9 Best Castles To Visit in Ireland

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It goes without saying that no matter how you shake it, your trip to Ireland will involve some castle stops. Lucky for you, Ireland is chock-full of them and you will not struggle to come across one around every corner. We have put together 9 castles in Ireland you cannot miss during your visit.

Many of them are just skeletal remains of a luxurious past, while some others have been restored or are maintained to give you a special glimpse at what life would have been like to live in one of them.

We spent 3 weeks on a road trip through Ireland that brought us to some well-known castles that everyone should add to their list of stops on a visit to the beautiful emerald isle.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Ireland (Travel Guide)

Castles in Ireland - Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle

This castle is a sight to behold in the middle of the crowded city center of Kilkenny. When you first arrive at the castle, you get a false sense of it being small, almost too small to be impressed by.

However, once you manage to park your car and wander into the gates, you will find a park-like refuge from the busy streets. This is what makes Kilkenny Castle one of the top castles in Ireland.

The grounds are meticulously maintained with a huge, green park that rolls out in front of the castle. The castle itself towers up with well-maintained walls and towers. You have the option of buying a ticket to enter the castle or just exploring the grounds, which also includes a large fountain and rose garden.

Kilkenny Castle is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months. The best times to visit are early in the morning and late at night before closing. We showed up one hour before closing and we had the place to ourselves.

Looking for a great place to stay near Kilkenny Castle? Check out any one of these great hotels to enhance your stay: Butler HouseKilkenny Ormonde Hotel and Kilkenny River Court Hotel.

How long does it take you to see everything at Kilkenny Castle: 1.5 hours.

Details: Summer hours 9:00- 17:30, Cost: 8€ Adult, 4€ Child, more Kilkenny Castle Information. Self-guided visit and last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at Kilkenny Castles.

Address: The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland
Opened: 1213
Province: Leinster
Phone: +353 56 770 4100
Function: Castle
Construction started: 1195
 
Rock of Cashel one of the best Castles in Ireland
By Irish Typepad (Flickr: Rock of Cashel) via Wikimedia Commons

St. Patrick’s Rock of Cashel

This castle is touted as one of the most beautiful and most visited castles in Ireland. This castle complex is huge and it is one of those castles that deliver visually what your mind conjures up about how a castle is supposed to look. This makes it one of the most iconic castles in Ireland to visit.

The Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig), more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, is also known as Cashel of the Kings. The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster, although there is little structural evidence of their time here. Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the rock was gifted to the Church.

The Rock of Cashel is located a short way down the road from Kilkenny Castle, so you can easily stop at both of these en route to Cork from Dublin. Once you reach Cashel, it is a 5-minute walk from the town center to the top of the hill to visit the castle.

The Rock of Cashel is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months. The best times to visit are early in the morning and late at night before closing.

There are several places to stay near the Rock of Cashel. A favorite of ours is Baileys Hotel Cashel for its great views of Rock of Cashel and elegant rooms.

There is a selection of cafés and restaurants near Baileys Hotel, and Clonmel is an easy car ride away. Keen anglers will be pleased to know the hotel is conveniently situated close to popular fishing spots. 

How long does it take you to see everything at Rock of Cashel: 1 hour.

Address: Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Phone: +353 62 61437
Function: Castle
Construction started: 1100
Location: 500m from the center of Cashel town off the Dublin Road. Bus Route(s): Contact Busaras, Travel Centre (01) 8366111
 
Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at the Rock of Cashel.

Details: Summer hours: 9:00-17:30, Cost: 8€ Adult, 4€ child, more Rock of Cashel information

Blarney Castle one of the best Castles in Ireland

Blarney Castle

A visit to Ireland would not be complete without the vertigo adventure of kissing the Blarney Stone at the infamous Blarney Castle.

Located close to the city of Cork in the village of Blarney, is the Blarney Castle. While the castle itself has not been restored, the grounds are beautiful; featuring walking trails, stables, a poison garden, huge trees, beautiful ponds and endless lawns of green.

