28 Of The Best Castles In Ireland
Fortunately, Ireland has plenty of castles. In actual fact, the “Emerald Isle” is said to be home to around 30,000 different forts.
While some, such as Dunluce and Kinbane, are in ruins and still quite stunning, others, such as Dublin Castle and Kilkenny Castle, are in amazing shape.
I’ll show you the best Irish castles that I believe you should visit in 2024 in this guide.
The best castles in Ireland
Even although there are a lot of things to do in Ireland, many travelers make time for visiting various Irish castles on their to-do list.
A number of well-known castles in Ireland have many rumors, stories and legends associated with them. The most curious are listed here.
The Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary is famous, and often seen on postcards. People call it ‘Saint Patrick’s Rock’ because it’s said Saint Patrick converted King Aenghus here in the 5th century.
It was once where the High Kings of Munster ruled. You can see it from far away when you enter the town and take a guided tour to explore it.
While most buildings are from the 12th and 13th centuries, the site’s history goes back even further.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is very prominent in Ireland and is visited by many tourists. Some call it a tourist trap, but it’s not really true. Of course, if you’re just visiting the Blarney Stone, you might be a little disappointed.
But there’s more to Blarney than just the rocks that’ll get you talking. Big gardens and all the cool things in Blarney make it a fun place to visit.
You can see the magical kitchen, magical steps and even a poison garden, which is rare in Ireland.
Dunluce Castle
You can see the beautiful ruins of Dunluce Castle sitting on a steep hill along the rugged coastline of County Antrim, not far from the Giant’s Causeway. Many visitors from all over the world have intentions of visiting this fascinating place. This is one of the most unique Irish castles you will ever see.
Story has it that on the night of a big storm in 1639, part of the castle’s kitchen, which was on the hillside, fell into the icy water below.
Due to its awesome looks and interesting story, the fort has recently become super popular online. If you want to check it out, the best time is when you’re driving along the Antrim Coastal Route.
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is really popular among the tourists as it is very close to Shannon Airport. Many people flying to that part of Ireland make it their first stop.
When you go walking around Bunratty Castle and look up at its massive walls, it’s really amazing to think that, the Vikings are lived here in 970.
The castle was built in 1425 and is considered one of the most complete castles still standing in Ireland today.
McDermott’s Castle
Another of Ireland’s best castles is McDermott’s Castle if you’re a fan of majestic sites.
You can see McDermott’s Castle in County Roscommon on the waters of Lough Key.
Lough Key is home to over 30 islands but nothing compares to the one known as ‘Castle Island’. It is on Castle Island that the ruins of McDermott’s Castle are found.
If you read our guide to McDermott’s Castle, you’ll understand about the tragic events that happened here many years ago between a young couple, along with how you can travel to Ireland.
Dublin Castle
Beautiful Dublin Castle is located on Dame Street in the center of Dublin. Which was erected on the site of a former Viking fort.
The construction of the castle was begun in 1204, when the Normans took control of Dublin following their arrival in 1169. It was erected around 1230 on the site of an earlier Viking settlement.
The Record Tower is the sole portion of the ancient fort that remains today. Much of what you see now was added throughout the nineteenth century.
If you’re planning a tour to Dublin, check out our recommendations to the top castles in the city and its surrounding areas!
King John’s Castle
In the center of Limerick City, just to the right of King’s Island, stands King John’s Castle, overlooking the River Shannon.
Like Dublin Castle, King John’s Castle is built, where Vikings once lived.
King John asked them to build the castle in 1200 and it is now known as one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe.
If you go to the top, you will get an amazing view from Batment. From there, you can see the entire city and the River Shannon all around you.
Trim Castle
According to my opinion, Trim Castle is the most amazing castle in the Ireland. I have visited there so many times, and really the view never ever gets old.
Trim Castle was built across the famous River Boyne in 1176. Trim Castle, located on a 30,000 square meter property in County Meath, was once one of the largest in Ireland.
Trim Castle may be familiar to those who have seen Mel Gibson’s film Braveheart. You can also explore the castle grounds and the tower!
Glenveagh Castle (Donegal)
Glenveagh Castle in Donegal is one of the most stunning castles in Ireland because of its amazing location. It was built between 1867 and 1873 right by Lough Veagh.
