Castles of Ireland

The Island of Castles

In the romantic green rolling hills and valleys of Ireland there are many fairytale castles nestled into the countryside. Some are beautiful ruins that are rich in history such as Ballycarbery Castle in Kerry, Rock of Cashel in Tipperary and Dunluce Castle in Antrim which was used in the television series Game of Thrones. You can even experience staying in a castle, though it won’t be a hardship as Ashford Castle in Galway and Dromoland Castle in Clare are 5 star hotels where you can languish in luxury.  We have listed some of the most popular Castles that have tours and lots of artefacts internally for those history buffs, architecture enthusiasts or the curious, who would like to let their imagination run wild and see what it might have been like to live in a castle in times gone by.

Dublin Castle

First up has to be Dublin Castle on Dame Street, this beautiful 13th century castle was built on the site of a Viking settlement, and is still a key government building which has been used for state ceremonies for many years. You can tour the excavation site of Viking and medieval Dublin, see the Gothic Chapel Royal and the luxurious State Apartments, the grandest of which is St Patrick’s Hall where each of Ireland’s presidents has been inaugurated since 1938. If you get any Dracula vibes, it might be because Bram Stoker may have drawn some inspiration from his surroundings as he worked there from 1866 to 1878, and wrote his famous novel Dracula in 1897. As you absorb the vivid surroundings you will be following in many famous footsteps of prior visitors to the castle such as Benjamin Franklin, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Princess Grace of Monaco, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and most recently Queen Elizabeth II. www.dublincastle.ie

Malahide Castle

There is much to see and explore at the stunning Malahide Castle which was built by Robert Talbot around 1185 and was inhabited by the last member of the family until 1973. During the 45 minute tour you will learn about the inhabitants lives, stories about battles and banquets, see the past inhabitants private rooms, antique furniture and stunning art collections, then wander around the Botanical Gardens explore the walled garden, follow the magical fairy trail and see more than 20 species of colourful butterflies in the Cambridge Glasshouse known as the Butterfly House. 

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Kilkenny Castle

At Kilkenny Castle which was built in the 13th you can see how an ancient structure has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstance over a period of 800 years. On a tour you will see the lavish Victorian interior including the library, the drawing room and the Long Gallery, which occupies an entire wing. Then wander around the surrounding fifty acres of luscious parkland, see the formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and the man-made lake. www.kilkennycastle.ie

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle in Co Clare which was built in 1425 is situated in a picturesque location beside the tidal Ratty River. On a guided tour you can hear about the restoration of the castle by Lord Gort in 1953 in collaboration with the Hunt Family and the Government. There are beautiful examples of antique fifteenth and sixteenth century furnishings, works of art to admire as you climb the spiral stone staircase. Then you can explore the Folk Park and even have an evening’s entertainment at the Banquet and be entertained and fed in a medieval style. www.bunrattycastle.ie

King John's Castle

The picturesque 12th century King John’s Castle in Limerick which overlooks the river Shannon, is situated on a site that was previously home to a Viking settlement and is regarded as one of Europe’s best-preserved Norman castles. The castle was used for defensive purposes, and King John minted his own coins. During restoration works on the castle a number of houses believed to be of Viking origin were excavated and can be seen at the visitors centre among many other historical artefacts. You can explore the castles massive gate house, battlements and corner towers as you take in the wonderful surrounding scenery. www.kingjohnscaastle.com

Donegal Castle

Donegal Castle beside the River Eske, was built by Red Hugh O’Donnell in the fifteenth century. In 1616 when Captain Sir Basil Brooke became the castle’s new owner, he renovated the castle and built a manor house beside the tower. Unfortunately the building fell into ruin in the twentieth century, but was restored by the Government in the 1990s and visitors can tour the castle and see the beautiful furnishings which include Persian rugs, French tapestries, then search for treasure and read the exhibition panels which outline the history of the castle and the area. 

Cahir Castle

Used as a film and TV location for The Tudors and the film Excalibur, the 13th Century Cahir Castle in Co. Tipperary has much to explore, such as the tower, walls and battlements. You can tour the complex and see an excellent audiovisual show of the castle’s long history. The castle served as the stronghold of the Butler family, at the time the defences of the castle were believed to be impregnable, but it fell to the earl of Essex in 1599.  

Doe Castle

Doe Castle in Co Donegal which was built during the 16th Century was the home of the Sweeney Clan and was inhabited until 1843. Today the castle sits like a fairytale fortress, surrounded by water on three sides. Visitors can tour the Keep, where they can see the restored Oak floors and staircases. https://dunfanaghy.info/doe-castle

Birr Castle

Though there has been a fortress on the site of Birr Castle since 1170 this residential castle went through many architectural changes over the years. One of the most unique features of the Castle is its giant telescope which was built in the 1840s and for many years it was the largest telescope in the world. Home to the 7th Earl of Rosse, the Parsons family have lived in the castle since 1620. During the 60-minute guided tour you will learn about the castle and family history, see the Great Telescope and explore the 120-acre parkland and award-winning gardens with more than 4000 species of trees and plants. www.birrcastle.com   

You can also kiss the Blarney stone in Cork, look for a ghost at Leap Castle in Offaly, gasp at the stunning fairytale Victorian Classiebawn Castle, see Belfast Castle, Ross Castle in Killarney, Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Blackrock Castle in Cork, Slane Castle in County Meath, Glenveagh Castle in Donegal and Trim Castle in County Meath which was used in the film Braveheart. Enjoy your Irish Castle adventure.