Most people make the visit to kiss the Blarney Stone, which is said to grant eloquence to those that grace the stone with their lips.

The climb to the top is a good workout and once there you make your way along the edge of the gutted castle walls to the stone.

Here you lie on your back and dip way over the ledge while a cheeky Irish man instructs you were to kiss on the stone. Just don’t look down, there’s nothing under you!

Blarney Castle is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months. However, it is not as busy as some of the other castles in Ireland.  The best times to visit are early in the morning and late at night before closing.

If you are looking for accommodation near Blarney Castle, we have found the place for you! The Blarney Castle Hotel is a family-run hotel is located in Blarney and is conveniently positioned for guests wanting to discover the area’s attractions.

Details: Summer hours 9:00 – 19:00, Cost: 15€ Adult, 6€ Child, more Blarney Castle Information

How long does it take you to see everything at The Blarney Castle: 1.5 hours.

Address: Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
Function: Castle
Construction started: 1446
 
Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at The Blarney Castle.

Carriganass Castle one of the best Castles in Ireland

Carriganass Castle

We found this castle on a tiny, winding back road along the Wild Atlantic Way route. Somewhere between Cork and Waterville in County Kerry. I can’t tell you the exact location, but that’s why this one was amazing.

It is off the beaten track and we had the entire castle grounds to ourselves when we stopped off. The castle itself is mostly in ruins, but the family that maintains it has posted placards around to learn about the family that owned and lived in the castle.

There is a beautiful stone bridge, a small moat on one side and loads of character. The walking trail around the outside starts with a sign that tells the story of the O’Sullivans that lived in the castle and indulges in some local folklore about why it was abandoned. This castle in Ireland is worth a stop if you can find it.

Details: No posted hours. Cost: donation box at the entrance, more Carriganass Castle information

Close location of Carriganass Castle: It is situated about 8 kilometers north-east of Bantry, close to the village of Kealkill, in West Cork.

Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at Carriganass Castle.

 King John's Castle Limerick one of the best Castles in Ireland

King John’s Castle

Limerick offers you the chance to step back in time with a visit to King John’s Castle, located smack in the city center on the river.

Not much stands of the original castle today, however, it’s hard to miss the giant glass building sitting next to the stone walls. This building holds the entire history of not only the castle but of Ireland’s past and bid for freedom.

While not the traditional castle walls you might dream of, this place is magical and worth at least 2 hours of your time to wander through the interactive center before ending up in the courtyard for demonstrations and an opportunity to explore the walls and towers that remain from the original castle.

Kings John’s Castle is a great heritage site for all ages. Throughout the year there are events being held here and if you are lucky to be in Limerick when an event is being held, make use you do not miss it. Due to its location and ease of access, it is one of the most visited castles in Ireland.

Absolute Hotel is highly recommended for its great location in Limerick, which provides easy access to King John’s Castle. It is situated a short walk from the Hunt Museum and St Mary’s Cathedral Limerick.

Details: Summer hours: 9:30-20:00, Cost: 10€ Adult, 5€ child, more King John’s Castle information

Parking for Kings John’s Castle can be hard, there is parking just a few blocks away. However, the parking lot can be full at times.

How long does it take you to see everything at King John’s Castle: 1.5 hours.

Address: Nicholas St, Limerick, Ireland
Function: Castle
Phone: +353 61 360 788
Built by: John, King of England
 
Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at King John’s Castle.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park one of the best Castles in Ireland

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

If you are looking for the whole experience, then you must stop at Bunratty Castle. Just a short drive from Limerick, you will be transported back in time as you explore a period village and learn about how the villages lived during the time of the castle. The tour is interactive and allows you to go into the buildings as you make your way around.

The final stop of your visit should be Bunratty Castle itself, a partially restored castle that allows you entrance to explore the different floors and secret areas within the castle.

