Killua Castle — Attraction in County Westmeath

Killua Castle is a beautifully restored historic castle located near Clonmellon, County Westmeath, Ireland. Originally built in the 1780s by Sir Benjamin Chapman, it replaced an earlier structure and was later expanded by the Chapman family, who also erected the nearby Raleigh Obelisk to commemorate the legend of the first potato being planted in Ireland. The Chapman family, linked to both Sir Walter Raleigh and T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), were its long-time residents until the early 20th century. Over the years, the castle fell into ruin but was purchased and meticulously restored starting in 1999 by Allen Sangines-Krause, transforming it into a modern and sustainable private residence with strong nods to its historic roots. Geothermal heating, solar panels, and a small wind turbine provide energy efficiency for the estate. The restoration drew inspiration from history but embraces contemporary art and design, making the interiors a unique blend of medieval, early Renaissance, and modern elements. Today, Killua Castle is dedicated to sharing passions for history, art, environmental conservation, regenerative farming, and gastronomy. The castle and its picturesque grounds are open to the public on Saturdays (10am–4pm) and offer guided tours, featuring main rooms, the 18th-century kitchen, and a significant art collection. The estate also hosts events and offers lodging for visitors. To visit, it’s recommended to book tours in advance. The property also features a deer park and the Twelve Points Restaurant, both offering opportunities to enjoy the landscape and local cuisine. Killua Castle is renowned for its romantic setting, unique history, and beautifully restored architecture, making it one of Ireland’s notable heritage...

A friend really recommended here so we set off to explore here on a Saturday with our toddler and 7 month old. Google maps brought us in an unsignposted entrance so I'm not sure if there is a more official entrance as we left the way we came in. There is parking but no toilets. There is one picnic table which we used but you could bring a blanket and set up near this table by the pond. There were no bins but that wasn't a problem as we brought home our rubbish with us. We thoroughly enjoyed the boardwalk walk around the nature reserve/pond and looking at the sculptures and glass ball fountain. There is lots to explore and animals to see. We didn't get to explore up around the obelisk but definitely would return another day. It is free which is remarkable as plenty to see and entertain kids in. We were impressed overall though we had to race home to use bathroom facilities! Thank you for allowing us to access...

Very disorganised, an occasional sign pointing in some vague direction, more signs just lying it the grass and an extortionate restaurant that cannot sell you a coffee or a drink unless you partake of their set menu. They won't let you use the restaurant toilets despite the grounds not containing any other facilities, there was a signpost, but nothing existed where it was pointing. The house itself and the grounds are beautiful but with no staff around, and the aforementioned lack of organisation coupled with the bizarre restaurant situation and overpriced house tours, one can only conclude that they do not actually want...