If you’re planning to visit Ireland, one of the best ways to spend your vacation is by visiting one of the Best Castles in Ireland. These castles are famous for their history, grandeur, and beauty, and you’ll love exploring them.
Blarney Castle
Built in the 15th century, Blarney Castle is a partial ruin with a beautiful courtyard and battlements. It was also the traditional seat of kings of Munster. The castle is steeped in Irish history and mythology, including a connection to St. Patrick. While a visit to the castle is certainly not necessary to see the stone, it is an interesting place to see if you’re in the area.
The grounds of Blarney Castle are perfect for kids to explore. There are several levels, and plenty of nooks and crannies for little ones to discover. In the summertime, the grounds of the castle are beautiful for a stroll.
Bunratty Castle
The Bunratty Castle was originally built on the site of a Viking trading camp in 970 AD. It was opened to the public in 1960. Visitors can explore the castle’s beautiful interior and see original 15th century tapestries and artwork. You can also experience a traditional medieval feast at the castle’s medieval banquet hall. The meal includes a turkey leg, potato soup, and goblets of mulled mead.
There are dozens of ancient castles scattered across the landscape in Ireland. These medieval ruins are easily accessible and are perfect for those with a curious mind. These castles date from the 12th to the 16th century and have long been part of Irish history.
Cahir Castle
Located on a rocky island in the River Suir, the magnificent Cahir Castle is one of the best castle sites in Ireland. Constructed in 1142, this fortress has remained largely intact from its initial construction. Today, you can explore the castle’s tower, see a 15-minute film about Irish fortresses, and explore the interior and exterior of the castle.
Cahir Castle was built as a defensive fortress in the mid-12th century and has survived centuries of bombardment and sieges. Its unique architecture made it the perfect location to shoot the 2001 film, The Green Knight, retelling of the classic tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Screen Ireland’s location manager Rossa O’Neill shares her experience with us.
Ashford Castle
Located on a 350 acre estate, Ashford Castle is Ireland’s most luxurious castle and regularly voted as the world’s best five-star hotel. The castle has eighty-three traditional guest rooms, a handwoven team of world-class chefs, six restaurants and three bars, and an award-winning spa with five treatment rooms and a sauna and steam room. There are also many activities available for guests to enjoy, including horse riding, archery, and falconry.
The castle was originally a private castle, but it was later converted into a luxury hotel and is part of the Leading Hotels of the World group. The grounds are open to the public for a small fee. During its heyday, the castle was home to the Guinness family. The movie The Quiet Man also featured the castle heavily. Another castle in County Cork is Blackrock Castle, which is easily overlooked but boasts over 800 years of history. The property was once home to the famous Guinness family and was a popular location for notable figures. After extensive restoration, the castle is now considered to be one of the best hotels in Europe.
Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle was built in the late eleventh century and has survived many wars. It was a royal residence for the Talbot family for over seven hundred years. During the first world war, the castle played an important role in military operations. The castle’s base ground served as a mooring-out base for airships from Anglesey in Wales. It was also used for anti-submarine operations in the Irish Sea.
Built by the Talbot family after Cromwell’s downfall, the castle boasts a storied and enchanting history. Its interiors are full of artifacts from the tumultuous past. The interiors feature beautifully crafted furniture and Victorian children’s toys. It is also one of the most haunted castles in Ireland, and many visitors have reported seeing ghosts.
The Rock of Cashel
Located on a dramatic limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel is one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland. It’s home to some of Ireland’s most stunning medieval buildings, including a high cross and round tower, as well as an abbey and Gothic cathedral. Once the seat of the kings of Munster, the castle has a fascinating history. Among other notable events, it was the site of a Christian conversion for King Aenghus of Munster. It was also at Cashel that Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, was crowned in 978.
The castle was constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries and was a stronghold of the Church of Ireland. However, it fell into disrepair in the seventeenth century, when an English archbishop removed the cathedral’s roof. This left the castle in ruins for a long time. Now, however, it is being renovated and is open to the public. Visitors can also participate in a number of events related to history. These include master classes, concerts and other cultural events.
Ross Castle
You will find an equally beautiful castle in the same county, as Ross Castle sits on a rocky cliff overlooking the Lough Sheelin. A bed and breakfast at this castle is a great way to spend an evening in this charming castle. It is also home to the ghost of a heartbroken maiden. You can even tour the castle with a guide.
The castle was built in the fifteenth century by the ruling clan, O’Donoghue Mor. The original structure consisted of a large rectangular tower house with round towers on each corner. Later, MacCarthy Mor and his family acquired the castle during the Second Desmond Rebellion. The castle then became mortgaged to Sir Valentine Browne, an English pay official.
Kilkenny Castle
A visit to Kilkenny Castle is sure to be a memorable experience. Located in the beautiful city of Kilkenny, Ireland, this fortress is one of the most visited heritage sites in Ireland. Originally constructed in 1185, Kilkenny Castle has been restored and added to over the centuries. Its rich history makes it a must-see for history buffs.
The castle has been the home of the Butler family since 1391. It is a wonderful place to visit during any time of the year. Tours are conducted of the interiors of the castle. The castle’s 19th century splendor is impressive, and the Long Gallery has a large collection of paintings. The castle also features a parkland that features several mature trees and a diverse flora.
Donegal Castle
The castle is comprised of a 15th century rectangular keep and a later Jacobean-style wing, and is set on a bend in the River Eske near the mouth of Donegal Bay. It is surrounded by a 17th century boundary wall and features a small gatehouse at the entrance. It was built using locally available limestone. It was the stronghold of the O’Donnell clan, one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland between the fifth and 16th centuries.
The castle is an excellent example of Jacobean architecture. The tower house is the tallest part of the complex structure. It was added to by the Brooks family during the 1600s. The interior of Donegal Castle is decorated with intricately carved doors and gothic-style hallways. The castle also features original Donegal architecture, including vaulted ceilings, cobbled floors, and Persian rugs. The castle is open to the public for free tours, and tours take approximately one hour to take in everything. The rooms are furnished with opulent furnishings, including Persian rugs and French tapestries. A visit to the castle will reveal its long and fascinating history.
Dublin Castle
Located in the heart of the city, Dublin Castle has a long history. Vikings built a fortress here in 930 and parts of the castle have been erected and torn down through the centuries. The oldest structure, the Record Tower, dates back to the 13th century. It houses art and historical documents, and is worth seeing if you’re in Dublin.
This medieval fortress offers guided tours and is home to art exhibitions. It also has two tearooms. You can visit the tower, which resembles Rapunzel’s tower. Built in 1780 by Patrick Byrne, this castle is thought to have been the birthplace of the legendary warrior Cu Chulainn. There is a standing stone of the legendary warrior near the entrance.
