In Ireland, it’s impossible to travel far without seeing a castle in the distance. It is practically impossible to visit all 30,000+ castles in the nation. To help you decide which castles to visit and which to ignore, we have whittled down the list to the best in Ireland.
Here is List of 7 best Castles in Ireland
1. Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle, the fourth castle to be constructed on this location, is situated atop an old Viking trading settlement from 970 AD. The public was granted access to the castle in 1960, and a guided tour highlights the 15th-century tapestries, furnishings, and artwork. You can also attend a traditional medieval feast, where you will be given delectable foods such as turkey legs, potato soup, goblets of mulled mead, and fresh bread by women dressed in medieval costumes. One of the best castles in Ireland to visit is Bunratty for a real taste of medieval life.
2. The Rock of Cashel
This massive complex, which has an extensive collection of medieval buildings and Celtic art, has everything a castle enthusiast could want. Along with the 90-foot circular tower dating back to 1100, you’ll see the 12th-century Cormac’s Chapel, which houses one of the best-preserved Irish frescoes from the time, and the 13th-century cathedral.
3. Cahir Castle
Cahir Castles is unquestionably one of the best Irish castles. The defense fortifications, keep, and tower have remained intact since its construction in 1142, and if you look to the northeast tower, you can see a cannonball trapped in the wall since the Nine Years’ War. While exploring the castle, take in the breathtaking countryside views from the top of Cahir Tower, and watch a 15-minute film about the function of Ireland’s fortresses.
4. Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle, often regarded as one of the top locations to visit in Ireland, is a must-see. Since 1446, thousands of tourists have come here each year to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. According to rumors, if you climb the ten stories to the top and hang upside down to kiss the stone, you will be blessed with the gift of eloquence. After you’ve kissed the stone and explored the castle, take some time to appreciate the 60-acre floral garden.
5. Malahide Castle
After seeing the greatest of Dublin, travel nine kilometers north to see Malahide Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. There are plenty of family-friendly activities in the parklands in addition to the castle and gardens. You may get views of the impressive painting collection, exquisite antique furnishings, and stunning spaces like the Oak Room and the Gothic Great Hall during a tour of the castle. Following your tour of the castle, you can explore the walled Talbot Botanic Gardens, go on a bicycle tour, or just shop at the museum and retail stores.
6. Dublin Castle
Originally built in 1204 as a defensive structure, it now serves as a convention center, a government complex, and a showcase for Ireland’s most impressive castles. A tour takes you through the Viking and medieval excavation site in Dublin, the State Apartments, which served as the viceregal residence in the past, and the Gothic Chapel Royal, which is renowned for its galleries and vaulting. If you’re staying in Dublin, getting to the castle should be quite simple given its proximity to many of the city’s greatest hotels and hostels.
7. Birr Castle
The living portions of the castle aren’t often accessible to the public because Brendan Parsons, the 7th Earl of Rosse, resides there, but the gardens and grounds are plenty of stunning and interesting places to see. Only offered from May through August, guided tours allow visitors to see furnishings, tapestries, and other artifacts all over this 11th-century citadel. The grounds house the Historic Science Centre of Ireland, the oldest wrought-iron bridge in Ireland, the world’s oldest photography darkroom, and the “Great Telescope,” which was the largest telescope in the world between 1845 and 1917. The highest box hedges in the world, unique trees, and a wide variety of flowers may all be seen during a stroll around the award-winning gardens.
