Search results
- Carrigadrohid Castle, County Cork. There are strong Game of Thrones® vibes from this 16th century tower house sitting on a rock in the River Lee in County Cork.
- Castle Roche, County Louth. Who doesn’t love a castle with a ghastly ghost story attached? In the case of Castle Roche in Ireland's Ancient East, the ghastly part comes from Lady Rohesia de Verdun and the ghost is her bridegroom whom she pushed out a window of the castle on their wedding night.
- Dunluce Castle, County Antrim. Dunluce Castle, former home to the Earls of Antrim, has everything you could ask from romantic castle ruins in Ireland.
- Glenarm Castle, County Antrim. Want to know where the Earls of Antrim live now? It’s here, in the much more civilised surroundings of Glenarm Castle. Famous for its walled garden, tulip festival and being one of the few country estates on the island still in private ownership, Glenarm is open to the public with guided tours led by George, the castle’s butler.
- Malahide Castle.
- Scenic view of landscape with Classiebawn Castle.
- Heavy clouds over Rock of Cashel, sheep grazing on foreground, Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland.
- Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
- The Best Castles in Ireland
- Glenveagh Castle
- Dunlough Castle
- Dunluce Castle
- Trim Castle
- Blarney Castle
- Clough Oughter Castle
- Classiebawn Castle
- McDermott’s Castle
- Doonagore Castle
Although there are plenty of things to do in Ireland, many visitors to the island have the various Irish castles at the top of their bucket lists. Many of the most famous castles in Ireland tend to hold plenty of secrets, stories and tales. You’ll find the most interesting ones below.
There are few castles in Ireland with a location that’s as mighty as Glenveagh Castlein Donegal. Built between 1867 and 1873, Glenveagh Castle is finely placed on the shores of Lough Veagh. The castle’s location was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat and you’ll find it surrounded by mountains in Glenveagh National Park. ...
You’ll find one of the most uniquely located castles in Ireland at a place called Three Castle Head, a stone’s throw from Mizen Headin West Cork. It’s here that you’ll find the ruins of Dunlough Castle in an area that boasts an almost other-worldly landscape. It’s believed that the castle here (there’s only one, despite the area’s name) is one of t...
You’ll find the romantic ruins of Dunluce Castle perched on dramatic cliffs along County Antrim’s craggy coastline, not far from the Giant’s Causeway. A source of wanderlust for travellers the world over, Irish castles don’t come much more unique than this. According to legend, on a particularly stormy night in 1639, part of the castle’s kitchen ne...
Trim Castle, in my opinion, is the best castle in Ireland. I live an hour drive from this place and, no matter how many times I visit, the sight of it never fails to amaze. You’ll find Trim Castle on the shores of the ancient River Boyne, where it has been since 1176. Once the largest of the many Irish castles, Trim occupies a 30,000 m² site in Cou...
Arguably one of the most famous castles in Ireland, Blarney tends to attract tourists from far and wide. Blarney Castle tends to often be referred to as a ‘tourist trap’, but that couldn’t be further from the case. OK, if you’re only visiting the castle to see the Blarney Stone, then you may be disappointed. However, Blarney has much more to offer ...
Clough Oughter Castleis like something from a fairytale. It’s unique, surrounded by natural beauty and it has an interesting story attached to it. You’ll find the castle in County Cavan, next to the picturesque Killykeen Forest Park. Over the years, Clough Oughter fell under the control of many different clans. It also fell under the control of the...
You’ll find another of our favourite Irish castles in the village of Mullaghmorein County Sligo where it looks like something that’s been plucked straight from a fairytale. Classiebawn Castlewas built by Viscount Palmerston, who was once Prime Minister of the UK. Construction of the castle finished in 1874 and it was built primarily from stone from...
Antother of the best castles in Ireland if you’re fond of ones with glorious locations is McDermott’s Castle. You’ll find the very magical looking McDermott’s Castle in County Roscommon on the waters of Lough Key. Lough Key is home to over 30 islands but none compare to one known as ‘Castle Island’. It’s on Castle Island that the ruins of McDermott...
I’ve visited Doolinon many different occasions over the years, but it wasn’t until my most recent visit in late 2019 that I visited Doonagore Castle. The first castle here was built during the 14ht century on the site of a ring fort. The castle that stands today dates to the mid-16th century and is what’s known as a tower house. Doonagore passed th...
- Antrim – Dunluce Castle. This romantic seaside castle has a lot of character and is surrounded by stunning scenery. Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY.
- Armagh – Gosford Castle. Gosford Castle is a 19-century country house that is said to be Ulster’s largest building. Address: 2b South Stable Yard, Mullabrack Road, Markethill BT60 2HP.
- Carlow – Huntington Castle. Huntington Castle has a history that dates back to the 1600s and offers tours of its outstanding house and gardens. Address: Huntington, Co.
- Cavan – Cabra Castle. Cabra Castle is a castle that you can spend a night in as it is also a breathtaking 4-star hotel. Address: Carrickmacross Rd, Mullantra, Kingscourt, Co.
- 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.
- Bunratty Castle. The fourth castle to be built on this site, Bunratty Castle sits on a 970 AD ancient Viking trading camp. The castle was opened to the public in 1960, and a tour around the castle shows off art, furniture, and tapestries from the 15th century.
- Cahir Castle. Cahir Castles is easily one of the best Irish castles. You can still see the defense structures, keep, and tower that have 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.
- Ashford Castle. 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 upon several times and is now both a five-star luxury hotel and a popular wedding venue.
Apr 14, 2023 · Discover the 47 best castles in Ireland, featuring breathtaking architecture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Uncover Ireland's hidden gems!
Apr 28, 2010 · From brooding ruins on windswept hills to restored masterpieces, Ireland’s castles can be looked at, walked through, clambered over, dined in – and even slept in! With around 3000 castles spread across the country, you'll be spoiled for choice if you decide to check out a few. Here are 11 of our favorites.
