10 Beautiful Castles in Ireland
Here are 10 amazing castles to visit while traveling in Ireland and Northern Ireland!
Bunratty Castle
Photo of Bunratty Castle © Peter Cruickshank
Built in 1425, Bunratty Castle is just as famous for the town surrounding it. Called Folk Park, the area is faithfully modeled after a 19th century town.
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Cahir Castle
Photo of Cahir Castle © Kevin Lawver
Though privy to it’s own share of battles and skirmishes, Cahir Castle has has somewhat of a unremarkable past. Some suspect this is why the 867-year old Castle has been so well preserved. The word ‘cahir’ means stone fort.
Location: County Tipperary, Ireland
Dublin Castle
Photo of Dublin Castle © infomatique
Constructed originally as a defensive fortification, Dublin Castle’s role has shifted more recently into the world of politics, becoming home to Irish presidential inaugurations, banquets and other important events. The site has appeared in a number of films and television shows, and is host to the annual Heineken Green Energy festival.
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Ross Castle
Photo of Ross Castle © Squish_E
Ross Castle is home to a curious folk tale: Legends tell of the chieftain O’Donoghue’s sudden and willing disappearance into the River Laune. The castle itself, however, has remained, passing through the hands of many families over the years.
Location: County Kerry, Ireland
Glin Castle
Photo of Glin Castle © Keith Salvesen
Currently a hotel and home to the Knight of Glin, the modern iteration of Glin Castle is hardly the original. Home to a legendary battle, the original Glin castle was destroyed, with only a tower to mark its place.
Location: County Limerick, Ireland
Blarney Castle
Photo of Blarney Castle © spi516
The 809-year old Blarney Castle offers an especially unique attraction: Visitors to the site are encouraged to kiss the Blarney Stone, an ancient artifact said to bring eloquence who kiss it. Of course, performing the special smooch requires hanging over the battlements of the castle - but many visitors eagerly do it anyway.
Location: County Cork, Ireland
Dunluce Castle
Photo of Dunluce Castle © wfbakker2
Flanked by precious drops, Dunluce Castle, translated as “hill fort,” has an image of its own, appearing in the album art for Led Zepplin’s Houses of the Holy and, more recently, in Jackie Chan’s The Medallion.
Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Carrickfergus Castle
A garrison during World War I and an air-raid shelter during World War II, Carrickfergus Castle is famous for being one of the most attacked castles in all of Ireland. The Scots, Irish, English and French have all had a hand at attacking Carrickfergus Castle. Regardless, the castle remains one of the most preserved of its kind.
Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Gosford Castle
Used as a prisoner of war camp during World War II, Gosford Castle is a unique example of the Norman revival architecture style, which is known for its prominent use of round arches and grotesque animal sculptures.
Location: County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Moyry Castle
Photo of Moyry Castle © Ron Murray
Built in less than a month, Moyry Castle was constructed with war in mind. Musket loops adorn its walls, and it was also installed with a number of machicolations, doors though which objects could be dropped on enemies.
Location: County Armagh, Northern Ireland
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