25 Best Castles in Ireland to Visit
Looking for the most beautiful castles in Ireland to visit on your next trip? From Blarney Castle to Rock of Cashel, here is the list of the must-see castles on Emerald Isle.
One of the best things about our Ireland road trip was that we were never too far from a medieval fortress, castle, or abbey.
Numerous castles were beautifully restored in the past; many still stand in ruins, and some are privately owned and not accessible to the public.
Another reason why Ireland's castles draw so many visitors is their dramatic setting and the stunning scenery that surrounds them.
Simply put, Ireland is packed with interesting castles. No matter where you go, there is a castle only a short drive from you that is worth seeing.
Here are some of the most beautiful castles you should visit on your next trip to Ireland.
Things to Know About Ireland's Castles Before You Go
No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting at least one of the castles we've mentioned above. A visit to a typical Irish castle is usually very straightforward.
Still, there are a few essential things you should know about castles in Ireland to have a stress-free trip.
Note that this post is about castles located in the Republic of Ireland.
There are a few more amazing castles in Northern Ireland, such as Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle.
When to Go
The best part about Ireland's castles is that many can be visited all year round.
Just remember that some castles in Ireland during the off-season have limited opening hours, don't provide guided tours, or even close seasonally.
Irish castles are popular destinations any time of the year, but especially on sunny summer days.
While summer is the best time to visit Ireland in general, spring and fall are also great seasons to travel around the island
However, you can visit the Irish castles even on rainy days. In fact, bad weather is perfect for exploring castles.
There is something about the rainy day that adds to the overall atmosphere and mood.
As many castles in Ireland have extensive gardens ideal for leisure strolls or picnics, fewer people will be around on a bad-weather day.
Entrance Fee
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, you're probably wondering how much a trip to an Irish castle costs.
It's not surprising that most castles charge an admission fee.
Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. If you have a whole family with you, a trip to places such as Bunratty or Blarney can be quite costly.
On the other hand, many castles charge only a small fee, so there's always an option for everyone's budget.
The rule of thumb is that a visit to castles managed by OPW is cheaper than to the properties that are privately owned.
How to Get
While you can get around Ireland by public transport, we believe this option is far from convenient, at least for first-time visitors.
Car or Public Transport
The main argument for renting a car in Ireland is that you will most likely want also to explore places such as the Wicklow Mountains or the Skellig Ring.
Ireland is known mainly for its stunning landscape, not just for castles. And without a car, you will have a hard time reaching Slieve League or Slea Head Drive.
Obviously, many of the castles on this list are reachable by car. On the other hand, many of Ireland's castles are located in towns and cities.
You can easily visit Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny, Ross Castle in Killarney, or King John's Castle in Limerick without a car.
As you can see, whether you need a car or not depends on your Ireland itinerary and preferences.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Tours
A good alternative is taking a guided tour that is ideal for those who don't want to drive on vacation.
Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountains Tour - For instance, this popular tour departs from Dublin and combines the medieval town, castle, and national park.
Blarney Castle Tour - Another popular tour to Blarney Castle departs from Dublin and also stops at Cork and Rock of Cashel.
Rock of Cashel
Standing strategically on a small hill in County Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel is one of the most iconic castles in Ireland.
As Rock of Cashel is located on the way between Dublin and Cork, it's one of the most visited castles in Ireland.
The site was the seat of the kings of Munster since the 5th century. The castle you can see today was built in the 12th century.
Today, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's top attractions.
Despite its ruined state, this major landmark and important archaeological site attracts visitors from all over the world.
One of the main attractions at Rock of Cashel is the Cormac's Chapel, home to 800-year-old frescoes.
The chapel can be accessed by guided tours only, but it's well worth the money.
There is a small admission fee to Rock of Cashel.
After touring the castle, you can also visit nearby Hore Abbey and explore the picturesque town of Cashel.
Cahir Castle
If you're in County Tipperary, Cahir Castle is another place you should not miss.
This well-preserved medieval fortress is perched on a small rocky island on the River Suir in the small town of Cashel.
Conor O'Brien built the castle in the 13th century. The structure you can see today is quite different, as it underwent several modifications, expansions, and renovations throughout the centuries.
Today, Cahir is one of the top attractions in County Tipperary.
If you're looking for a proper medieval castle experience, Cahir Castle is one of the best choices.
The formidable fortress still retains its medieval feel, plus there is much to see and so much history to learn.
You can explore the castle independently, though guided tours are also available. There is a small admission fee to Cahir Castle.
Ross Castle
There are only a few more scenic castles in Ireland than Ross Castle in County Kerry.
Ross Castle is situated on the shores of Lough Leane, only a short walk from Killarney Town.
The castle was built during the first half of the 15th century for the O'Donoghue Chieftains.
