Castles
Travel Guide

Castles in Ireland

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

Lismore castle - Bill58/Wirestock Creators

Lismore Castle

A building marked by over 800 years of history! A real treasure trove of Irish heritage.
3.32/5 (19 votes)
Le Birr castle - © aleksred

Birr Castle

A castle that also serves as a base for astronomy!
3.47/5 (19 votes)
raphoe castle 1

Raphoe Castle

A building marked by assaults and sieges. It offers a fascinating insight into the Ireland of yesteryear.
3.44/5 (18 votes)
eask tower 1 scaled

The Eask Tower

A stone tower, intended as a landmark for approaching boats! Clever!
3.61/5 (18 votes)
aughnanure castle 2

Aughnanure Castle

Discover one of the country's legendary castles, explore its rooms and learn about Ireland's great medieval historical events!
3.31/5 (16 votes)
ballinalacken castle 1

Ballinalacken Castle

If you're near Lisdoonvarna, don't miss Ballinalacken Castle, a ruined Irish fortified tower whose charm should remind you of the most beautiful Irish postcards!
3.31/5 (16 votes)
kinbane castle 2

Kinbane Castle

A castle on the Kinbane Head Peninsula. Its few remains add a certain cachet to the place!
3.20/5 (15 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!