By PAUL RUB

Sprinkled along the Gaelic-rich countryside, historic relics and towering castles from the Middle Ages to the 19th century create fairy tale settings for reliving the histories of Scotland and Ireland. A number of these castles have been reinvented as hotels, doling out the Full Monty “Once Upon a Time” experience, combining “Harry Potter” scenery with moat-and-guard castle greatness, and some Clue and Scooby Doo-style mystery thrown into the mix (think: secret doors and passageways that lead to an entire underworld, face paintings with tracking eyes, and staff personalities that have you thinking, “it was Mrs. Peacock in the study with the candlestick”). From Inverlochy Castle, ambassador to the Scottish Highlands, to my personal favorite, Ireland’s 13th century Ashford Castle, venturing off Europe’s beaten path and heading to these remote pockets of living history brings a personal storybook to life.

Ashford Castle

Once upon a time, in a reality of fairy tales and fantasia, medieval nobility and majesty prevailed throughout the emerald green island today known as Ireland. During the High Middle Ages, the Norman invasions gave way to settlements such as Ashford on the island’s far west, peppering the landscape with towering castles that epitomized power and period-appropriate ostentation. Nearly eight centuries after its naissance in 1228, Ashford Castle (ashford.ie, 1-800- 346-7007) triumphs as a functioning hotel and historical link to Ireland’s tumultuous past, a splendid adaptive reuse of the fortified residence built by the Anglo- Norman de Burgo family following their defeat of the native O’Connors Connaught. (History lesson now over. Whew!) A top-notch hotel in every facet of design and service, Ashford Castle keeps history in style deep in the remote stretches of western Ireland, about a two-hour drive from the nearest major airport, Shannon. The superbly manicured sprawling grounds, regal interiors, and touches of modern luxury bow down only to the original dramatic exterior, a perfectly preserved architectural and cultural treasure. Ashford Castle embodies the medieval mystery and magnificence that has inspired literary and philosophical greats, recalling an exalted yet eerie age of societal evolution. A protective moat, sharp spires, raised watchtowers, creaky stairways, and secret passageways are just the beginning (Zoinks!). Dimly lit libraries, quiet drawing rooms, draped canopy beds and plush Victorian interiors exude traditional luxury while extensive, labyrinth pathways cut through dozens of verdant acres, leading to on-site centers for falconry, archery, fishing, spa relaxation, golf, and equestrian endeavors. The seasoned and eccentric staff take tremendous pride in facilitating an allencompassing sojourn far back in time while dutifully attentive to the whims and wants of today’s discerning and pampered traveler.

Inverlochy Castle

Inverlochy Castle

One of Scotland’s most exalted hotels, Inverlochy Castle (inverlochycastlehotel. com, 1-888-424-0106), lies in the foothills of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, amidst the inspirational, striking scenery easily recognized by avid “Harry Potter” movie fans. Minutes away from the ruins of the original 13th-century Inverlochy castle, the hotel dates back to mid-19th century, its former life as the private home of Lord Abinger and a resting spot for Queen Victoria on her travels to the Scottish highlands circa 1873. (Insert condescending accent here). Nowadays, this country castle home welcomes globetrotters from around the world and hopeless romantics to receive their own royal treatment. The castle’s formal common areas and seventeen rooms and suites honor the décor and opulence of the late 19th century, none more so than the exquisite dining room, where Chef Philip Carnegie doles out decadent Michelin-starred cuisine. Be prepared to dress to the nines for dinner, gorge over six courses, and whisper the entire time in a dining room where you can hear a pin drop! Lush landscaping and lichen-rich trees envelop the property, flanked by two small lochs and surrounding walking trails ideal for short afternoon ambles. While most high-end Irish and Scottish castles function as stand-alone experiences in remote swaths of Gaelic country, Inverlochy is conveniently located within proximity of Fort William, gateway to the Scottish highlands, and within an hour of the Inner Hebrides and Loch Ness. It’s a fantastic home base or gateway for exploring greater Scotland and is located a two-hour drive from Glasgow or a three hour drive from Edinburgh.

Read Here: CASTLES IN THE CLOUDS PART II: GLENAPP AND EDINBURGH

Paul Rubio

Paul Rubio is a Miami-based travel editor who has visited over 82
countries in his quest to showcase the world. A graduate of Harvard
University, Paul is the author of “Out Traveler: South Florida” and
caters to both avid voyagers and armchair travelers.