem is the heated and covered patio. John and Teresa are great hosts with excellent recommendations and we appreciate them opening up up their home. I'd also note that we used Bansha Bus instead of driving. Richard was a great driver/guide and made the trip much more enjoyable. We used Bansha as a base to get to Galway, Cliffs of Mohr, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Wexford, Waterford, Blarney, Cork, and Kinsale. It's centrally located and a great location. Bansha is a small town - not a lot of places but Nellies was a great pub. We loved it and hope to return again!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

28 Aug 2014

Amazing Bansha Castle

Our group of ten people spanned three generations and we used Bansha as a base for travels. It's an amazing place with seven beautifully equipped rooms - each with its own bathroom. It's has a great culinary kitchen and dining room. The outdoor heated patio was a great place to unwind at the end of the day with a drink. John & Teresa are excellent hosts and offer great recommendations. Bansha is a small town but we walked to the pub for a freshly poured Guiness on many nights! We used a Bansha Bus (Noel and Richard) so we didn't have to drive. It was great having a local guide so we could enjoy trips every days. Bansha Castle is ideally located. We made trips to Galway & the Cliffs of Mohr, Killarney & Ring of Kerry, Cork & Blarney Castle, Kinsale & Old Head Golf Course (amazing), Waterford & Wexford, and local sites like the Rock of Cashel. Amazing scenery in Ireland. We would love to come back and would definitely use Bansha Castle. It's a unique opportunity to have your own castle for a week!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Richard P.

16 Aug 2013

Bansha Castle was all that we hoped it would be.

Seventeen of us arrived at Bansha Castle on August 3 for a week-long stay. The owners, John and Teresa, were ready for us and welcomed us with a tour and important contact information. The Castle is great and exactly as portrayed in all information sheets! It is well maintained and clean. While it is in the countryside, nothing is too far away... and our hosts were always available if we had any questions. The Castle bedrooms are well appointed and comfortable and many of the common rooms are especially inviting. The kitchen is modern and stocked with whatever utensils one might need. And the outside patio was particularly outstanding. Some of us sat there at least once a day and in fact we used it twice for a BBQ. The Castle is nicely located to many of Ireland's important sites, including Cahir and the Rock of Cashell. It is also less than a 2 hour drive to the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. And, most importantly, there is a delightful local pub within walking distance to the Castle. Bansha Castle is a great vacation spot. It easily accommodated our group of 17. We highly recommend it to anyone who would like to see Ireland up close and personal.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

29 Oct 2010

Central Location for Touring

A wonderful castle located in the middle of Ireland made it easy to take day trips to all sides of Ireland. The castle is comfortable, huge and let our family of 9 get close or spread out. The hosts are fabulous. We spent one evening with them sharing wine and stories and another evening in the local pub. They made us feel like a part of their family. I highly recommend a stay here.

About the host

Hosted by Teresa Russell

Teresa, first opened Bansha Castle for B&B in 1980's. John was then farming but moved into construction which assisted greatly in the renovation of Bansha Castle. Both are semi-retired and Catering is provided by Barbara Russell Catering. Highly recommended.

Why they chose this property

John was born in Bansha. The house, lands and area is beautiful with very friendly local people. Try Nellies pub for a chat.

What makes this property unique

When you walk in the door you immediately get a feeling of peace and calm. Best central location in Ireland. Best rural setting. Local community are extremely friendly. Music can be arranged privately or in Nellies if available.