Belleek Castle | Irelands Blue Book

The Marshall Doran Collection in Belleek Castle

Belleek Castle was built between 1825 and 1831, on the site of a medieval Abbey. The 1820’s neo-gothic Castle was commissioned by Sir Arthur Francis Knox-Gore, who lived in Belleek until the early 1940’s.

Marshall Doran, a merchant navy officer and an avid collector of fossils and medieval armour, acquired the run down property in 1961, restored it and opened it as a hotel in 1970. Today, the Castle is managed by Marshall’s son Paul Doran and Ms. Maya Nikolaeva.

Why not take a step back through time and discover the fantastic history of the unique Castle through a guided tour and explore the Marshall Doran Collection of fossils and Medieval European Armour.

The Castle Tour includes an explanation of the origins of the Castle and the history of its former owners, the Knox-Gore family, the Earls of Arran. You will see private dining rooms, decorated in opulent romantic style, as well as the Medieval Banquet Hall, the Spanish Armada Bar and the Tween Deck. The highlight of the tour will be The Marshall Doran Collection, which is one of the finest collections of arms and armour, fossils and antiques in Ireland. You will also see the Grace O’Malley room and the last wolf shot in Connaught.

Opening Hours:

Summer Months (May-September): open to the public 11am-4pm

Winter Months (October-April): open to the public 2pm-4pm

Please ring intercom if the gates are closed.

Tours are available 11am, 2pm & 4pm every day but Belleek Castle is happy to cater for you any time by appointment. In the busy Summer season, it is strongly advised to book your tour in advance.

For more information please call +353 96 22400

About Belleek Castle:

Built on an Abbey dating from mediaeval times, this 1820’s neo-gothic Castle is informal, cosy, warm and friendly. Enter the Castle and be welcomed in the original Great Hall, an open fire with the sweet smell of burning turf to warm your steps back through half a millennium. All rooms are individually furnished with antiquities, some of which have beautiful four poster beds and offer period experience to our residents. Enjoy a contemporary dinner, in the unique eclectic dining room. The Kitchen team is led by local chef Stephen Lenahan, his philosophy is to use classic and imaginative cooking with local, seasonal ingredients from the land, sea and air combining a depth of flavour with the traditions of the castle. The elegance and splendour of the 19th Century Manor House is the perfect place for the elaborate 2AA Rosette cuisine.