Markree Castle

Frommer's Review

Four stories high, with a forbidding entrance, a monumental stone staircase, and thrusting turrets, Markree is satisfyingly, properly, definitely a castle. It's also family-owned -- the current owner, Charles Cooper, is the 10th generation of his family to live here. The approach to the castle is impressive -- a long drive through smooth, green pastures and past lovely gardens that stretch down to the Unsin River. Climb up the old, stone staircase, and walk through the wooden doors to a hand-carved oak staircase, ornate plasterwork, and a stained-glass window. Once there, though, it all starts to go wrong. The furniture is modern and not well chosen, and much of it has seen better days. Guest rooms are large but quite worn around the edges, and, in our room, the beds were not at all comfortable. I couldn't help but wonder who chose the vivid and clashing colors and fabrics. Sadly, I found the staff to be less friendly and helpful than I had hoped, but others have said they've had better experiences here. The restaurant is hit-or-miss -- it can be either surprisingly good or startlingly bad. Altogether, this hotel is not for the faint of heart, but many claim to love it, warts and all.

Facilities:
Restaurant (Continental); horseback riding; salmon fishing

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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