what are the best castles on the island of ireland?
With so many breathtaking castles in Ireland, it can be difficult to choose which ones are worth visiting during your holiday to Ireland
So what are the unmissable castles on your Irish vacation? Read our curated list of our favourite castles in Ireland that you need to check out on your next visit, along with why they’ve made it onto our shortlist. All are easily accessible from the Celtic Routes Signature Wild Atlantic Way and Coastal Causeway routes.
Blarney Castle. Source: Connor Misset via Unsplash
1. blarney castle – the famous one
Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork and you will pass it on your way between Dublin and the start of the Wild Atlantic Way. Surrounded by rolling hills, there are also several beautiful gardens on the grounds. Though earlier fortifications were built on the same spot, the current keep was built by the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty, a cadet branch of the Kings of Desmond, and dates from 1446.
But most people visiting Blarney Castle are here to step in the shoes of famous people such as Mick Jagger and even Winston Churchill, to kiss The Blarney Stone, a limestone block that is said to give the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it. The stone is located at the top of the castle, and it is a popular tourist attraction. But besides kissing the Blarney Stone, a visit to Blarney Castle is a great place to learn about Irish history. The castle has been in the MacCarthy family for centuries, and it has played an important role in Irish history.
Dublin Castle. Source: Jeremy Matteo via Unsplash.
2. dublin castle – the best-preserved one
Located in the heart of Dublin City, the Republic of Ireland’s capital, this castle has been a witness to much of the country’s history since its foundation in 1204 on the site of a Viking settlement. Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government.
Thanks to prominent restoration & conservation efforts, many of its buildings – like Record Tower, Chapel Royal & Undercroft are still recognizable today – making it one of Ireland’s must-sees for visitors.
Kylemore Abbey. Photo by Alex Grodkiewicz on Unsplash
3. kylemore – the romantic one
Is it a castle? Is it an abbey? Either way, it’s simply stunning. Kylemore Abbey and its Walled Garden is a great Irish love story. Built for love and restored with love. Will you fall head over heels on a visit?
Built in a Tudor and neo-Gothic style by 300 workers, Kylemore was constructed as a private residence for Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London, and his wife, Margaret. Tradition says they fell in love with Connemara on their honeymoon when they rented Kylemore Lodge, the original building on the site. Sadly while it was being constructed his wife died. She was just 45 years old, her youngest child was just two. Because it was a special promised gift, he continued to build while the wife’s remains were kept in a mausoleum. When he died, they were both laid side by side near the Abbey.
For over a century, the nuns have lovingly tended to the estate where they continue to live, work and pray. Today they make chocolate and soaps in the old school rooms inspired by the sheep synonymous with the Connemara, which is for sale in the gift shop. Only a few rooms in the castle are open to the public because the abbey is still in use by Catholic nuns. There is a Gothic chapel and mausoleum, plus a 6-acre Victorian walled garden.
Ashford Castle. Shanna Beasley via Unsplash.
4. ashford castle – thE one you can stay in
Ashford Castle is an 800-year-old castle turned luxury 5-star hotel located in County Mayo. It is one of the most prestigious hotels in Ireland and is known for its beautiful setting on the shores of Lough Corrib. It is the former home of the Guinness family. Explore the 350-acre estate with landscaped gardens, ancient woodland & an emerald lake, or relax in the award-winning Spa.
Various film shoots have taken place in Ashford Castle, most notably, the classic John Ford film – The Quiet Man in 1951, with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The film, the Purple Taxi with Charlotte Rampling was also shot here, as were two-hour-long episodes of Remington Steele with Pierce Brosnan. The guest book at Ashford down the years reads like a roll call of the world’s most famous people – Tony Blair, John Ford, John Wayne, Bob Hope, Rod Stewart, Ronald Reagan, Fred Astaire, George V of England have all graced Ashford Castle, and Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely chose it for their wedding. And you can stay there too – although it’s rather pricey.
Kilkenny Castle. Photo by NIR HIMI on Unsplash
5. kilkenny castle – the old one
Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. A medieval castle, founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been rebuilt and remodelled through the centuries to reflect shifting requirements. The central block includes a library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendour. The magnificent Picture Gallery is situated in the east wing of Kilkenny Castle. This stunning space dates from the 19th century and was built primarily to house the Butler Family’s fine collection of paintings. Some say it’s the most complete castle in Ireland and the highly restored interior gives you a sense of what it may have been like during its heyday.
During the summer months, there is a little train that runs from outside of the castle taking visitors on a tour of Kilkenny town – called the Marble Town. Kilkenny is a beautiful town in Ireland that is definitely worth seeing.
Dunluce Castle. Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
6. dunluce castle – the photogenic one
Dunluce Castle is one of the most picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles. Perched on the edge of sheer cliffs east of Portrush, today it lies in ruins. With evidence of settlement from the first millennium, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was inhabited by both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans. Historical and archaeological exhibits are on display for public viewing.
Nearby Magheracross Viewing Point and picnic area is an excellent spot to stop and take in the stunning, coastal scenery. Dunluce is often missed when travelling by car along the Coastal Causeway driving route, but it’s worth the short detour.
No vacation in Ireland is complete without visiting at least one castle, but we encourage you to find time to visit a few. Ireland’s castles are steeped in history and offer visitors unforgettable experiences, and many are home to priceless and original artefacts. Step back in time and understand their strategic and military significance in the tumultuous history of Ireland, whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the cities and countryside beyond the walls.
Like what you read? For a truly immersive experience, Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara lets you sleep within the walls of a historic estate at the foot of the Twelve Bens. Find out how you can explore England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in a Land Rover touring holiday.
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