Found on riverbanks, rocky coastlines, or wooded parks, each castle has its own story and paints a picture of historic times. When Ireland’s castles were first built most of them were used as fortresses for defensive purposes for the country’s most powerful families. In later times they became less defensive and more for show instead.
Unfortunately, over the centuries most of the castles were abandoned and some have fallen into disrepair and only remain as ruins. Thankfully though many of the fortified castles have been restored to their former glory and can be explored by visitors. Others are in private ownership or have been turned into hotels so if you’ve dreamed of sleeping in a castle, you’ll be in luck in Ireland.
With literally hundreds of castles or castle ruins to explore, there is no lack of options for an enthusiastic castle lover to visit and it would be impossible to narrow it down to the ‘best’ castles to visit in Ireland. So instead, we’ve rounded up recommendations of some of Ireland’s most beautiful and historic castles from fellow travel bloggers and us that you’ll want to add to your own trip to Ireland.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bunratty Castle is located in Limerick and it sits within the Bunratty Folk Park. The castle dates back to the 15th century and showcases one of the finest collections of medieval furniture in Ireland. The rooms are filled with a collection of artifacts from the late medieval to the Renaissance and include rugs, tapestry, clothing, furniture, tools, art and weaponry.
Bunratty Castle fell into ruins throughout the ages and the castle you see today was taken over by the Irish state and fully restored in the 1960s. Over the years the Bunratty Folk Park has grown up around the castle and it showcases Irish life over several hundred years. It includes many old Irish shops and houses that have been moved to the park and restored for visitors to take a peek into Irish history.
One of the most popular places on everyone’s bucket list when they come to Ireland, Bunratty Castle also hosts a medieval banquet with full costumes, food, music and traditional storytelling.
Bunratty Folk Park is a great place to wander full of restored Irish heritage buildings from a pub to a chemist and many styles of Irish houses. The park’s interpreters are dressed in period costumes and recreate scenes from Irish history from cooking over a fire to showcasing the old farming ways. For the little ones, there is a cool Fairy Village and trail with antique traveller caravans. The park itself has great facilities with a cafe and ice cream stands throughout and there is a lovely gift shop attached to the park.
Don’t forget to pop into Durty Nellie’s pub right beside the castle. It has been around for nearly as long as Bunratty and serves up a great pint and some hearty Irish food.
Contribution and Photo from Faith of XYU and BEYOND
Reviews of Bunratty Castle | Bunratty West, Bunratty, Ireland
One of the most famous castles in Ireland is undoubtedly Blarney Castle. Located in County Cork in Eastern Ireland, Blarney Castle and Gardens is popular mainly due to one special part of the castle – the Blarney Stone.
Sometimes referred to as the kissing stone, the Blarney Stone is the reason so many visitors flock to this corner of Ireland. Legend has it that anyone who kisses the stone will be bestowed with the gift of that gab. That is, you will never be short of words.
Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold and it originates from the 13th century, although the current Keep dates from the mid-15th century. The Blarney Stone is located on the top floor of the castle among the machicolations which are openings in the floor at the battlements through which rocks, stones and often hot oil were thrown at attackers.
Kissing the Blarney Stone is often on people’s bucket lists when it comes to Ireland and it is no mean feat. To kiss the stone, you need to do it backwards and upside-down. You sit with your back to the battlement opening, lean backwards and into the machicolation and lean towards the outer wall to kiss the stone. There is a staff there to help (and take your picture), but either way, it is not for the faint-hearted.
Aside from the castle and the Blarney Stone, there are acres of beautiful gardens to explore which include smaller gardens such as the poison garden, fern garden and a rose garden. There are also two waterfalls within the grounds along with a 19th-century manor house, Blarney House, although this is not open to the public as it is still occupied by the owners.
The Blarney Castle is a must-visit on the Emerald Isle and is also one of the best castles in Ireland for kids and their families, thanks to the open gardens and playground if they get bored of history.
Contribution and Photo from Cath of Passports and Adventures
Reviews of Blarney Castle | Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork, T23 Y598, Ireland
READ MORE: Exploring Blarney Castle in County Cork
Huntington Castle and Gardens, located in County Carlow in Eastern Ireland, is one of the most beautiful castles to visit in Ireland. It is also known as Clonegal Castle and was built in 1625 as a garrison along the Dublin-Wexford route. Lived in by descendants of the original builders, the family has added extension and alterations to the castle over the generations.