The castle has a bawn wall with flanking towers, a typical tower house layout, and a banqueting hall on the top floor.
While the castle is fairly interesting, the surrounding scenery makes this place so special.
The castle interior can be explored by a guided tour only. There is a small admission fee to Ross Castle.
By the way, Killarney National Park is one of the most spectacular areas on the iconic Ring of Kerry, arguably the best scenic drive in Ireland.
Trim Castle
The heritage town of Trim is one of County Meath's top attractions.
There are a few things to see and do in this historic and picturesque town. Apart from the medieval buildings, Trim's main draw is the 12th-century Trim Castle.
This is Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman fortress, which you may recognize from the Braveheart movie featuring Mel Gibson as William Wallace.
The castle is situated in Boyne Valley, which is also home to the UNESCO site of Bru na Boinne.
Access to Trim Castle's keep is by guided tours only, though you can enter the castle grounds for free.
Taking a guided tour is highly recommended. You will have a chance to explore the three-story keep and learn more about Trim's history, Hugh de Lacy, or why it's often called King John's Castle.
If you decide to spend a night in the town, consider staying at Trim Castle Hotel to enjoy great hospitality and amazing castle views.
Glenveagh Castle
The 19th-century castle is situated in the heart of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal.
Built on the shores of a beautiful Veagh Lake, Glenveagh Castle is one of the most romantic castles in Ireland.
Glenveagh was built by the infamous Captain Adair. It was later used as a highland retreat for Hollywood stars.
The adjacent Victorian gardens include Gothic Orangery, Tuscan Garden, and Pleasure Gardens.
While the castle is considered to be this area's main attraction, the Glenveagh National Park truly steals the show here.
Glenveagh is one of Ireland's best national parks. The rugged beauty of the Derryveagh Mountains is simply mesmerizing.
If you're an avid hiker, there are several good hiking trails that are worth exploring.
The castle can be reached via a 3.5-kilometer trail from the park's main entrance. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus that connects both places.
Malahide Castle
Located only a few kilometers east of Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle is one of the best things to do near Dublin.
This lovely castle and gardens are set on 250 acres of parkland in the small seaside town of Malahide.
With a history stretching back to 1185, Malahide offers an exciting trip to Ireland's history.
The castle was home to the Talbot family for almost 800 years until it was sold to the Irish state in the 1970s
Today, you can explore the castle interiors with a guided tour.
Malahide can be reached by bus, train, or DART from Dublin, so it's a popular spot for both Dubliners and visitors.
Kilkenny Castle
The small town of Kilkenny is one of the best places you can visit in County Kilkenny.
Partly, it's because of the town's medieval history, partly because of Kilkenny Castle. Another reason is that Kilkenny can be easily reached by car, bus, and train from Dublin.
Kilkenny Castle sits on a hill overlooking River Nore. The castle was built by the 2nd Earl of Pembroke during the 12th century.
The Butler family used Kilkenny until 1935, when they couldn't afford to maintain the castle anymore.
The medieval fortress was completely remodeled during the Victorian times.
As a result, Kilkenny's lavish decor is completely different from the medieval interiors you can see at other castles.
You can take either a guided or self-guided tour at Kilkenny.
After touring the castle, you should head back to the town. There are plenty of things to see and do in Kilkenny for every visitor.
Dublin Castle
The seat of historical power in Ireland, Dublin Castle, is unmissable.
As Dublin Castle is located right in the heart of Ireland's capital, it's one of the most accessible and visited places on this list.
Not surprisingly, a trip to Dublin Castle is one of the best things to do in Dublin.
The castle is located near Temple Bar and about a 10-minute walk from the famous Trinity College.
You can enter the castle grounds for free, though paid guided tours offer a much more immersive experience.
As Dublin Castle was a seat of British rule on the Emerald Isle for over 700 years, you can expect to have a great trip through history.
Bunratty Castle
The 15th-century Bunratty Castle is one of the top attractions in County Limerick.
The MacNamara family built the stronghold on the site of a former 13th-century Norman fortress around 1425.
The O'Briens became the new owners by 1475. Today, Bunratty can be explored on guided and self-guided tours.
Bunratty Castle also offers a Medieval Banquet, a unique dining experience with live singers and dancers.
Apart from the castle itself, Bunratty is home to a folk village and lovely gardens.
The replica of Living Village offers a good insight into the past times and how people have lived in rural Ireland over the years.
You can peek inside the houses, see traditional crafts, listen to live music, learn about history, and even see some animals here.
No wonder Bunratty Castle is so popular among families with kids. The gardens have nice walkways and can be easily explored on foot.
Blarney Castle
County's Cork Blarney Castle is probably the most famous castle in Ireland. There are many reasons why you should incorporate Blarney into your itinerary.
