Never before has it been easier to gain experience and language skills through travel and here at Baldwinstown Castle that is exactly what were offering – an opportunity to improve your riding whilst immersing yourself in Irish customs, language and countryside.

Located in Irelands picturesque southeast coast, Baldwinstown Castle is an exclusive setting where students can relax as if they were at home – all meals are taken in a family setting and being that we accept a max of 8 students per session personalised attention is given to every activity.

Baldwinstown Castle is the ideal summer riding experience – a chance to improve your riding skills, meet new friends and see the Real Ireland!

History of Baldwinstown Castle & Castle House

The ruins of Baldwinstown Castle stands majestically beside Castle House set admidst 17 acres of Gardens and Parkland - one of the oldest Norman Keeps in Ireland, it was built in 1195 by the Keatings who owned it until Oliver Cromwell dispossessed them in 1649.  The cracks in the north and south walls are believed to have been caused by Cromwell's soldiers setting fire to the castle.  In 1649 Cromwell granted the castle and lands as wages to two soldiers, one of whom was Seargent John Swan who later bought out his partners share and sold the estate to a Nicholas Stafford for 40 shillings - so the castle passed back into old Wexford Normans hands again.  In the early 1700's the Staffords built a house next to the Castle, and with the help of a Father William Stafford, (who was at the time based in Rathmines), added the front Georgian Section in 1810.  In the latter half of the 19th Century, the Stafford Family were known to have entertained Charles Parnell at Castle House on a number of occasions.  The property remained in the Stafford family until Maureen Stafford died in 1984 - she was the last surviving of 4 spinster sisters and was a nurse and midwife to Queen Elizabeth II, delivering Prince Charles in 1948.