The Castle, which was designed and built by John Ensor, is one of Dublin’s oldest hotels. Opened in 1809, it was called The Norfolk Hotel until 1900s, when it was renamed the Leix Hotel. It finally became the Castle Hotel in 1956. This Georgian property is still family-run. In 1986 it was acquired by Mr Fionn MacCumhaill, who bought it from the O’Connor family and undertook a large renovation project. However, he decided to keep many of the original features, including staircases, original plasterwork, antique mirrors, crystal chandeliers and fire places. The public areas include a newly refurbished bar, a lounge and breakfast room. When you enter the hotel you will find the reception desk straight ahead, while on the left there is the resident’s lounge: a high-ceilinged room decorated in a traditional style with sofas and a carpeted floor.