Top 15 Castles to visit in Ireland

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kilkenny-castle.jpg

1. Bunratty Castle

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bunrattybig.jpg

Bunratty Castle is one of the most adored and distinguished castles in Ireland. The castle was built in the 1400s. It is a fortified tower house located in County Clare and was fully refurbished in 1954. The grey stone castle has been endowed with antiques from the 15th and 16th centuries to show what life would have been like when it was built by the powerful MacNamara family. It is possible to visit the castle and to book tickets for the medieval banquets that are held there almost every day.

2.Blarney Castle

Consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in Ireland, you absolutely cannot miss Blarney Castle. Dating back to 1446, thousands of tourists make their way here each year to kiss the renowned Blarney Stone. Rumour has it if you climb the 10 stories to the top then hang upside down to kiss the stone you’ll be fortunate enough to get the gift of eloquence. Once you’ve kissed the stone and explored the castle be sure to take some time to admire the 60-acre floral garden.

3. The Rock of Cashel

There are many myths associated with the large castle known as the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. According to the legend, this is where Aenghus the King of Munster was converted to Christianity by St. Patrick in the 5th century.  The High Kings of Ulster ruled from the castle here ​and later donated the site to the Catholic Church. Most of the buildings in the large castle complex date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It is possible to walk through the castle and admire the beautiful medieval architecture that makes the Rock of Cashel one of the most visited sites in Ireland.

4. Cahir Castle

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cahir_Castle,_Tipperary_County,_Ireland_(6961416840)_(2).jpg

Cahir Castles is easily one of the best Irish castles. You can still see the defence structures, keep, and a tower that has remained intact since its construction in 1142; and if you head to the northeast tower you can see the cannonball that’s been stuck in the wall since the Nine Years’ War. While you’re exploring the castle, check out the amazing countryside views from the top of Cahir Tower, and catch a 15-minute film that teaches about the function of Ireland’s fortresses.

5. Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is an abandoned medieval castle set on the top of a cliff overlooking the sea in County Antrim, Northern Ireland that has been featured in the HBO series Game of Thrones. The dramatic setting is surrounded by steep drop-offs on every side and the castle can only be reached after crossing a bridge from the mainland. Dunluce was first built by the MacQuillan in the early 1500s but was taken over by the warrior MacDonnells in the 1550s. The clifftop location was ideal for defences but proved a bit unstable — and part of the kitchen fell into the ocean during a stormy night in the 1630s. The castle passed hands to the Earls of Antrim but left to fall into disrepair. Today there is a visitor centre at the castle to stop into before wandering through the ruined walls which still stand.

6. Ashford Castle

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ashford_Castle_in_County_Mayo.jpg

If you’ve always wanted to stay in a castle in Ireland, then Ashford Castle is ready to make your dreams come true. Built in 1228, this Victorian castle has been expanded several times and is now both a five-star luxury hotel and a popular wedding venue. Outside you’ll see the gorgeously manicured lawns while inside you’ll be wowed by the spectacular gold interior. The castle has also hosted its fair share of celebrities from US President Ronald Reagan and John Wayne to England’s King George V and John Lennon. If you too want to live like royalty (at least for a day or two :D) make sure to book a stay at Ashford Castle, one of the best castle hotels in Ireland.

 

7.Cabra Castle

‘Cabra Castle’ refers to two structures, the first structure, thought to have been an O’Reily Castle, located West of Kingscourt which was destroyed. The land it stood on was later confiscated by Cromwell and given to Colonel Thomas Cooch. When Cooch died in 1699, he willed the property to the Pratts, a local Ascendancy family. However, the land the current castle stands on was at that time owned by the Fosters, another Ascendancy family, and it contained a small tower destroyed in the time of Cromwell house dubbed “Cormey Castle.” This house was rebuilt in 1808, but its construction exhausted the funds of the Fosters so the property was sold to the Pratts. Today, the castle and estate operate as a hotel.

