Our stay with Michael at Castle Ellen House was the absolute highlight of our recent trip to Ireland, even eclipsing the numerous bucket list items we did.
To be perfectly honest, when we walked in we were really wondering what we had gotten ourselves into. But we had read all of the reviews prior to booking and we are always open to new experiences so we decided to give it a try. We sat in the main room and chatted with Michael for a few minutes and then he took us up to our room. We asked if there was anyplace nearby to grab dinner but Michael told us it was his birthday and he invited us to join him for dinner and wine by the fire in the main room.
We were there right in between two major storms and it was COLD, even in the house which is only heated by fireplaces and an oil filled radiator space heater in our room. But the bed had an electric blanket so we snuggled into it and relaxed until it was time to go back downstairs. When we went back downstairs, Michael had our dinner plates warming by the fire and shortly thereafter we were enjoying dinner and wine while Michael began telling us tales of the house, his family, and some of his own adventures over the years. Before long we forgot every misgiving we had had. We sat there for quite some time, looking at photos and just enjoying the company.
When we went back to our room, it was as cold as before so we quickly snuggled into bed where we spent a surprisingly comfortable night listening to the wind howl outside.
In the morning, we went down and had a breakfast of cold cereal and then Michael took us on a tour of the house and grounds. He told us even more of the history and showed us so many wonderful things. By the time we were done and it was time to leave, it was like leaving family. Email addresses and phone numbers were exchanged along with hugs and laughter and promises to share all of the pictures that had been taken.
So the short of it is exactly as others have said. If you are going with the expectation of staying in a hotel type castle where everything is perfect, this is not the place for you. If you are willing to look past the clutter and dust, and truly see the history and love that is in this house, you will enjoy one of the most magical experiences of your life.