Dromoland Castle

Outside of Shannon, Ireland, a 19th-century Gothic revival castle has been operating since 1963 as the Dromoland Castle hotel (phone +353 61 368144 or, from the US, 800/346-7007). Room rates at the 5-star hotel run €378-€1,044 (near $493-$1,361) in summer and €176-€585 in winter.

It offers families getaways with many activities on its 410-acre country estate, including golf, falconry, horseback riding, tennis, archery and biking. Some activities have extra charges; for example, guests can fish on the bank for free or hire a guide for €100 for a half day.