Visit the most beautiful castles in Ireland
Perched on a hillside, overlooking a mystical lake, at the bend of a winding road, the castles in Ireland intrigue travellers. Push open the door of an Irish fortress and look up… History is engraved on the walls, in the rooms and in the gardens of Ireland’s castles.
Witnesses to the past, these impregnable fortresses will take you back to the Middle Ages at the heart of Irish history. Follow the route of Ireland’s most famous castles!
Discover the most beautiful castles in Ireland
Fancy exploring Ireland’s most inspiring castles? We’ll take you all over the country!
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle stands in Kilkenny Castle Park, in the town of the same name. This Irish castle was built between 1192 and 1207. Norman, then Victorian, this Irish castle belonged to a single clan for 500 years: the Butler family. When you visit Kilkenny Castle, you’ll realise that only three of the original four towers are still standing.
As you visit the castle, walk through the Long Gallery to admire the family portraits. The oldest dates from the 17th century. Then take a stroll in the magnificent gardens surrounding the residence. For a country walk, take the path from the castle to the River Nore.
Blarney Castle
Still in the south of Ireland, lies a well-known castle: Blarney Castle. Famous for its eloquence stone, its ruins attract many visitors. Climb upstairs and kiss the eloquence stone with your body backwards! According to legend, kissing the statue gives you the gift of eloquence…
Once you’ve tried your luck, wander around the fairytale gardens and the Poison Garden, where you can find mandrake, the plant used in the Harry Potter saga. A must-see castle in Ireland!
Trim Castle
The fortress of Trim stands on the banks of the River Boyne. Are you a fan of the film Braveheart? Trim Castle was the setting for this famous film! Before it became this impregnable fortress, Trim Castle was nothing more than a wooden fortified camp.
Over the years, several clans have inhabited the castle. Today, you can visit the castle, set in a magnificent landscape of freshwater and lush green meadows.
Discover our great trips in Ireland
Dublin Castle
At the heart of the Irish capital, Dublin Castle is a must-see on any trip to Ireland. Once a Viking stronghold, Dublin Castle was built according to the rules of the time: moat, walls, ramparts, towers, etc. Over the years, Dublin Castle has been remodelled in a neo-classical and neo-Gothic style.
During your visit to the castle, you’ll be able to visit several rooms in the fortress, as well as the towers and the church. The guided tour takes in St Patrick’s Hall and the castle’s medieval crypt, which conceals foundations built by the Vikings…
King John’s Castle
Limerick is home to the famous King John’s Castle. Like Dublin Castle, Limerick Castle was built on an ancient Viking stronghold. Limerick Castle has seen many sieges, during which the Anglo-Normans clashed with the Irish.
Head to King’s Island to visit this Irish monument. From a distance, King John’s Castle stands on the banks of the River Shannon – you won’t want to miss it!
Bunratty Castle
Visit Bunratty Castle in County Clare and take a trip back to the Middle Ages! This Irish castle was originally built of wood to watch over the River Shannon and the Irish countryside. A vestige of the medieval era, Bunratty Castle is a must-see.
Take advantage of your visit to explore the castle and discover the Folk Park adjoining the fortress to get an insight into everyday life at the time. Reconstructions will tell you more about Irish life over the centuries and about the buildings: thatched houses, forges, post office, pub-grocery, café, etc.
Cahir Castle
County Tipperary is home to one of Ireland’s oldest castles: Cahir Castle. This medieval fortress stands atop its promontory on an island in the middle of the river in the town of the same name. Until 1961, the castle was owned by the Butler family, until the State took control and opened it to visitors in 1970.
Inside the castle, don’t miss the large scale model that explains the assault on the fortress in 1599 using cannons sent by Earl Essex.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle stands in Killarney National Park (County Kerry). This former military fortress is located on the banks of Lough Leane. You can explore the castle on a guided tour. You’ll have the chance to visit the fortified enclosure, keep, towers, barracks and living quarters.
At the entrance to the park, take a stroll along the path to watch the deer and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Ashford Castle
In the mood for luxury and indulgence? Why not spend the night in an old castle that’s been transformed into a luxury hotel?
Ashford Castle is located on the banks of Lough Corrib. After a good night’s sleep, take advantage of its golf course, gardens and falconry school.
In the 19th century, Ashford Castle belonged to Benjamin Guinness. His nephew Ernest sold it in 1939 to Noel Huggard, who transformed the castle into a luxury hotel.
