Castles
Travel Guide

Castles in Ireland

Vue aérienne du Dunluce Castle - © kilhan
Tourist attractions Irish Restaurants and Pubs Partner Accommodations Campgrounds and Lodging

Castles : Must-See Attractions

ballincollig castle 1 scaled

Ballincollig Castle

Ballincollig Castle is a ruined castle in County Cork, built in pure Anglo-Norman style. All that remains today is the main tower…
3.75/5 (4 votes)
laurence gate

Laurence’s Gate

An ancient vestige built right in the middle of Drogheda! It's one of the city's most important monuments!
5.00/5 (4 votes)
cabra castle 1

The Cabra Castle

The Irish have a knack for restoring magnificent castles and turning them into luxury hotels! Cabra Castle is one of them, and…
4.33/5 (3 votes)
jordans castle scaled

Jordan’s Castle

Jordan's Castle remains a historical mystery to this day. Its construction date remains unknown, although it is suspected to have been built…
3.67/5 (3 votes)
belvelly castle

Belvelly Castle

An Anglo-Norman tower north of Cobh. It is now a private property closed to visitors. But the exterior is worth the detour!
3.00/5 (3 votes)

Castles

What would Ireland be without its mythical castles, bearers of indescribable charm? Whether intact or in ruins, they are all steeped in mystery and history… Seats, battles, coronations, turf wars – discover what lies behind these timeworn buildings. Find out more about them here!

Castles in Ireland

More than 3,000 Irish castles scattered all over the country!

Castles have a special place in Irish history… Remains of great historical value, they alone evoke the many centuries of conflict with the Kingdom of England. Whatever their condition, they all have their own charm and history. Seats, battles, victories, defeats… The episodes are many and exciting! They’ll reveal the country’s medieval past in all its splendor, between Anglo-Irish conflict, clan warfare and bitter power struggles…

Not to mention the architectural beauty: Ireland’s castles are home to many wonders! It has to be said that the country has benefited from multiple influences in the construction of its castles. The Viking and Anglo-Norman presence gradually shaped the architecture of several thousand forts.

There are over 3,000 castles throughout Ireland (including Northern Ireland). Most of them are available free of charge. For the others, a guide will be happy to show you the sites from every angle! (All for between €5 and €15 maximum). Take care when exploring them from the inside: some ruined castles are impassable and even dangerous! We advise you to admire them from a distance and not to venture out: your safety is paramount, as is the protection of Ireland’s historic heritage!

Note that some buildings may also be located on private property. Don’t hesitate to consult our guide before venturing out!