About the Property
1 Dog Allowed
Child Friendly
From €400 for 2 nights
Open Fire
Sleeps 3
The Gatehouse, Co. Kildare
The Gatehouse is one of three Gatelodges that grace the entrance to the magnificent Palladian Castletown House, one of the most important eighteenth-century estates in Ireland.
The Gatehouse is perfect for a couple or group of three people who want to experience a break in a charming and comfortable heritage property.
This property is neat and compact and is only twenty kilometers from Dublin City Centre. As with the neighboring Roundhouse, guests at the Gatehouse can enjoy taking a stroll through the Castletown Parklands, a beautiful place that is alive with an array of wildlife.
The Gatehouse also has a beautiful garden to relax in on summer evenings.
We think you’ll love
- Having morning coffee at Castletown Tea rooms, the restored eighteenth century kitchen wing, before taking off on a guided tour of Castletown House.
- Relaxing in the secluded and beautiful garden on a summer’s evening.
Facilities
- 1 Double Room
- 1 Single Room
- Gas Fired Central Heating
- Open Fire in Sitting Room
- Electric Oven
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing Machine / Dryer
- Fridge with small icebox
- Towels and Linens Provided
- Travel cot/crib for infants (under 2 years), on request
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Cooking Utensils and Equipment
- 1 Bathroom
- Garden with garden furniture
- WiFi (please note that this is not a strong signal)
- Car Parking for 1 car only
Things you should know
While there is parking outside the property it can be taken by day visitors to the estate from time to time, so parking is not guaranteed at all times.
There may be maintenance work carried out by the OPW around the property from time to time. ILT only has responsibility for the property and immediate gardens surrounding the property.
Castletown Round House is located on a very busy corner of Celbridge Town at an entrance gate to Castletown House and Parklands. This location can be very busy at times with members of the public using the access gate to enter the park. There may be work carried out by OPW around the property from time to time (this is not work by Irish Landmark Trust).
NB: Castletown House is currently closed. The Courtyard café is closed for the foreseeable future. The opening hours of Castletown Estate have been reduced. The current opening hours of the parklands are 08:30 to 17:30
Three Gate Lodges grace the entrance to the magnificent Palladian Castletown House, one of the most important eighteenth century estates in Ireland. The Lodges are known locally as The Round House, The Pottery and The Gate House. These vernacular buildings form an important part of the Celbridge streetscape and are in fact a very important landmark for both locals and visitors to the area.
The Gate Lodges form a significant and integral part of the Castletown Estate. Unfortunately very little historical information remains for the Gate Lodges. However the importance of Castletown House reflects upon the importance of the Lodges.
The Round House, the lodge on the corner of the Maynooth Road with the bowed entrance was probably the first house to be built on the site.
Originally the Lodge was a single square bay with a small square projecting entrance. Part of the Lodge has a steep roof, heavy roof beams with thick walls and corner fireplaces inside which all suggest an early eighteenth century construction date. The Lodge may even be earlier than Castletown House although there is no building shown on the Noble and Keenan map of 1752. It is likely that both the later two storey additions, one facing the Main Street and the other facing the Maynooth Road were built before the Gate House for which we have a definite construction date of 1783. The small square entrance was also replaced with a bowed projecting entrance bay to the front which adds to the unique character of this building.
Family papers note that the gate piers were completed in 1783 and suggest that the lodge nearest the gate, now called The Gate House, was also complete at this time and occupied by an elderly couple.
Transcripts of the letters from Lady Louisa Conolly to Lady Sarah Lennox reveal the following:-
1783, October 1st, Castletown:
'The piers to Celbridge Gate are finished, and what is extradordinary to say of Paddy workmen in general is, that the Stone Cutters work and iron work are so well finished for the sort of material that they are done in, that it is quite pleasant. The rubbish of the Lodge, (which by the way is a very comfortable one for the old couple that inhabit it) is all cleared away and I am now actually employed in planting and making it pretty all about…'
Not only a Landmark but a home - Memories of the Mercier Family
In the 1950's the Mercier family lived in the Lodges. The Trust was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet David Mercier and his sister Gwen who lived in the lodges with their two sisters, Gladys and Valerie and their parents.
They explained that originally the family lived in the first lodge in the early 1950's but then later in the 50's they moved to the second lodge where they had the luxury of an indoor bathroom. In the first lodge they only had an outdoor toilet in the shed at the back of the house.
In the 1950's there were only four cars in Celbridge. As there was so little trafffic, the Merciers and the other children used to pour water on the main street, let it freeze and use it as an ice-skating rink.
