Castle In Meath - Killeen Castle Meath
Killeen Castle is a unique development of supreme quality residences set in the historic grounds of one of Ireland’s oldest and finest 12th century Norman castles. Six hundred acres of beautifully landscaped, secure grounds where you can feel at one with nature are yours to enjoy each day. The lakes at Killeen Castle have been fully stocked and are teeming with fish while the demesne boasts a vast wealth of flora and fauna, as expected of such an idyllic rural setting. The spectacular 600 acre estate is also home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and soon to be complemented by a luxury hotel and spa.
About Us
Set in the historic grounds of one of Ireland’s oldest and finest 12th century Norman castles, the six hundred acre estate at Killeen Castle is home to a unique development of supreme quality residences discreetly positioned among the natural woodlands of the demesne and throughout which the magnificent Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course winds. Killeen Castle is soon to be complemented by a luxury 5-star hotel and spa.
Located just north of Dunshaughlin in the heart of Royal Meath overlooked by the ancient Hill of Tara, Killeen Castle is just minutes from the picturesque hamlet of Dunsany. Killeen Castle offers all the joys of true country living, yet it is only 35 minutes from Dublin International Airport and 45 minutes from Dublin City Centre. Killeen Castle has been developed by Snowbury Ltd, an associate company of Castlethorn Construction , one of the country’s leading homebuilders and developers of Ireland’s premier retail complex, Dundrum Town Centre.
From the stunning restoration of the castle and the crafting of the country’s finest golf course to the provision of exceptional residences, no stone has been left unturned in creating a living and leisure experience that is among the very best to be found anywhere in the world.
History
For over eight hundred years, Killeen Castle has stood as a silent sentinel in the heart of Royal Meath, ancient home to the High Kings of Ireland.
The history of Killeen Castle dates back over eight hundred years to 1181, when it was built by Hugh de Lacy as part of the strategic castle defence system for north Leinster. From 1403 until the 1950’s, the castle acted as the seat of the Plunkett family, Earls of Fingall, and their five and a half centuries of unbroken connection with Killeen Castle is exceptional by any standards. The Plunketts were Ireland’s premier Catholic Peers and amongst the oldest of the great Anglo-Irish families. Among their numbers were a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, distinguished parliamentarians and decorated soldiers. Over the centuries the Plunkett family occupied other great homes in North Leinster such as Dunsany, Rathmore, Dunsoghly and Loughcrew.
The early castle would have been relatively modest, consisting of a series of strong towers, with a simple walled enclosure. From that initial structure, a fine medieval tower house developed, gracing the ‘lordship of Killeen’, as it was then known. Nearby, a village developed, markets were held and in time, Killeen Castle became the focal point for an entire community.
From the late seventeenth to the late eighteenth centuries, Killeen Castle became dilapidated, due to the enforced absence of the Earls following the various uprisings and natural unrest. In the early nineteenth century the 8th an 9th Earls engaged renowned architects, Francis Johnson and then James Sheil to modernise the castle creating the design for the building which stands today. Johnston is well known for his work on the Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle, the General Post Office and the Parliament House, now the Bank of Ireland. James Sheil amongst other workers was employed on Corke Lodge near Bray. Rathaldran near Navan has also been attributed to him.
The fifteenth-century parish church of Killeen, dedicated in honour of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, is situated adjacent to the castle, and was originally part of an abbey complex, now disappeared.
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
Killeen Castle is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. This means that it has had continuous hands-on involvement throughout its design and construction from the greatest golfer ever to play the game.
Over the past two decades, Jack Nicklaus has become recognised as the finest course designer in the world. Built to provide the sternest of Championship challenges while remaining accessible to the average golfer, Jack Nicklaus has created 18 spectacular golf holes at Killeen Castle, each with its own unique features. The course is 7,600 yards long and covers an area of 350 acres among superb natural woodlands - more than twice the average acreage for a championship course.
Killeen Castle will formally open for play in 2008 - register your interest in playing here now!
All of the greens and tees have been seeded and drained to USGA performance specification and the greens feature a unique blend of grasses, inspired by Augusta - the same blend used in Jack’s own course in Muirfield, Ohio.
No detail has been overlooked at any stage of the project and in keeping with the Nicklaus philosophy of working with the natural landscape rather than against it, the course features stunning stonework which was quarried from the site and hand-tooled by our expert craftsmen.
Dave Pelz Scoring Game School
Every golfer knows that improving your short game will lower your scores, yet it’s long been one of the most elusive goals to achieve in golf. According to Dave Pelz, it can be done and you can find out how in 2008 at the new Dave Pelz Golf School at Killeen Castle, the first of its kind in Europe.