Huntington Castle is open for guided tours to the public and if you are visiting, I highly recommend you join one. Given by one of the owners themselves, you get to see inside some of the formal rooms and living quarters while learning about the history of the castle. Watch out for a certain Disney character in the conservatory; the story behind that is astonishing. The tour also takes you into the basement where another secret lies.
After taking a tour it is well worth exploring the beautiful gardens of Huntington Castle. As well as formal gardens, there is a lake, rose garden, greenhouses and woodland areas to enjoy. While the Irish weather isn’t known for being predictable, if you are lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, the gardens will delight you. That said, it is worth visiting the castle come rain or shine.
Contribution and Photo from Cath of Travel Around Ireland
Reviews of Huntington Castle | Clonegal, County Carlow, Ireland
READ MORE: Spend the night in a (haunted?) Irish Castle
As one of the largest Norman castles in Ireland, Cahir Castle dominates the town of Cahir, a small market town in the county of Tipperary. Built in 1142, it came into the hands of the powerful Butler family of Kilkenny in 1375 and was the seat of the Barons Cahir for half a millennia. Over the course of that time, it has seen its fair share of sieges and battles. For anyone familiar with the movie Excalibur, the 1981 retelling of the story of King Arthur, Cahir Castle was the scene of the battle where Arthur was knighted.
Built up from the rock of the island on which it is located, it remains a bastion to this day, surrounded by the River Suir and large defensive walls. Cahir Castle has only been modestly refurbished, but its Keep and watchtowers are well preserved and can be fully explored via a maze of stairs.
To experience a true medieval castle in Ireland, the raw Cahir Castle ranks as one of the best. Visits can be self-guided or by guided tour and its audio-visual experience tells the castle’s story with flair. Cahir lies just off the M7 motorway, and at 2 hours from the capital, it is very accessible. The castle is an unmissable sight on any road trip from Dublin to Cork.
Contribution and Photo from John of Carpe Diem Eire
Reviews of Cahir Castle | Castle Street, Cahir, County Tipperary, E21 P952, Ireland
Tucked away in a quiet corner of County Mayo, just outside of the village of Ballina and about 2 hours north of Galway, lies the beautiful Belleek Castle in western Ireland. Though the castle is built on the site of a 13th-century structure, the Belleek Castle you can visit (and stay the night in, if you’re so inclined) today dates to the 19th century.
The property has gone through several stages throughout the centuries, operating as a private family home, a hospital, and military barracks. For a while, it was even abandoned. In 1961, Belleek Castle was purchased by Marshall Doran and turned into the gorgeous hotel and restaurant it operates as today. With a slew of hospitality awards under its belt, there’s no doubt that Belleek Castle is an amazing place to stay in Ireland.
In addition to the beautiful rooms, lovely grounds, and excellent food, though, Belleek Castle is also home to Marshall Doran’s impressive collection of antiques and artefacts, ranging from ancient fossils to medieval weapons and even one of Grace O’Malley’s beds!
Touring Belleek Castle, an opportunity open to both guests and visitors who just stop by for the day, allows you to get up close and personal with this fascinating and extremely varied collection, even including a chance to handle some of the antique weapons.
Contribution and Photo from Kate of Our Escape Clause
Reviews of Belleek Castle | Beleek Woods Garrankeel, Ballina, Ireland
Ireland is famous for many historic, impressive castles which deserve the attention of anyone visiting the country! Among them, you can find medieval fortresses, elegant residences, but also fanciful buildings straight from fairy tales or legends.
If you are planning to drive the breathtakingly wild coastline of the Ring of Kerry, you have to visit Ballinskelligs Castle! The Tower House is also known as McCarthy Mór Castle as it was built by McCarthy Mór in the 16th century. It is rather small, but it used to have a very important role.
Like many other Tower houses around Kerry coast and Cork, Ballinskelligs Castle was a place where people used to pay a tariff on incoming trade ships. Some say that the second purpose was to protect the Ballinskelligs Bay from pirates. But let’s be honest – such a small castle wouldn’t really manage to do that. So, it’s rather a nice story for tourists.
Today, Ballinskelligs Castle is a very romantic spot on the Ring of Kerry. Many tourists and locals drive to its location to watch the sunset. So, are you ready to visit one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland?