In the late 1950's, the Mercier's moved again, this time to the third gatelodge. The lodges were furnished very simply with lino on the floor which was polished every Saturday using Johnston's wax polish. All the woodwork was painted either brown or cream.
To the right of the lodges there was a wrought iron gate which led to a garden their mother was really proud of. Here she grew vegetables for the family.
The town of Celbridge has a deep historical background. Celbridge Abbey was built by Bartholomew Van Homrigh, Lord Mayer of Dublin, in 1697. It was his daughter, Esther Van Homrigh, who was immortalised as "Vanessa" by Jonathan Swift, who came regularly from his deanery to visit her. The Rock Bridge, situated in the grounds of Celbridge Abbey, is reputed to be the oldest remaining stone bridge that crosses the River Liffey. Celbridge is also the birthplace of Arthur Guinness, founder of the Guinness Brewery family business.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.
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Arrival and Departure Time?
Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00p.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.
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Is there a TV?
No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.
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Is there WiFi?
Very limited. At our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.
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Can I bring a dog?
Yes. Check the Irish Landmark T&Cs re bringing dogs to Irish Landmark properties. This property is only suitable for one dog.
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Do you supply towels and bed linen?
Yes. The beds will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.
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Is there an open fire?
Yes. You can light the open fire in the sitting room. There is a limited amount of fuel left for the fire (where applicable) so guests may want to bring more for the duration of their stay. Please contact the local House Manager for more information on what type of fuel is used at your chosen property.
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Do you supply fuel for the fire?
Irish Landmark Trust supply enough fuel for one night only. Guests will be advised where to purchase fuel for the fire locally.
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Can I bring more than one dog?
This property is only suitable for one dog.
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Do I need a car to get here?
No. There is public transport to Celbridge and the lodge is situated at the top of the main street so you can walk to shops, restaurants etc.
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How do I get the keys?
When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access on your arrival date.
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Can I arrive early?
Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.
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What is the latest departure time?
10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.
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How far to the nearest town?
The lodge is situated at the top of the main street in Celbridge.
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Where can I find information about the local area?
Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.
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Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?
We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.
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Is it suitable for children?
Yes. There is a single bedroom upstairs and a travel cot can be provided on request for young children.
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Is it suitable for older people?
Yes. The bathroom is located on the gound floor.
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Does it have facilities for disabled people?
The ground floor bathroom is suitable for the assisted disabled.
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Is it suitable for a wheelchair?
No.
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Is there central heating?
There is gas central heating with radiators throughout the lodge.
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Is the cooker electric or gas?
Electric cooker.
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Is there a shower?
Yes - there is a shower over bath in the single bathroom.
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How many bathrooms?
1
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Can I get to the house by public transport?
Yes. You would get a train or bus to Dublin and a local bus to Celbridge.
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Where is the nearest train station?
Dublin.
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What type of heating is in the house?
Gas central heating.
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What is your minimum booking period?
Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.
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Is there a garden at the house?
Yes. There is a small lawned area.
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Is there parking on site?
Yes there is parking for 1 car.
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Is there outdoor furniture?
Yes.
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What condiments and products do you supply?
We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher. We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.
HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY :
It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.
BOOKING:
Your booking must be for holiday purposes only. Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked. When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you.
CONTRACT OF HIRE:
The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking.
Click arrival date for cost of stay
Things to do in Kildare
An itinerary for a seven-day trip to the Kildare, staying at Castletown Gatehouse.
Reviews
Vincent, England
“Beautiful, had a great time despite the weather. We’re planning our next visit already. Thank you.”
Breege, Co. Meath
“Thank you to the Irish Landmark Trust. It’s clean, quiet and has everything. And Teresa Geaney keeps it immaculately. Having no TV is inspired – we played chess while listening to the radio – how marvellous! Overall the weekend was exactly what the doctor ordered! “
Wonderful Stay, Lovely Location
“We couldn’t ask for a quainter or more accommodating place near such a lovely location as Castletown house. Highly recommend.” (DBrennan)
Cosy and Sunny
“The house was beautifully prepared for us – cosy, warm and welcoming. The location is so well placed – very easy to get the 67 bus right into the centre of Dublin, easy to access roads elsewhere, and Celbridge also has everything you would need, not least the wonderful estate to walk round. A very enjoyable and relaxing stay with the added delight of staying somewhere out of the ordinary. I know the Irish Landmark Trust do not control the weather! – but that was fantastic too, bathing us in sun filled autumn colours.” (FQuinn).
House Manager
Lorraine Kiely McDonagh
Lorraine Kiely McDonagh is the House Manager at Castletown Gatehouse. Lorraine loves to welcome guests and show them around the property and tell them her top things to do in the local area.