Castles
Travel Guide

Castles in Ireland

Vue aérienne du Dunluce Castle - © kilhan
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Castles : Must-See Attractions

Castles

Leamaneh Castle

Leamaneh Castle is a ruined Irish castle located between the villages of Corofin and Kilfenora, in the heart of the Burren National…

Castles

Kilkenny Castle

At the heart of the medieval city of Kilkenny, a massive silhouette dominates the banks of the Nore. With its three round…

Castles

Ashford Castle

Converted into a prestigious hotel, Ashford Castle is a 12th-century architectural marvel in County Mayo. Located near Lough Corrib, it has golf…

Castles

The Leap Castle

Leap Castle is a 15th-century fortress built on the outskirts of the town of Roscrea. It has a strange reputation as a…

Castles

Ashtown Castle

Would you like to take a stroll through Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin? Don't miss its castle: Ashtown Castle is…

Castles

The Elizabeth Fort

Passing through Cork? It would be a shame to miss the Elizabeth Fort, a 17th-century star-shaped fort whose history is closely linked…

Castles

Castle Ward

At Castle Ward, simply walking around the house is enough to step into another era — almost. On the entrance side, there…

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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!