Castlethorn is excited to announce our partnership with Romantic Castles of Ireland to restore and redevelop Killeen Castle, an important heritage landmark within Killeen Castle Estate in Dunsany, County Meath. Renovation works are expected to commence in Spring 2026, with a full reopening planned for 2028.
Castlethorn’s Long-Term Involvement with the Estate
Killeen Castle has long been the historic centrepiece of Killeen Castle Estate. The announcement marks a significant next step in Castlethorn’s long-term stewardship of the Estate: partnering with Romantic Castles of Ireland to progress the restoration of the Castle itself, alongside the continued evolution of the wider destination.
The partnership combines Romantic Castles of Ireland’s heritage restoration and hospitality experience with Castlethorn’s long-term vision and investment at the Estate grounded in quality, sustainability and careful place-making.
Our History with Killeen Castle Estate to Date
Over recent years, Castlethorn’s focus at Killeen Castle Estate has been to strengthen the fundamentals of a thriving destination and residential community, supporting the Estate’s accommodation offering, golf experience and the delivery of homes within the grounds.
This includes the launch of Loughmore Wood, a collection of luxury family homes for sale within the Estate.
The Partnership Significance
While this is a major milestone for Killeen Castle Estate, the wider significance is that it reflects a broader, credible direction in Ireland: heritage assets are best sustained when they are actively cared for, sensitively repurposed, and supported by capable long-term partners.
Aligning with Broader Frameworks
Ireland’s national heritage strategy, Heritage Ireland 2030, recognises that protecting heritage is often delivered through collaboration and leadership across sectors. Castlethorn’s role as long-term investor and steward, coupled with a specialist restoration and hospitality partner, reflects that partnership model.
Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Tourism Development Strategies also provide a national framework for sustainable tourism development across Ireland by emphasising place-based visitor experiences and benefits to local communities. A restored heritage destination within a living estate is consistent with that direction, particularly when managed with long-term sustainability in mind.
Within that context, Killeen Castle Estate is a rare mix of heritage setting, golf, accommodation, and residential community—making the Castle restoration an opportunity to strengthen the overall destination and the experience of the Estate for residents, members, and visitors.
Sustainability Through Partnership & Long-Term Stewardship
Romantic Castles of Ireland brings specialist experience in heritage restoration and luxury hospitality, with a track record of delivering heritage properties as high-quality destinations. In this partnership, they will apply that capability to Killeen Castle, supporting a restoration that honours the Castle’s architectural history while creating a sustainable hospitality future.
Joe O’Reilly, CEO of Castlethorn, said:
“Castlethorn’s vision and continued investment has always been to unlock Killeen Castle Estate’s full potential as one of Ireland’s truly exceptional destinations. We are excited to partner with Romantic Castles of Ireland as they embark on the restoration of the Castle itself. … Together, we share a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the long-term success of the estate; ensuring Killeen Castle Estate continues to flourish as a landmark for Meath and Ireland on a global stage.”
This work aligns with Castlethorn’s wider sustainability commitment to responsible delivery and value creation in building construction. At the project centre is the long-term vision: protecting the character of a historic asset, extending its useful life, and ensuring it can be maintained and enjoyed responsibly for decades to come.
What’s next
The restoration of Killeen Castle is an important milestone within Castlethorn’s long-term partnership with Killeen Castle Estate. As timelines are confirmed, we’ll share key updates through our channels.
To explore more of Castlethorn’s work across Ireland, browse our current developments or contact us today.