The idea for the castle’s spot came from wanting a fancy mountain getaway, like something out of a Victorian dream. You’ll see it surrounded by mountains in Glenveagh National Park.
A guy named John George Adair, who was from Laois, decided to build the castle. He married an American lady named Cornelia, and they started building this incredible castle in 1867.
Classiebawn Castle
In the village of Mullaghmore in County Sligo, you’ll stumble upon one of our favorite Irish castles. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.
Classybourne Castle was founded by Viscount Palmerston, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. They finished building it in 1874 using stone from Donegal.
Over the years, the fort has changed hands several times. One thing that bothers me about Classiebawn is that it’s located on private property, so it’s hard to get a good look at it.
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle is a must-see spot for lots of folks visiting Ireland. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals come to check out its grounds.
They built the castle back in 1195 to protect a spot along the River Nore where enemies could easily walk through.
In 1967, the people of Kilkenny got ownership of the castle for just £50! Now, it’s a big attraction with beautiful gardens you can take a walk through.
It’s no surprise that Kilkenny Castle is considered one of the top castles in Ireland.
Belfast Castle (Antrim)
You’ll find the impressive Belfast Castle at the bottom of Belfast City’s Cave Hill Country Park.
When you visit Belfast Castle, you will have amazing views of the city below. You can also see a variety of plants and animals, such as long-eared owls and sparrows. And you can see Belfast’s rarest plant there, the Town Hall Cloaktoe.
Although there were other forts in the city earlier, the one on the cave hill was built only in 1862. It is designed in a Scottish baronial style, which adds to its charm.
If you want a castle that’s still pretty much the same as it was, Belfast Castle is one of the top picks in Ireland.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle in Killarney is one of the best castles in Ireland, mostly because of its stunning location in Killarney National Park.
This castle, built in the 15th century, sits right by a lake near Muckross Abbey. It was constructed by a man named O’Donoghue Mór, and people say his spirit rests beneath the lake nearby.
Legend says that every seven years, on the first morning of May, his spirit rides around the lake on a white horse. If you’re driving along the Ring of Kerry, you can easily stop by and see Ross Castle.
Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, was the stronghold of the Butler family. It is considered one of the best-preserved castles in Ireland and sits on a rocky island in the River Suar in Tipperary.
This fort was cleverly designed to be very strong and defensive. It went through many changes over the years and it wasn’t until 1599 that it looked like it does now.
When you will visit Cahir Castle, you’ll find out about its long history, starting from when Connor O’Brien first built it in 1142, all the way to how it became a National Monument.
Athlone Castle (Westmeath)
Athlone Castle which is situated in County Westmeath is located right in the center of Athlone, a little walk from Sean’s Bar, which is one of the oldest pub in Ireland.
It is not different from other Irish castles, Athlone Castle is situated by a river, and in this case, it’s the powerful River Shannon.
This fort has been around since the 13th century and was really important in keeping the busy Athlone river crossing safe.
Clough Oughter Castle
Clough Oughter Castle feels like a fairy tale. It is a special architecture, sitting in the middle of beautiful nature, and it has a really nice story.
You can visit this castle in County Cavan, right next to the picturesque Killikin Forest Park. Throughout its history, Chloe Otter has been owned by many different clans and even occupied by rebels.
During the Irish Rebellion in 1641, the castle was captured and turned into a fortress on an island. It is interesting to note that it was also used as a prison at one point.
Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle in County Dublin is considered one of the top castles in Ireland according to online reviews.
It’s the castle I visit most often because it’s not too far from my Hotel. Like many other Irish castles I’ve visited a couple of times, it always gives a big impression.
Sir Richard de Talbot, a Norman knight, ordered the building of Malahide Castle in 1174 after King Henry II granted him the land.
While I’ve never taken the tour, the castle grounds are beautifully kept, and strolling around Malahide Castle and gardens is one of the most popular things to do in Dublin.
Birr Castle
Birr Castle remains active and strong since 1170, and what’s great is that the same family that bought it in 1620 still living there .
You can visit parts of Birr Castle on this tour and the family’s private living area is not open to the public. One of the great things about Birr Castle is its huge telescope.
They built it in the 1840s and for a long time it was the largest telescope in the world. From 1845 to 1914, people came from all over to use it.
Enniscorthy Castle
Enniscorthy Castle in County Wexford is one of Ireland’s most little-known castles.
