Slow Down to Our Pace
About Us
“Some say it’s the best self-catering in the West”
Alastair Sawday’s Special Places To Stay
A relaxing retreat from the world. Peaceful and perfect. Magical and majestic. These are some of the reasons why our guests love Mount Cashel and return time after time. But most important to us is that as our guest, you enjoy a true home-from-home experience with real Irish warmth, pristine accommodation and idyllic surrounds. Mount Cashel is a place where the world slows down to a gentler pace, yet you’re ideally placed to enjoy all that Ireland’s West Coast has to offer – from the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren to historic castles, traditional pub life and top shopping.
From the moment you approach Mount Cashel along our sweeping and dramatic driveway, the picturesque lake glistening ahead, you know you’ve found something special. Mount Cashel is a private estate offering exclusive accommodation in 18th century lodges, restored and beautifully finished.
The estate has THREE exclusive TWO- and FOUR-bedroom properties, sleeping up to NINE people in comfort. It’s the perfect sanctuary to holiday in peace and calm, surrounded by nature yet with so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a traditional family holiday or a convenient base for your Irish adventure – our home is yours.
Meet Your Hosts
Taking its name from nearby Ballymulcashel (‘Baile maol caiseal’ in Irish, meaning ‘the place of the ruined stone fort’), Mount Cashel dates to 1850, when the MP Andrew Stacpoole leased the house and ninety-eight acres of land to John Frost. Through the years, the estate had many owners, until its restoration to its Victorian heritage in the late 20th century. Today, Mount Cashel is owned by Patrick and Annette Shanahan – whose family can date their heritage back to the last High King of Ireland – Brian Boru. Pat and Annette are passionate about the Estate and its heritage. They offer valuable recommendations on local attractions and ensure that every last detail is taken care of, always putting your needs first.
The Perfect Setting
The THREE Lodges at Mount Cashel are set in a 38-acre private landscape, and the jewel of our crown is our own private lake – Castle Lake. Here ancient trees line the pathways, manicured gardens invite quiet escape and lush parkland is perfect for relaxing riverside walks and family play time. Our Victorian cottage garden with a fine display of plants and flowers completes this countryside paradise.
Life at the Lake
With the lake at your doorstep, there’s so much to enjoy…
Outdoor Living
Mount Cashel is made for the outdoor lifestyle. Start your day with tea on your private patio, watching the lake come to life. And enjoy an evening barbeque outside your lodge with your own patio heater to keep you cosy.
Fabulous Fishing
As our guest you’re welcome to fish on our lake. Pike, bream and perch are commonly caught, as well as trout which is more of a challenge to catch!
For extra holiday freedom and with advanced notice we can arrange a babysitter for you.
Mount Cashel History
5th to 12th centuries AD
Evidence of early habitation at Mount Cashel in the form of a ‘Crannog’ or Lake Dwelling – built from brushwood and stones – in the middle of Castle Lake, as built by the Celts.
1850
John Frost leases the house and 98 acres of land from MP Andrew Stacpoole.
Turn of the 20th century
The Butler family from Castlecrine take up residence.
Mid-20th century
Richard Abbott-Anderson and family move into the house.
Early 1970s
Colonel and Mrs John Deighton purchase the property.
Late 20th century
The house and lodges are restored to their Victorian heritage by Tony and Patricia Muffett.
2002
Pat and Annette Shanahan become owners and develop the estate as period self-catering accommodation.