Contribution and Photo from Darek of Darek and Gosia
Reviews of Ballinskelligs Castle | Ballinskelligs Beach, Ballinskelligs, Ireland
Just 30 minutes north of the capital by car, Ardgillan Castle is an ideal non-touristy Dublin day trip. Ardgillan Castle and demesne is perched dramatically along the Irish Sea. Built in the early 18th century and expanded well into the 19th century, Ardgillan Castle was home to the Taylor family for 200 years.
Take a one-hour guided tour of Ardgillan Castle, both upstairs and downstairs, for just a few euros per person. The original furnishings were sold in the 1960s when the cost of upkeep became too much for the Taylors’ descendants but the replacement furnishings are true to the period and even feature some whimsical items like a taxidermy bear wearing a top hat.
The best part about a visit to Ardgillan Castle is afternoon tea especially the special adults-only tea service on the last weekend of each month. You can take your tea in the posh drawing room with spectacular views of the grounds and sea beyond. Enjoy three layers of savory and sweet bites including smoked salmon and fresh scones and sip a cup of tea (pinkies up!) on mismatched plates and saucers.
Ardgillan Castle is worth exploring both inside and out. Make sure to check out the elegant rose and walled gardens, the forest abutting Ardgillan Demesne, and walk the Irish fairy trail. Or simply take a stroll on the luxurious grass of the Ardgillan Demesne and listen to the sounds of the often ferocious wind interspersed with waves crashing before heading back to Dublin.
Contribution and Photo from Jennifer (aka Dr. J) of Sidewalk Safari
Reviews of Ardgillan Castle | Balbriggan, County Dublin, Ireland
READ MORE: 21 Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland
If there is one castle that is completely underrated and could be described as a true hidden gem, then it is Dunamase Castle in County Laois in eastern Ireland. No matter when you visit Ireland, this castle should be on your list. The ruins of Dunamase Castle are perched on a rocky outcrop from which you have a perfect view over the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the valley of the O’Moores. It can easily be reached when you travel the N80 between Dublin and Cork.
The castle ruins date from the 12th century, however, even before this early Hiberno-Norman stronghold became the most important fortification in Laois, there was an early Christian settlement on the site. In 843 AD this settlement was pillaged by the Vikings. In 1170 the castle was part of the marriage dowry of Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster Diarmuid MacMurrogh when she married the Norman conqueror Richard de Clare, also known as Strongbow. According to local myth, the castle was besieged and destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1650. There are no records of this ever happening, although it best explains its ruinous state.
Visitors should not be deterred by the ruins. This castle is so beautifully placed into the serene and stunning countryside that it is absolutely worth a visit!
Contribution and Photo from Emer and Nils of Let’s Go Ireland
Reviews of Dunamase Castle | Dunamaise, Aghnahily, Laois, Ireland
Located on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is one of the premier 5-star hotels in Ireland. It is also among the most beautiful and historic castles in the country. We’ve visited Ashford Castle on numerous occasions and each time it has been an amazing experience.
The castle itself has a rich history with the original castle dating back to the 13th century. It was once home to the Guinness family who is responsible for one of Ireland’s most famous exports, Guinness!
The castle was established as a hotel in 1939 and over the years the castle has had many interesting guests, including Oscar Wilde, John Wayne, and President Ronald Reagan.
While access to the castle and its lush grounds is generally restricted to guests, it is possible to access the castle during the day if you have a restaurant reservation. We love to visit Ashford Castle for afternoon tea in the Drawing Room before exploring the castle and gardens. One of our favourite parts of Ashford Castle is the manicured grounds of the estate which overlook the lake.
The hospitality at the castle is unparalleled and the décor of the interior is truly lavish. Everything about the hotel interior is exquisite and guests will quickly realise why it’s one of the best hotels in Ireland.
Contribution and Photo from David of Your Ireland Vacation
Reviews of Ashford Castle | Cong, County Mayo, F31 CA48, Ireland
The city of Kilkenny is an ancient town, that once rivalled Dublin, and many of its historic buildings have been preserved including the wonderful 14th century Kilkenny Castle nestled alongside the Nore River.
