The castles of Ireland are an part of Irish history and an important cultural legacy.
Castles, castles everywhere! If you've ever been to Ireland you'll understand why I say this. Ireland truly boasts no shortage of castles.
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Ireland - Home to Thousands of Castles
In fact, Ireland is home to thousands of castles, dotted around the country from north to south, and from east to west.
There is one glitch however. You won't be able to enjoy a luxurious sojourn in many of these castles. You see, many lie in ruins, stony sentinels from the past, and proud reminders of days gone by.
But don't despair, not all our ancient castles and keeps lie abandoned in their ivy-covered charm. Some magnificent castles have been converted into hotels, and others have been restored and opened to the public for viewing.
The Must See Castles of Ireland
And so, I thought I would share an infographic sent to me by the good folk at the Ocean Sands Hotel in Sligo.
Their detailed research has resulted in this very useful summary of Ireland's best preserved and most loved castles, that are just waiting to be explored.
Visiting Ireland's Castles
And so, whether you enjoy clambering over windswept ruins on brooding hills, or relaxing in the luxury of a restored architectural masterpiece, I know there's a castle in Ireland that will simply take your breath away.
Or perhaps you prefer a ghostly adventure. You can check out my round up of Ireland's haunted castles here.
I hope today's post will help you find the perfect Irish castle for you.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy..
Maureen o Hanlon
Hi Mairead
Where I come from., Liscarroll, co cork, there is a beautiful castle ? it's the third biggest in Ireland, I have great memories of playing and climbing it as a child , also liscarroll is home to the Donkey sanctuary which has saved and cared for over 5000 donkeys to date, I used also play on that land with my friends, the annual horse races used to be held there long ago, thank you for sharing the castle information, it jolted my memory about our own beautiful castle ? in liscarroll.
Have a nice day ? and all the best,
Regards Maureen
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - The castle in Liscarroll is fantastic. Last time we were there calves were grazing inside the walls. We could only peep through the windows, since the gate was locked. My kids were dying to run around and climb the walls, but nowadays these national treasures need to be preserved. And as you know, we love the donkey sanctuary. Every time we're in Kildorrery we have to make a trip to Liscarroll to see the donkeys. It's always a great day out, rain or shine.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bill Cokas
This is very well-presented, Mairéad! I've visited Bunratty (touristy but a lot of fun), Kilkenny (much more "modern") and Blarney (in a surprising state of disrepair). If anyone is near Kilkenny Castle, I would also recommend the ruins of Kells Priory nearby. I hope to hit more castles on my next trip and will use this guide as a starting point!
Irish American Mom
Hi Bill - Howth Castle and Malahide Castle on Dublin's north side are very interesting. Trim Castle is one that is on my "to see" list. Scenes from Braveheart were filmed there. I hope you get to see many more of Ireland's castles on your next trip.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Patty O'John
Hi Mairead,
My last day of our 3 week trip to Ireland was in the quaint city of Trim. What a way to end the trip. I stayed in a beautiful B&B near the castle that originally was a Maternity Hospital where many residents were born. One of my Favorite movies is Braveheart as I have Irish & Scot descent. The next day I toured the castle and visited a local Pub in Trim. At the Pub I told them my maiden name is Gannon and one of the ladies said oh Mary Gannon is our church secretary, you should visit her. (My oldest sister is Mary Gannon)didnt visit as I ran out of time.
However, loved my quick & sweet visit to Trim. I think my fav castle hands down was outside the town of Cong in Co Mayo where they film the mini series Mary Queen of Scots & in the area where The Quiet Man was filmed with John Wayne & Katherine O'Hara(RIP)
Yes The Castles are amazing & magical as is the entire country North & South
PS Thought of Eire today as I saw a beautiful double rainbow out side my deck in Seattle.
Top O Day 😉 Patty O'John
Irish American Mom
Hi Patty - It sounds like you had an amazing trip to Ireland discovering your heritage and Ireland's ancient castles. Perhaps if you ever make it back to Trim you can pop in to see Mary Gannon, the church secretary and your sister's namesake.
Lucky you spotting a double rainbow - I hope you made a wish, since a double rainbow is extra lucky.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
bat masterson
Hey Irish Mom, you need to go to a travel agency.....lets get cookin.....how bout some menu's or receipe's frome the castile ?
Irish American Mom
Hi Bat - Irish castle cooking, mead and honey infused dishes, and pit roasted grub - what a great idea. Now I just have to find the time and the castle kitchen for cooking.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
bat masterson
Howdy Irish mom while you're at those castles it would be nice to see some menus or recipes from those older times what do you think? you know for those of us who can't make the trip right away Thank you
Irish American Mom
Hi Bat - A castle tour of Ireland would be fantastic - we can only dream, but in the meantime I'll try to bring you more posts to help us all feel as if we are on the trip of a lifetime.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kerry
Hi Mairéad,
Great post!! I've been to most of those castles, but I think my favorite castle in Ireland is Dunluce Castle up in Northern Ireland. But I love visiting any of them!
Love your blog.
Kerry
Irish American Mom
Hi Kerry - Dunluce is really spectacular - and what about all those stories about the kitchen falling into the sea. Malahide is one of my favorite castles, and it's supposedly haunted by 5 ghosts. Birr Castle in County Offally is one I would love to visit.
All the best,
Mairéad
Traci
What a lovely list! I'm fascinated by castles...probably because we Americans don't have any. I did get to kiss the Blarney stone when I was in Ireland a few years ago. Sadly, I didn't have enough time to see anything else. I can't wait to make another trip. These castles will be on my must do list!
Irish American Mom
Traci - I hope you make it back to Ireland some day very soon, and get to see many more castles. It's many years since I visited Blarney, so I hope to get back there someday. The castle gardens are spectacular. I hope this list of castles helps you when you're planning your next trip.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen O Hanlon
Thats very true Mairead, in my day the caslle in Liscarroll wasnt preserved as I used to climb it and the spiral stairs and if you looked down there was always a big hole that you could fall into :), i remember climbing the high wall all around the top of the castle and got frightened half way through, 🙂 and like you said the Donkey Sanctuary is wonderful,
Have a nice day
Regards Maureen
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - I remember climbing many a dangerous ruin when I was a little girl. It's a miracle we didn't fall and break a bone. But then, it's also a miracle we survived in the car, standing up in the back with no seat belts on, singing our heads off.
All the best, and have a lovely weekend.
Mairéad
Sheila McTeague
We visited the Dunguire Castle. My husband took a beautiful picture of front and now that is our calendar picture for March.
Also we stayed at the Lough Eske Castle in Donegal. We wouldn't be able to afford that if it wasn't for my daughter being in the hotel business.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - What wonderful castle experiences you had on your trip to Ireland. A stay in Lough Eske Castle is a dream vacation for sure.
All the best,
Mairéad