This is also a castle that hosts medieval dinners right in the castle, so be sure to ask at the visitors center if you are interested in a night of castle celebrations.

Of all the castles in Ireland that you could visit, this one is the most commercial. Don’t let that put you off a visit though, it is a fantastic experience to wander the grounds and interact with the villagers.

Looking for accommodation near Bunratty Castle? Look no further than Bunratty Castle Hotel. This hotel is ideally positioned in a peaceful setting in Bunratty, a short car ride from Limerick and Ennis. Offering complimentary wireless internet, a restaurant, and an indoor pool, the hotel is within a 10-minute walk of the Bunratty Castle.

Details: Summer hours: 9:00- 19:00, Cost: 15€ Adult, 10€ child, more Bunratty Castle information. Online Rates: Adult €11.55, Child: 0-5yrs Free, 6-16yrs €8.95, Senior: €10.45, Family: €33.50(2adults&upto 6 children)Note:*These rates are available online only.

Bunratty Castle is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months. The best times to visit are early in the morning and late at night before closing. This complex is more like a Disney World type of surroundings, unlike the other castles.

How long does it take you to see everything at Bunratty Castle: 1.5 hours.

Address: Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland
Function: Castle
Built: 1425
Restored: 1956
 
It is located in the center of Bunratty village, by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport.
 
Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at Bunratty Castle.

 Dunguaire Castle one of the best Castles in Ireland

Dunguaire Castle

If you plan on paying a visit to the famous sites of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, then you will be hard-pressed to miss Dunguaire Castle. It is located right off the main road that leads you through Clare County and overlooks the Galway Bay.

The castle is stunning to view from the road, be sure to park at the car park and then walk back down to the castle for safe viewing. While the views from the outside are the most spectacular, you can choose to visit the inside and if your time warrants, this castle also hosts medieval banquets in the evening.

Details: Summer hour: 10:00-16:00, Costs: 10€ Adult, 5€ child, more Dunguaire Castle information

How long does it take you to see everything at Dunguaire Castle: 20 Minutes

Address: Dungory East, Kinvarra, Co. Galway, Ireland
Function: Castle
Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at Dunguaire Castle. These restrictions are common when visiting most castles in Ireland.
 
 
 Birr Castle Offaly one of the best Castles in Ireland
Dennis Turner via Wikimedia Commons

Birr Castle

Easily reached from Dublin on a day trip, or en-route from Galway to Dublin, Birr castle is known for its lavish gardens and contribution to science. It boasts some of the most advanced telescopes you will find in your travels and the gardens are well known all around Ireland.

The castle itself has a beautiful presence and spending a solid 2 hours exploring the castle on grounds will give you a real treat. When you’re done visiting the castle, stop in at Pilkington’s Pub just down the road for a pint of Guinness.

This castle is beautiful yet not one of the most visited castles in Ireland. You’ll enjoy a peaceful visit here.

Nearby Birr Castle is County Arms Hotel. The hotel offers a number of facilities, such as a sauna, an express check-in, and check-out feature and a golf course.

Those staying at the property have access to a terrace and a barbecue area. Just a stone’s throw from nearby bars and clubs, this 4-star hotel also allows guests to discover the local nightlife.

Details: Summer hours: 9:00-18:00, Cost: 9€ Adult, 5€ child, more Birr Castle information. Admission tickets give you access to the gardens, great telescope, science center, and treehouse adventure area. Last admission one hour before closing.

How long does it take you to see everything at Birr Castle: 1.5 hours.

Address: Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland
Function: Castle
 
Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at Birr Castle.
 
Malahide Castle one of the best Castles in Ireland
By William Murphy from Dublin, Ireland (Malahide – Dublin) via Wikimedia Commons

Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is the closest castle in Ireland to Dublin and the exterior of this castle is stunning, again with a classic exterior look and feel of being a real castle from a fairy tale. If you don’t have time to venture beyond Dublin on your trip to Ireland and you want to visit a castle than it goes without saying that you should hop on the train and go see Malahide Castle.