Originally an Anglo-Norman stone castle, Kilkenny Castle was built by William Marshal, the 4th Early of Pembroke. In 1391, James Butler, the 3rd Early of Ormand bought it and it became a residence for his family for almost 600 years! It was then turned over to the people of Kilkenny when the 24th Earl of Ormand sold it to the Castle Restoration Committee for £50 because he didn’t want to see it deteriorate into ruins. This was smart thinking on his part as the castle has now been painstakingly restored to its 1830s splendour.
You can wander this castle at your own pace and there is so much to see! Over multiple levels, you can visit rooms such as the Chinese Withdrawing Room that retains some of its original hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, the Tapestry Room with displays of tapestries from the 1600s, and the Library and Drawing Room which have been faithfully decorated and furnished in the style of the mid to late 19th century. These are just a few of the many rooms you can explore.
When you’ve finished touring the castle, be sure to visit their Tearoom that is located in what was once the castle’s Victorian kitchen. Here you’ll find the original cooking range with rows of plates and copper pots and you can have a cup of tea and enjoy one of their very tasty treats before heading outside to the pretty gardens and views of the river.
Reviews of Kilkenny Castle | The Parade, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland
READ MORE: Exploring Kilkenny Castle
The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, Trim Castle was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1172 as a residence to provide privacy and security for himself and his family. It was built overlooking the Boyne in eastern Ireland and it dominates the town that surrounds it, even all these 800 years later.
Trim Castle is still an impressive structure with three of its four original towers still flanking it. It retains its original Norman design because it has never been remodelled or renovated and is considered by many to be one of the finest examples of Norman architecture still standing in Ireland.
You can visit the castle by guided tour only, but that’s OK as the guides do a wonderful job of telling the stories of the castle. You’ll start your tour in the ‘Disarming Area’ where everyone coming to visit the castle in the past would have handed over any swords or weapons before going further. From here the guide will take you through parts of the castle such as the Great Hall where you’ll have to use your imagination a bit as the guide describes the rooms for you as they aren’t decorated or furnished.
The tour will finish on the roof where you’ll have plenty of time to take in the great views of the castle grounds and the surrounding town.
Before, or after, your tour we also recommend taking your time to roam around the castle grounds to see the curtain wall, a barbican, and the gate by the river.
Reviews of Trim Castle | Trim, County Meath, Ireland
READ MORE: Exploring Trim Castle in County Meath
Built for the O’Donaghue Chieftains during the early 15th century, Ross Castle is a typical Irish tower house and is one of the approximate 3,500 tower houses built in Ireland in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Over the centuries Ross Castle has had structural changes made to it. When it was originally built it was contained within a strong stone bawn wall, outside of which would have been an earthen bank and wooden palisade which enclosed a courtyard with thatched houses for servants and soldiers. In the 1700s a fortified house was added against the side of the castle, of which you can still see the remains of the roofline ridge on the castle wall. Then in the 1800s, Ross Castle became a garrison and most of the bawn walls and the house were demolished. A barrack block was built in preparation for an attack by the French after the 1798 uprising.
Today Ross Castle sits peacefully beside Lough Leane, which in Irish means ‘Lake of Learning’, which is apt since Ross Castle gives us the chance to learn about life in a typical Irish tower house by guided tour.
The tours are very well done with the guides taking the time to explain all the features of the rooms along with what life would have been like living in a castle such as this one. Starting on the ground floor, the tour takes you up through the servant’s rooms, the family’s living quarters, a ‘Justice Room’ (basically the home office of the Lord of the house), until you reach the top floor which included the Main Hall used for eating and entertaining. From the top floor, you can also look out the big windows for great views over the grounds and across Lough Leane to the mountains in Killarney National Park.
Reviews of Ross Castle | Ross Road, Ross Island, Killarney, County Kerry, V93 V304, Ireland
Looking for more information to plan your visit to Ireland?
You may find these articles helpful.
Best of Ireland: 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary
8 Great Places to Visit in Western Ireland
Exploring the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary
7 Reasons to Add the Dingle Peninsula to Your Ireland Road Trip
RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO IRELAND
- Can’t get enough castles? Check out The Complete Illustrated Guide to Castles, Palaces, and Stately House of Britain and Ireland and you’re sure to find plenty to explore!
- Ireland’s Best-Loved Driving Tours: Includes 25 driving itineraries all over Ireland including “Witches, Castles, and Horses” which begins in Kilkenny.
- For all things Ireland, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his Ireland travel guide, full episodes of his TV show, or download his app for excellent audio tours.
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