8. Malahide Castle

Once you’ve experienced the best of Dublin, head nine miles north to the 12th-century Malahide Castle. In addition to the castle and gardens, the parklands are full of things to do for the whole family. A tour of the castle will give you glimpses of beautiful rooms like the Oak Room and the Gothic Great Hall as well as a substantial painting collection and gorgeous period furniture. After you’ve toured the castle, take your pick of everything from shopping around the museum shop and retail store to exploring the walled Talbot Botanic Gardens or taking a bicycle tour.

9. Ross Castle

Rent a bike to cycle from the town of Killarney to the picturesque Ross Castle. The medieval fort was built by the O’Donoghue clan on the edge of Lough Leane in what is now the Killarney National Park. Surrounded by extensive trails and plenty of picnic spots, Ross Castle is a popular stop for a day out. It is possible to take a guided tour of some of the castle, but many visitors also enjoy the view of the stone tower house from the outside while taking a quick walk around the grounds.

10. Kilkenny Castle

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kilkenny-castle.jpg

Completed in 1213, this Anglo-Norman stone castle has become one of the most famous castles in Ireland. Kilkenny Castle has lasted through many changes and expansions, but it’s a must-see because part of the National Art Gallery is on display here, and its beautiful ornamental gardens.

11. Dublin Castle

Located off Dame Street in the heart of the Irish capital, Dublin Castle has a long political history. The castle served as the location of the United Kingdom government offices for hundreds of years until Ireland gained independence in 1922 and the castle was ceremoniously handed over to Michael Collins, the leader of the Irish Rebellion. There are still important government offices inside the complex, but the castle is also open to the public to visit the State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal seven days a week.

12. Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle in County Galway is a fortified tower house dating back to 1520 that is built on the edge of Galway Bay. The castle was built by the Hynes clan and named after their ancestor Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin, a legendary king of Connacht.  After passing through different families over the centuries, the castle was eventually purchased by Oliver St. John Gogarty, a doctor, write and senator who often invited famous Irish authors like W.B. Yeats to stay. Today the castle has been restored and it is possible to visit the exhibits as well as to book tickets for the medieval banquets that are held inside the castle halls from April through September.

13. Donegal Castle

Located on a bend along the River Eske, the castle was built in 1474 by one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland at the time, the O’Donnells. It was once said to be one of the finest Gaelic castles in Ireland, but because of the Nine Years’ War, it was nearly destroyed. Soon after its attempted destruction by the O’Donnells, English Captain Sir Basil Brooke quickly rebuilt the castle in a Jacobean style and today it’s surrounded by a 17th-century boundary wall.

14. Birr Castle

Because it’s home to Brendan Parsons, the 7th Earl of Rosse, the castle’s residential areas aren’t always open to the public, but the gardens and grounds are full of beautiful and historic sights. Guided tours through this 11th-century fortress are only available from May through August and allow you to see furniture, tapestries, and treasures throughout the home. The grounds are home to Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, the “Great Telescope” (the world’s largest telescope from 1845 to 1917), Ireland’s oldest wrought-iron bridge, and what’s believed to be the world’s oldest photography darkroom. A stroll through the award-winning gardens lets you see rare trees, a variety of flowers, wildlife, and the tallest box hedges in the world. Because of everything you can see on the castle grounds, Birr is a lock for being one of the best castles in Ireland.

15. Lismore Castle

Built in 1185 by England’s King John, the Gothic-style castle is now the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. While the castle isn’t open to the public, the gardens are the real show-stopper. Rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, and spring-flowering bulbs bring amazing beauty to the gardens. Divided into two parts, the upper garden is a 17th-century walled garden that’s Ireland’s oldest formal garden while the lower garden is a more informal 19th-century garden with lawns, trees, and shrubs. Admission to the gardens even lets you see Lismore Castle Arts, a contemporary art gallery. If you’re really dying to stay in a castle in Ireland, you can rent out space for as many as 27 guests and be served by the Duke’s butler and his team.

 

 

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.