press release
A CASTLE MADE FOR ROMANCE: VALENTINE’S AT BARBERSTOWN CASTLE
Some places seem to exist purely to make people fall in love, and Barberstown Castle is one of them. Just thirty minutes from Dublin, yet entirely removed from the everyday, the historic four-star castle in Straffan, Co. Kildare offers a Valentine’s escape that feels indulgent, atmospheric and deeply romantic.
This Valentine’s, Barberstown Castle is inviting couples to linger with a beautifully curated Romantic Escape, available for one or two nights from €415 per couple. The experience begins with a chocolate treat waiting in the room on arrival. Later, guests will enjoy dinner in the Castle’s celebrated Barton Rooms, where a welcoming glass of champagne sets the tone for an evening of fine food and quiet celebration, followed the next morning by a leisurely breakfast and no reason to rush away.
Dinner is, fittingly, one of the great highlights of the stay. The Barton Rooms, recently crowned ‘Good Food Ireland Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025’, is a destination, showcasing exceptional Irish produce in a setting that feels both elegant and warmly intimate. This is the kind of meal that turns a night away into a proper occasion, and a Valentine’s celebration into something truly memorable.
Many of the bedrooms have four-poster beds and the sort of enveloping quiet that encourages long lie-ins and slow mornings. Outside, the Castle grounds and surrounding countryside invite gentle winter walks, before returning to open fires, indulgent baths and unhurried afternoons.
And for those planning something truly momentous, the Castle poses an irresistible question. Proposing? Is there anywhere more romantic in the world? The answer may well be found in Barberstown’s recently renovated Presidential Suite, a space created for once-in-a-lifetime occasions. If you are thinking about popping that all important question or want an ultra-luxurious, romantic experience then upgrade to the Presidential Suite where you and your loved one will be utterly pampered.
At the heart of Barberstown Castle is a medieval keep dating back to 1288, later enriched with Victorian and Elizabethan additions that give the house its richly layered, timeless character. Today, it is home to 61 elegant bedrooms and suites, gracious public rooms and softly lit corridors, with an atmosphere that manages to feel both grand and reassuringly intimate.
This Valentine’s, Barberstown Castle’s Romantic Escape brings together everything a romantic break should be- beautiful surroundings, exceptional food, thoughtful touches and the luxury of time. Whether it is a celebration, a surprise, or the beginning of a new chapter, it is a place where romance feels not only possible, but inevitable.
For further information or to book, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie or call (01) 628 8157.
BARBERSTOWN CASTLE BACKING THE DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL AT LEOPARDSTOWN RACECOURSE
The historic, four-star Barberstown Castle, located in Straffan, Co. Kildare, has announced its sponsorship of a feature race at the 2026 Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse — one of Ireland’s most prestigious and exciting fixtures in the National Hunt calendar.
Barberstown Castle will sponsor the Barberstown Castle Handicap Steeplechase (Listed) on Saturday, 31 January 2026 (Day One of the Festival). The race takes place in a prime slot on the card, running immediately after the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, ensuring a high-profile and competitive contest in front of a large and engaged audience.
The Dublin Racing Festival (DRF) is one of Ireland’s premier racing events, attracting the very best horses, trainers and jockeys, as well as an enthusiastic international audience.
Barberstown Castle has long been a supporter of the Irish racing industry and has sponsored racing at The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown, as well as being actively involved in racing hospitality and partnerships. The hotel also supports and sponsors jockeys Dylan Browne McMonagle, Scott Mc Cullagh, Patick Mc Gettigan and Simon Torrens.
Amanda Torrens, CEO and owner of Barberstown Castle, said; “The Dublin Racing Festival attracts a hugely engaged audience and represents the very best of Irish National Hunt racing. With approximately 36,000 people expected to attend over the weekend, it provides a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase Barberstown Castle to both Irish and international racegoers. We love horse racing — it’s a special industry — and we relish the opportunity to support and work with dynamic racecourses, jockeys and sporting events at the highest level.”
To mark the occasion, Barberstown Castle has created a special Dublin Racing Festival accommodation package, which includes accommodation with breakfast and a complimentary return shuttle transfer to and from Leopardstown Racecourse. The offer is priced from €275 single / €295 double and is available on the 30th & 31st January 2026.
The luxury hotel features 61 spacious bedrooms, including a recently renovated ultra-luxurious Presidential Suite, along with a collection of elegant public rooms, dining spaces and banqueting suites. The Barton Rooms, the main hotel restaurant was named ‘Good Food Ireland Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025’.
The historic property is centred around a medieval keep dating from 1288, later enhanced with Victorian and Elizabethan additions, resulting in a property that is richly atmospheric while offering modern luxury and comfort.
For further information or to book, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie or call (01) 628 8157.
