They are renowned for winning the Best Hotel Carvery in Ireland
11:18, 25 Jul 2026Updated 11:20, 25 Jul 2026
A beloved family-run hotel, now in the hands of its third generation, is celebrating a special milestone as it marks 75 years in business.
The team at the award-winning Castle Hotel in Macroom have hit a “remarkable milestone in Irish hospitality” under the careful stewardship of the Buckley Family. In September, they will welcome back former staff members for a special celebration.
It’s been an impressive journey for the hotel since Dan and Maureen Buckley arrived in Macroom in 1951 and took over the former Ronan’s 10-bedroom guesthouse. Over the following decades, the hotel has gained 4-star status and expanded to 56 bedrooms, with a Leisure Club, award-winning food, and a renowned event space in the centre of Macroom.
The multi-award-winning hotel has been at the heart of the town for 75 years(Image: The Castle Hotel)
On Saturday, September 5th, the Buckley Family are planning a major celebration. In a heartfelt statement, thanking all who have supported them “through generations of dedication, hard work and a genuine passion for hospitality.”
The Buckleys said they “would like to thank their incredible staff, loyal guests, suppliers, friends and the local community who have been part of this journey and helped create countless memories along the way.”
They shared a few nostalgic photographs of the hotel through the years, taking to Facebook to show how the property has changed through the years – all while keeping a warm welcome at the heart of its hospitality opening. The post adds that the whole team is “looking forward to welcoming back former staff members for this special milestone celebration, a chance to reconnect, share stories and celebrate the journey and the people who have helped shape The Castle Hotel Macroom. Here’s to 75 years of hospitality, community and cherished memories and to the future ahead.”
The Buckleys took over the guesthouse in the 50s and built it into the destination hotel it is today (Image: The Castle Hotel)
The Castle is renowned for its sustainable menu, and is a member of Good Food Ireland and Slow Food, with a huge focus on local artisan food producers and its own organic kitchen garden. There are a number of popular eating options at the 4-star venue. B’s Restaurant is a stylish bistro-style restaurant, while Dan Buckley’s Bar is a more relaxed gastropub space and was previously awarded ‘The Best Hotel Carvery in Ireland’ title in 2018.
Last year, the owners paid a special tribute to their chef as she marked her 40th year working in the kitchen. The Buckleys wished Elaine Collins a very happy four-decade work anniversary, and said she is the “beating heart of the kitchen team.” Elaine has been a loved figure at The Castle for most of her life. After starting a job there as a teenager, she has been with the family hotel “through thick and thin.”
The Castle’s impressive accolades include winning Best Hotel Carvery in Ireland, Best Employer Award, Best Customer Service, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Family Hotel Choice Award and making it onto TripAdvisor’s list of Top 25 Hotels in Ireland.