Complementing the Jack Nicklaus designed signature championship course, which will be open for play in late Spring, 2008, and which has already been nominated as venue for the The 2011 Solheim Cup women’s golf match between the USA and Europe; the first Dave Pelz Scoring Game School to be built outside America is scheduled to open in Summer 2008.
Based on research that shows that 65 percent of the shots golfers hit occur inside 100 yards from the hole, our three-day schools focus strictly on the shots and skills you can use effectively from that range. Mastering the chips, putts, sand shots and distance wedges will help you play the game with more confidence and lower scores.
Thousands of amateur golfers attend the popular Dave Pelz Scoring Game Schools and Clinics across the United States. It’s the best investment you can make in your game and is now available in Europe for the first time at the Dave Pelz Golf School at Killeen Castle.
• Three-Day, Two Day and One Day Golf Programmes
• Corporate Outings Available
• Learn with Feedback
• Learn to Improve for a Lifetime
Residences
Killeen Castle represents the epitome of country living. It is a rural haven removed from the stress and the bustle of city life.
When you opt for a residence at Killeen Castle, you are choosing a lifestyle which is all but non-existent elsewhere. Your every need will be catered for by a 24-hour concierge service, helping smooth the path of everyday life.
All homes will be situated within woodland, making it a very private living experience for residents within the seclusion and security of the Castle Demesne, yet with the magnificent Jack Nicklaus Signature Course right on your doorstep.
Each detached residence site sits on approximately 1 acre and is positioned to fully integrate with the landscape whilst achieving privacy through the use of clever plantings of mature trees.
The grounds attached to your residence are home to tree species such as Ash, Oak and Beech, some of which have been there for hundreds of years, while a herd of native deer and badgers and foxes can all be counted among your ‘neighbours’.
Technology will also play its part in creating a genuine sense of community. The futureproof infrastructure will provide full communications, security and entertainment access for all residents. To that end, one can do everything online from ordering a movie to booking a tee time or spa treatments.
In short, Killeen Castle represents the ultimate in bespoke living and offers prospective residents the opportunity to enjoy a lifestyle that is unique as it is desirable.
Fishing
Good fishing requires the right conditions and here, at Killeen, we have them all.
Offering country living, Killeen Castle promises a lifestyle for those who wish to ‘escape to the country’. On our six hundred acre demesne, you will find a beautiful, natural environment sitting comfortably in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Seven lakes grace the estate. Each lake sits over rich limestone making them extremely productive. The lakes hold great stocks of fish including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Pike. Rainbow Trout were introduced at one year of age and now weigh from 2lbs to 8lbs. The brown trout weigh from 2lbs to 4lbs.
Season Dates:
Brown Trout - March 1st to September 30th
Rainbow Trout - All year round
Pike - 10 months of the year
Fishing guides and instructors
For those looking for flyfishing instruction, expert advice is readily at hand. Everyone from the beginner to the experienced angler is catered for. Ghillies accompany all anglers and children are most welcome. The castle pond is especially designed for tuition in (a) accuracy casting and (b) distance casting.
All equipment is supplied - rods, fly’s, nets, clothing and boots.
Sessions can be for three hours, six hours or nine hours and picnic lunches are available by the lake shore.
Location
Killeen Castle is located in the heart of ‘Royal Meath’, just minutes from the charming hamlet of Dunsany and from the bustling market town of Dunshaughlin.
Set in lush, green countryside, it is close to Tara, the ancient home of the High kings of Ireland, and the world-famous megalithic burial tombs of Newgrange.
As well as offering all the joys of true country living, Killeen Castle is just 35 minutes from Dublin City Centre and 30 minutes from Dublin Airport.
Directions from Dublin Airport
Leaving Dublin Airport, turn right onto the R132, signposted Santry
Turn right
Bear left onto the R108
At roundabout, take the 3rd exit to join the M50 motorway (signposted Southbound), entering Dublin
Leave the M50 at Junction 6 (signposted City Centre, Cavan), then at roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the N3, (signposted Cavan)
At Blanchardstown roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the N3 (signposted Cavan, Navan)
Continue for approximately 18km on the N3, to Dunshaughlin
Go to the end of Dunshaughlin village. Turn left (signposted Dunsany & Killeen Castle) and pass the schools and GAA Grounds
Continue for 1.5km to the roundabout take the 2nd exit, signposted Dunsany
Take first left off the next roundabout, continue for 0.5km to the front gates of Killeen Castle on the right hand side of the road
Contact Us
Tel: +353 1 689 3000
email: info@killeencastle.com
- Castles in Meath
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