The castle's history dates back to the 13th century, though it seems there was some structure even before this date.
Despite its immense popularity, Blarney Castle still offers an authentic medieval experience.
With three-meter thick walls, damp corridors, cold rooms, narrow staircases, and a formidable tower, it's an exciting journey back in time.
Make sure not to miss the climb to the top of the main tower. This is where you will find the famous Blarney Stone, which grants a gift of eloquence.
The gardens are absolutely beautiful. There are different gardens with different themes, ranging from a poisonous garden and arboretum to a Himalayan walk and carnivorous garden.
Just walking around the gardens on a sunny day is a lovely experience.
Lastly, Blarney is only a short drive from the City of Cork. You can also get there by bus from Cork's city center.
Birr Castle
If you ask us what is the most interesting castle you can visit in Ireland, Birr Castle in County Offaly would surely be at the top of the list.
Funnily enough, it's not because of the structure itself but for its fascinating history and some members of the Parsons family.
Don't get us wrong. Taking a guided castle tour is a highlight of any visit.
But seeing the Leviathan of Parsonstown, or simply the Great Telescope, with our own eyes was arguably an even more memorable experience.
The telescope was built by William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Ross, and became the largest device of this kind in the world until the 20th century.
The 120-acre gardens with more than 10 kilometers of trails are well set out and can be easily explored on foot.
Birr Castle gardens are especially beautiful in the late spring when everything starts to bloom. There is also a very interesting science museum located by the entrance.
Another of Birr's hidden gems is the Steam Turbine, invented by Charles Algernon Parsons.
While the turbine on the display is not as impressive as the telescope, it was one of those inventions that changed the world.
Minard Castle
Minard Castle may catch your interest if you prefer places off the beaten path.
The ruined castle is located on the Dingle Peninsula, halfway between Inch and Dingle Town.
The castle itself is closed to the public for safety reasons.
Truth be told, the main reason to visit Minard Castle is the nearby storm beach with massive pebbles and boulders.
The fortress is very small and relatively unimpressive. It's the coastal scenery that makes Minard Castle and the adjacent beach worth seeing.
The only downside is that you have to drive down a typical narrow rural road with blind turns.
King John's Castle
Limerick is often overlooked by tourists pressed for time, which is a bit of a shame as the city has plenty to offer.
With its rich history, fantastic location, beautiful surroundings, and great pubs and restaurants, Limerick is definitely worth seeing.
There is one more reason to visit Limerick. Limerick's Medieval Quarter is home to King John's Castle, one of the most impressive fortifications in Ireland.
Standing proudly on the River Shannon, the castle boasts more than 800 years of history.
The 13th-century Anglo-Norman castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Limerick's past.
The castle is well-laid out, and the museum has great models and interactive displays.
The views of Limerick from the battlements are impressive.
Aughnanure Castle
The 16th-century Aughnanure Castle is one of the best castles you can visit in County Galway.
The castle is located about 25 kilometers northwest of Galway City, near the Lough Corrib.
This stronghold was built by O'Flaherty, one of the most powerful clans in this area at the time.
Aughnanure is well-preserved and has a beautiful setting. You can explore the impressive keep that contains various rooms and lots of information about the castle's interesting past.
The castle can be found near the small town of Oughterard, just off the N59. There is a small admission fee.
Travel Insurance
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Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
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Doe Castle
The charming Doe Castle is one of the County's Donegal hidden gems.
Doe comes from the Irish na dTuath, meaning the territory of the local king.
Situated in Sheephaven Bay, the keep was probably built during the 15th century.
Doe Castle is perched on the edge of the bay and has a rich history, with the 17th century being especially turbulent as Irish and English changed hands several times.
The castle was restored during the 1990s by OPW.
There is no entry fee to Doe Castle. Guided tours are available during the summer season.
If you prefer visiting places that are surrounded by natural beauty, packed with history, and without crowds, Doe Castle is a great choice.
Lismore Castle
Built by King John in 1185, Lismore Castle is currently home to the Devonshire family and is closed to the public.
Even though you can't actually go inside Lismore Castle, you can still visit the adjacent gardens.
So, if you're tired of driving, this is a lovely stop when touring County Waterford.
The gardens are open all year round. You can expect to see rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, and herbaceous borders.
If you want to take a great photo of the castle, there is a beautiful viewpoint from the bridge over the River Blackwater.
The bridge is narrow but has a sidewalk.
Dunguaire Castle
Situated in the south part of County Galway, Dunguaire Castle is a lovely place to see before you enter Clare's Burren region.
The 16th-century castle sits on the shores of Galway Bay, just off the N67 road.
Thanks to its coastal location, the Dunguaire's exterior is incredibly photogenic, even from the main road.
The castle's tower is open during the summer and can be accessed by guided tour.