Much of the castle dates back to the 12th century and can be visited both on the inside and outside. Your visit here will be more than just a castle too, as there are a village and garden that are included and will give you a real feel for what Malahide would have been like in its glory days.

There are several places to find accommodation near Malahide Castle. The Grand Hotel Malahide is situated in Malahide and is close to the area’s tourist attractions. Those staying at the Grand Hotel Malahide can indulge in a drink at Matt Ryan, before sampling a meal at The Coast. 

Another great choice is the Island View Hotel. Island View Hotel Malahide is located in Malahide and features free wireless internet. It is ideally positioned for guests wishing to visit the area’s popular attractions.

Details: Summer hours: 9:30-17:30, Cost: 12€ Adult, 6€ child, more Malahide Castle information

How long does it take you to see everything at Malahide Castle: 1.5 hours.

Address: Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Function: Castle
 
Photography/Filming: Non-flash photography permitted for personal use only; filming/videoing not allowed. The use of drones is not permitted at Malahide Castle.

Amazing Castles in Ireland

So there you have it, the 9 castles in Ireland you cannot miss. Of course, you’ll find many others along the way, some in ruins, some on private property and some abandoned. Take them all in and just enjoy being in Ireland, there is no better place on earth to indulge in your castle daydreams.

There are several options for seeing Ireland, from guided tours to renting a car and having an adventure of your own. Below we’ve listed out our recommendations of the best tours available to see the most castles and enjoy your time in Ireland.

The Best Tours of Castles in Ireland

The Best Tours in Ireland to See The Most Castles

We have put together a shortlist of the best tours in Ireland to see the most castles. Many of the tours stop at most of the iconic castles in Ireland. Each tour description is the real tour description. We use Viator and G Adventures all of the time. 

Our top recommended tours:

  • Kilkenny and Wicklow Day Tour from Dublin. Combine ancient monuments, medieval gems and natural wonders on this full-day tour from Dublin. Escape the city for a scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains; admire views of the Sugar Loaf Mountains, Wicklow Gap, and Turlogh waterfall; and discover the 6th-century monastic ruins of Glendalough. Then, enjoy free time to explore lively Kilkenny and visit landmarks like the Kilkenny Castle, the Black Abbey or the Cathedral of Saint Canice (own expense).
  • 2-Day Kerry Tour from Dublin. Known as the “Kingdom”, Kerry is one of the most breathtaking countries in Ireland. Travel along with two of the most scenic drives in Ireland – the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. With ocean views, dramatic mountain ranges, panoramic islands, and ancient pagan forts the County of Kerry is truly the jewel in Ireland’s crown and the most visited county in Ireland for those seeking the true natural beauty of our island. Overnight in Killarney, a charming town well known for its great welcome and lively nightlife.
  • 2-Day South Ireland Tour from Dublin. See the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, wonder at the barren beauty of the Burren, stroll through the grounds of Blarney Castle and stay overnight in Cork. This tour is ideal for those who seek to visit Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Short on time but high on energy and curiosity, this tour is a great mix of rural villages, rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, historic castles, rolling landscapes, and superb nightlife.
  • Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin. Explore Northern Ireland’s biggest draws — Belfast, Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — on a day trip from Dublin. In a traditional black cab in Belfast, you’ll explore sites of the capital’s conflicted history: the mural-strewn streets of the Falls and Skanskill neighborhoods and the Belfast Docks. Then course along the Antrim coast to experience one of Ireland great geological marvels, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, followed by a stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Marvel at the surrounding headlands that were also used as a filming location for many Game of Thrones scenes.
  • Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour of Northern Ireland and Giant’s Causeway from Belfast. Explore famous filming locations from television’s ‘Game of Thrones,’ plus the renowned Giant’s Causeway, on this 9-hour tour of Northern Ireland from Belfast. Discover well-known spots from the series such as the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Dunluce Castle, as well as the UNESCO–listed Giant’s Causeway, which shares the same otherworldly feel as the filming spots. Your guide, well-versed in the show, brings the ‘Game of Thrones’ series to life. Visit sites featured in popular plot lines, including Lordsport, Renly Baratheon of Storm’s End’s camp and Dark Hedge road (where Arya Stark famously fled King’s Landing), then return to Belfast. A stop for lunch (at own expense) in Ballycastle, the hometown of a few of the actors from the series, is included.
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Ireland Road Trip

