Romantic Castles of Ireland has announced a strategic partnership to restore and redevelop Killeen Castle, one of Ireland’s most historically significant and architecturally distinguished castles, located in Dunsany, County Meath.
Dating back more than 800 years, Killeen Castle has long been regarded as a landmark of Irish heritage. This partnership marks a significant new chapter for the Castle itself, bringing together Romantic Castles of Ireland’s proven expertise in heritage restoration and luxury hospitality with the long-term vision and investment of the Killeen Castle Estate.
Renovation works on the Castle are expected to commence in Spring 2026, with a full reopening planned for 2028.
Welcoming the new acquisition, Howard Corscadden, Managing Director of Romantic Castles of Ireland, said, “Killeen Castle is a landmark of Irish heritage with extraordinary promise for renewal. The addition of the Castle marks a major milestone in the Romantic Castles of Ireland’s continued investment and expansion across Ireland’s luxury hospitality and tourism sector.
Building on the successful restoration and reopening of Markree Castle in County Sligo in 2017, Romantic Castles of Ireland brings proven expertise in blending heritage conservation with contemporary hospitality. The redevelopment of the Castle at Killeen Estate will draw on that experience, ensuring the restoration honours its architectural history while creating a hotel destination.“
Welcoming the announcement, Joe O’Reilly, CEO Castlethorn, said, “Castlethorn’s vision and continued investment has always been to unlock Killeen Castle Estate’s full potential as one of Ireland’s truly exceptional destinations. We are excited to partner with Romantic Castles of Ireland as they embark on the restoration of the Castle itself. This will complement and mutually enhance the offerings of both organisations, benefiting estate residents, golf tourism development and the wider local community. Together, we share a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the long-term success of the estate; ensuring Killeen Castle Estate continues to flourish as a landmark for Meath and Ireland on a global stage.
The restoration of the Castle will sit alongside the continued evolution of the wider estate, which in recent years has seen significant investment in guest lodge accommodation, the championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and residential development including the newly launched Loughmore Wood collection of family homes.
Romantic Castles of Ireland and Killeen Castle Golf Services Ltd are committed to ensuring business continuity and stability across all existing and developing operations within the estate. This includes ongoing services already provided by Killeen Castle Golf Services Ltd.
“Our ambitious plans for the estate have really advanced in the past few years with the addition of guest lodge accommodation and continued investment in the championship Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, which has seen a solid growth in memberships, along with the development of houses and the newly launched Loughmore Wood collection of family homes within the estate,” Joe added.
On this significant step for the estate, Philip Rock, General Manager, said, “This is wonderful news and Romantic Castles of Ireland brings the expertise, sensitivity, and ambition required to deliver something truly special. This strategic collaboration and investment is very welcome news for the fulfilment of the ambitious development plans in place for the entire Killeen Castle Estate. It is so exciting to see the Castle once again becoming the jewel of an entire estate that continues to thrive.”
All bookings, including weddings, events, gift vouchers, golf membership, and golf bookings, will remain fully secure and unaffected.
As this historic Irish Castle is brought back to life, this partnership highlights the shared vision to see Killeen Castle restored as a landmark destination of national and international significance where heritage, hospitality and place come together once more.
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