Like Bunratty, Dunguaire offers a medieval banquet with great food and entertainment.
If you are driving the Wild Atlantic Way, this is one of the best quick stops.
Fort Dunree
Inishowen is one of the most beautiful places in County Donegal.
The peninsula boasts stunning landscapes, mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, and Malin Head, Ireland's northernmost point. It's also home to many historical sites.
Situated on the western side of Inishowen, Fort Dunree is one of the most interesting places you can visit in this area. Mind you.
This is not a classic medieval castle but a fortress built during the Napoleonic Wars to protect the entrance to Lough Swilly.
Today, it's home to a Fort Dunree Military Museum with underground bunkers and tons of information on coastal defense.
Kylemore Abbey
Even though Kylemore Abbey is not some impressive medieval stronghold, we believe it deserves a spot on our list.
As you see, Kylemore was built as a castle for the Mitchell family during the 19th century.
This was supposed to be their family home. After Mitchell's wife unexpectedly died on their holiday in Egypt, Mitchell eventually moved away.
The property was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester.
After a few years, Kylemore became a home to Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during WW1.
Today, Kylemore Abbey is one of the top attractions in Connemara. The castle was designed in a Victorian style by an Irish architect, James Franklin Fuller.
The abbey is perched above the lake and surrounded by the mountains. The location is simply stunning.
You can explore Kylemore Abbey on a self-guided tour. There are also beautiful walled Victorian gardens and a neo-Gothic church.
Dunlough Castle
Mizen Head is one of the most beautiful places in County Cork.
This rugged peninsula is home to many stunning sites and also Mizen Head Signal Station, Ireland's southwesternmost point. This article is about castles, though.
Dunlough Castle has stood on the shores of a small lake for more than 800 years.
Of all the ruined castles you can see in Ireland, Dunlough is among the most dramatic ones.
Dunlough is sometimes referred to as Three Castle Head, as it has three fortified towers. The castle sits on private property but is currently open to the public.
A lovely 30-minute walk to the castle just adds to the overall experience.
Classiebawn Castle
Driving the Mullaghmore Head is a fun experience. This scenic drive can be found in the northern part of County Sligo near a border with County Leitrim.
Apart from the scenery, Mullaghmore is a popular surfing spot. The peninsula is also home to Classiebawn Castle.
Even though Classiebawn is located on private property and not accessible to the public, it's a popular stop along the way.
The thing is that you will get great photo opportunities of the castle with the stunning landscape in the backdrop when driving around the peninsula.
If you bring a good telephoto lens, you can take beautiful photos of Classiebawn Castle from a distance.
Doonagore Castle
Situated in County Clare, Doonagore Castle is a lovely stop on the way from Cliffs of Moher to Doolin.
This castle, dating probably back to the 16th century, is on private property. Unfortunately, it's not open to the public.
Standing on a lush green hill, Doonagore is very picturesque, especially with the Atlantic Ocean in the backdrop.
This is basically just a quick photo stop, but the short detour is worth it if you're in the area.
Clifden Castle
Only a short drive from the small tourist town of Clifden lies the ruins of Clifden Castle.
While this is technically a manor house, it's still worth seeing.
Situated in the Connemara region, Clifden Castle was built by John D'Arcy in the 19th century. John D'Arcy was a local politician and founder of the Clifden Town.
The castle was abandoned in the 19th century and fell into ruin. As the structure is in a poor state, it's best to see and admire it from a safe distance.
The property is only a short walk from the main road.
If you're in the area, make sure to drive the scenic Sky Road and see the nearby D'Arcy Monument.
Slane Castle
Situated in County Meath, Slane Castle is a great place to visit for all types of visitors.
The castle offers guided tours that will take you on a 300-year journey through Slane's history.
If you're not really into history, note there is also a whiskey distillery.
Slane also hosts many concerts, weddings, and events. There is a natural amphitheater with a capacity of 80,000 people.
This lovely concert venue hosted U2, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Harry Styles in the past. You can even stay overnight at Slane Castle.
The castle is only a short drive from Bru na Boinne, making a great addition to this trip into Ireland's neolithic history.
Donegal Castle
Standing beside River Eske in the small Donegal Town, this 15th-century castle is one of the main attractions in County Donegal.
Donegal Castle was built in 1474 CE by Red Hugh, one of the O'Donnell's chieftains.
Later, the English took over, and the castle was eventually rebuilt in Jacobean style by Sir Basil Brooke.
Donegal Castle fell into ruin in the 20th century. Today, the Norman tower was beautifully restored, with the manor house being left as it was.
Wooden rood and ornate stone fireplace are especially impressive.
You can explore the castle on your own or take a guided tour with a local guide.
The castle is located in the heart of the town, so you can easily get there on foot.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