We spent 3 weeks road tripping around Ireland and driving the Wild Atlantic Way. We explored castles, remote areas, small villages, drank way too many pints of Guinness and listened to far too many stories from the locals along the way.

More on Ireland:

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9 top castles in Ireland you cannot miss.



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About Lina Stock

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA



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19 thoughts on “9 Best Castles To Visit in Ireland”

  1. Hi Lina,
    Thank you for this useful post.
    I agree with you Irish castles are a must-see, my favorite one is the Dunguaire Castle

    Reply
  2. Barney is a must miss. Just far too commercial complete with photographers.
    . We have travelled Ireland 9 different times varying for 3 to 5 weeks each. Castles and forts are our stock in trade. Spending an hour or two at each is a shame. Bunratty and Dunguaire are banquet destinations
    Spend hours at Cahir, Trim, Fermanagh, Swords, Musk, Dublin, Dysart o’Day, Donegal, and many more. And although they aren’t castles, the forts at Kinsale reserve a visit. And be prepared to spend some time at all.

    Reply
    • I don’t agree on missing Blarney, as a first time visitor to Ireland I enjoyed our visit there. Thanks for the list of additional castles to check out though! So much to discover in Ireland. Cheers!

      Reply
  3. My husband and I took the county public bus out to Cong where they filmed the Quiet Man( John Wayne). The bus was not allowed to go into the small town ,so we had to walk the rest of the way suitcases in tow. Thank God it was not raining. Ashford Castle located where busstop is. Next time we want to stay at the Ashford Castle. We stayed at lovely B/B. Our hostess picked us up in Cong. Lovely place

    Reply
  4. If the Castle is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) then it might come under their policy of free admission on the first Wednesday of every month. You could pick two castles close to one another and get two in for free on one day – like Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel.
    (I was checking our your Peru Wasai Lodge blog when I saw the link to your Irish Castle blog, and as an Irish person I just wanted to pass on this piece of handy info that tourists might not be aware of).

    Reply
  5. Great post and stunning photos 🙂

    Re: the kissing the Blarney stone for the gift of the gab– a friend of mine insists that, back in the 80s, local youths would pee on it as some sort of sick joke on the tourists that would kiss it the next day (ew). That said, not sure how I’d feel about kissing a stone that’s been kissed by millions of tourists, anyway!

    Reply
    • I have heard that from other people and I find it hilarious. We have to remember that it rains a lot in Ireland, so even if part of this was true, it isn’t like the rock absorbed it nor has been washed off. We both kissed the stone and I can tell you it didn’t smell and was smooth. LOL, sometimes you just have to live a little.

      Reply
  6. I would absolutely love to visit some castles and stay in a castle! These castles look absolutely amazing — has made me move Ireland up farther on my must see list!

    Reply
    • Ireland should be at the top of every travelers list! I had tried to get there for several years and planned 3 separate visits that all fell apart, so finally being able to visit was amazing.

      Reply
      • Agreed! Ireland is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists and slow travelers (like myself) alike. Thanks for this article on castles – we definitely plan to go see a few on the list that we didn’t know about!

        Reply
  7. I am a fan of staying in castles. On my trip to Ireland I had a fabulous experience at Ashford Castle in Cong.

    Reply

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