Discover Ireland’s Majestic Castles

From brooding ruins on windswept hills to restored masterpieces, Ireland’s castles can be admired, explored, dined in, and even slept in! With around 3000 castles spread across the country, visitors will be spoiled for choice when exploring these historical landmarks. Here are 11 of the most fascinating castles to visit.

1. Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle rises majestically above the River Nore in Kilkenny and stands as one of Ireland’s most popular heritage sites. Originally constructed by the powerful Butler family, its history extends back to the 12th century, although much of the castle’s current appearance stems from Victorian times. The initial structure was a wooden tower established in 1172 by Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare, also known as Strongbow.

In 1192, Strongbow’s son-in-law, William Marshal, constructed a stone castle featuring four towers, three of which remain today. The castle was acquired by the Butler family in 1391, who resided there until 1935. The financial burden of maintaining the castle led to the auction of many furnishings, and the property was subsequently transferred to the city in 1967 for the modest sum of 50 Irish punts.

2. Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle has served as the British power’s bastion in Ireland for over 700 years, commencing with the Anglo-Norman fortress ordered by King John in 1204. In 1922, the castle was formally handed over to Michael Collins, representing the Irish Free State.

Only the Record Tower, constructed in 1258, remains from the original structure; much of the current buildings were erected from the 18th century onward. Today, the castle hosts government meetings and important events, while tours allow visitors to explore the State Apartments and St. Patrick’s Hall, the venue for presidential inaugurations and formal receptions. Additionally, the castle is home to the renowned Chester Beatty Library.

3. Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle in Tipperary boasts a stunning riverside location and features massive walls, a moat, turrets, towers, and a dungeon. Established in 1142 and acquired by the Butler family in 1375, it ranks among Ireland’s largest castles.

In 1599, the walls were devastated by the Earl of Essex’s cannon fire. Originally designed to protect a salmon fishery and key river crossing, the castle ultimately surrendered peacefully to Cromwell’s forces in 1650. It remains largely intact, having undergone restoration in the 1840s and again in the 1960s when it became state-owned.

4. Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle, located in Galway, is a chess-piece style castle built around 1520 by the O’Hynes clan. The site also formerly held a 6th-century royal palace of Guaire Aidhne, the king of Connacht. By the early 17th century, the castle transitioned to the ownership of the Martyn family of Galway and saw a significant renovation in 1924 led by Oliver St. John Gogarty, a notable surgeon and literary figure.

The castle became a hub for literary revivalists, including renowned writers like W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. Subsequently, in 1954, Christabel, Lady Ampthil completed Gogarty’s restorations after acquiring the property, and it remains under the management of Shannon Heritage.

5. Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary is an ancient stronghold of kings and one of Ireland’s most breathtaking historical sites. Surrounded by sturdy walls, the enclosure holds a round tower and a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, with the early-12th-century Cormac’s Chapel being particularly noteworthy for its intricate Romanesque architecture and colorful mural remnants.

Historical records indicate that the site was chosen as a base by the Eóghanachta clan from Wales, later known as the MacCarthys. They lost control to the O’Brien tribe under the leadership of Brian Ború, and in 1101, King Muircheartach O’Brien presented the Rock to the Church to prevent further rivalry, securing favor with powerful bishops. A scenic five-minute walk from the town center leads to the Rock, which offers splendid views over the surrounding Tipperary countryside.

6. St John’s Castle

Located in Limerick, King John’s Castle was constructed under King John of England’s directive from 1200 to 1212. Known for being one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe, its impressive twin gate towers still stand tall, and the armory retains evidence of the castle’s tumultuous past.

The castle is ideally viewed from the opposite bank of the River Shannon. This site has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, with discoveries of Viking-era dwellings made during previous restorations. Artefacts and remains of these structures can be viewed at the King John’s Castle visitor center.

7. Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle in Cork is a stunning 16th-century tower surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the Fern Garden, Arboretum, Poison Garden, and Rock Close. While the site has origins dating back to the 10th century, the tower as it stands today was constructed by Lady Colthurst in 1874.

This castle attracts numerous visitors eager to kiss the Blarney Stone, a stone with legendary origins that allegedly grants “the gift of gab.” In an effort to address health concerns, cleaning measures approved by the World Health Organization are now employed to sanitize the stone after each visitor.

8. Ross Castle

Ross Castle in Kerry dates back to the 15th century when it served as a residence of the O’Donoghue family. Notably, it was the last bastion in Munster to resist Cromwell’s forces, ultimately succumbing to General Ludlow in 1652. Positioning on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake, it later became part of the Browne family estate, which eventually became the Earls of Kenmare.

Legend has it that O’Donoghue resides beneath the lake in eternal slumber, surfacing on a white horse every seven years on the first morning of May. Those fortunate enough to witness him are said to enjoy lifelong good fortune.

9. Trim Castle

Trim Castle, situated in Trim, is the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland, founded by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. Its construction was interrupted when it was destroyed by Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, Ireland’s last high king, just a year later. The structure seen today was initiated around 1200 and has been minimally altered since then.

By the 16th century, the castle’s condition deteriorated, and it suffered extensive damage in 1649 when Cromwellian forces overtook the town. The grassy two-hectare enclosure is dominated by a formidable stone keep on a Norman motte. Interestingly, Trim Castle gained renewed popularity as a filming location for Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, standing in for Edinburgh Castle, York Castle, and the Tower of London.

10. Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle in Mayo was once the property of the famed Guinness family. Set along the Wild Atlantic Way, the castle was constructed in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgos family on a 350-acre estate by the shores of Lough Corrib.

This castle has changed hands throughout the years, with various owners contributing to its development. Notably, John Ford’s classic film, The Quiet Man, filmed at Ashford Castle and in nearby Cong in 1959, featured many stars who were guests at the castle. Presently, it operates as a five-star luxury hotel and was even the site of golfer Rory McIlroy’s wedding to Erica Stoll.

11. Donegal Castle

Donegal Castle stands at a beautiful bend along the River Esque in Donegal. Constructed by the O’Donnells in 1474, it served as their power seat until 1607. The castle saw reconstruction in 1623 by Sir Basil Brooke, along with a three-story Jacobean house built nearby.

Over time, the building fell into decay but was notably restored in the 1990s, bringing attention to its remarkable features, including the expansive upstairs Great Hall, adorned with an impressive fireplace, French tapestries, and Persian rugs.

This article was first published in April 2010 and was updated in October 2020. Additional research conducted by Heather Howard.

This article was first published Apr 28, 2010, and updated Oct 1, 2020.