The first castle on the site was built in 1190 by Philippe de Prendergast, a French Norman knight. His family lived there until 1370 when Art McMurrough Kavanagh attacked and reclaimed his family’s lands.
During the revolution in 1798, Enniscorthy Castle was used as a prison for United Irishmen. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the castle found some peace when the Roche family made it their home.
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is one of the most famous castles in Ireland. It is in the town of Carrickfergus in Antrim, just off Belfast Lough.
John de Courcy built the castle in 1177 and has had quite a history since then. In 1210, King John captured Carrickfergus. During the week-long ‘Siege of Carrickfergus’ in 1689, the castle saw a lot of fighting.
Finally, in 1760, the French captured it and in 1797, it was turned into a prison for prisoners of war. Visitors can tour the fort and see what used to be a medieval fortress.
Doonagore Castle
I’ve been to Doolin several times over the years, but I hadn’t actually seen Dongore Castle until my most recent visit in late 2019. The first fort here was built in the 14th century on the site of an old ring fort.
The castle you see today was built in the mid-16th century and is called the Tower House. Over time, Dunago Castle has changed a lot. In 1588, a ship from the Spanish Armada was wrecked near the fort.
Although all 170 men on board survived, they were unfortunately executed shortly afterwards. Our Doonagore Castle guide has more information about this event and the castle’s history.
Kinbane Castle
There are many old castles in Northern Ireland, all sitting in ruins on hillsides!
Kinben Castle sits on a small rocky outcrop called Kinben Head, stuck in the sea.
It was built around 1547 and although it is now in ruins, it is still worth a visit if you drive along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Not many people visit the fort due to its isolation, but the scenery around the ruins is simply stunning.
Lismore Castle
Lismore Castle in County Waterford is one of many Irish castles that is often overlooked compared to larger ones such as Trim and Kilkenny.
Built by Prince John in 1185 to protect nearby river crossings, Lismore originally served as a home for Lismore Abbey. Nowadays, the fort boasts of stunning gardens spread over 7 acres.
You can stroll through these extensive gardens while enjoying breathtaking views of the castle and surrounding countryside.
Interestingly, the fort can be rented out exclusively. I can only imagine that it would cost a pretty penny, though!
Ashford Castle (Mayo)
Ashford Castle, which is over 800 years old.
Originally a private medieval castle, Ashford is now a luxury hotel and part of the prestigious ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group.
Even if you’re not there, you can pay an entrance fee to explore the grounds and wander around at your leisure.
Formerly owned by the Guinness family, Ashford Castle featured prominently in the movie “The Quiet Man,” starring Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne, as well as the nearby village of Kong.
Leap Castle
Leap Castle is often recognized as Ireland’s most haunted castle. According to legend, a lady dressed in red prowls the castle at night with a silver sword.
Another reason why the castle is said to be haunted is a finding discovered in the early 1900s. A subterranean dungeon was discovered beneath a chapel wall, containing hundreds of human remains.
To put it mildly, it’s grim! Learn more about Leap Castle, one of Ireland’s most haunted castles (not for the faint of heart!).
Adare Castle
Another excellent choice among Ireland’s castles, especially if you enjoy reading reviews, is the stunning Adare Castle Ruins near Limerick.
Located on the outskirts of Adare Town, this fort dates back to the 12th century and was built on the site of an older ring fort.
Adare Castle, located on the banks of the River Maigo, was built in the Norman style like many other Irish castles.
Its location along the river made it strategically important, allowing its owners to control traffic entering and leaving the Shannon estuary.
Blackrock Castle
Many people miss Blackrock Castle in County Cork when they’re exploring the area. It’s a fascinating place, just 2km from Cork City, right by the River Lee.
Built in the 16th century, the castle was first made to protect upper Cork Harbour and its port from any unwanted visitors.
Nowadays, it’s turned into a popular science center that welcomes visitors from around the world. Inside, you can discover all sorts of permanent and changing exhibitions for everyone to enjoy.
Donegal Castle
Rounding off our tour of Ireland’s top castles is the magnificent Donegal Castle. It stands proudly in Donegal Town and holds a special place in my heart due to its incredible restoration.
Built by the O’Donnell family in 1474, the castle suffered years of neglect. But in the 1990s, it was meticulously restored, turning it into one of Donegal’s most beautiful castles.