Castles to See in Ireland: 
Pictures and Fun Facts

If you’ve never explored the many castles to see in Ireland, you might not realize the huge number of these incredible structures that pepper the landscape.  According to Ireland.com that number is upwards of 3000!

Let's start with our consensus "Top 10" as chosen by the Irish Expressions team.  Jump to them directly using the links below.   For the full list of Best Castles to See in Ireland, just keep reading!

1. Bunratty Castle:  Illuminated at night for an ethereally beautiful look.
2. King John Castle:  A filming location for the movie Braveheart.
3. Cahir Castle:  Find your way through a maze of hidden tunnels.
4. Kilkenny Castle:  See its incredible art display.
5. Adare Castle:  Spend the night in a luxury castle hotel.
6. Dunluce Castle:  Featured on multiple album covers.
7. Ashford Castle:  Once owned by the Guinness family.
8. Dublin Castle:  See a royal throne and medieval weaponry.
9. Birr Castle:  It has been called one of the Seven Wonders of Ireland.
10. Blarney Castle:  Kiss the stone and acquire the gift of gab.

A Brief History of Irish Castles

We love castles because they are windows into our Irish culture and heritage.

Castles first started appearing in the 9th or 10th century, and some were built so sturdily that parts of them survive more than 1,000 years later.

In several ways, life back then was a never-ending battle. Local lords were always looking over their shoulders, worrying about which neighbors would launch the next attack.

So they built big, heavily fortified stone castles with arrow slits, towers, battlements and stone walls that are several feet thick, to protect themselves.

Irish castles weren’t just forts, though. They were also the homes of the Irish lords, and they were luxurious for their era. Many featured moats – watery channels surrounding the castles.

Beautiful tapestries and other wall hangings adorned the stone walls. They also deadened the echoes that otherwise would have reverberated throughout the rooms. Luxury and comfort were important, as was impressing (sometimes intimidating) visiting guests.

Today most Irish castles are in ruins, which in some ways makes them even more interesting. Some have been restored to various degrees. Some have been fully restored, and transformed into tourist attractions or even hotels - perfect for Ireland castle vacations.

Must-See Castles in Ireland:  A Virtual Tour

Let's start our virtual tour of castles to see in Ireland right now!  Each section will begin with a map of an Ireland province and the castles mentioned in that province. Our hope is to give you a visual sense of the Emerald Isle and where her most interesting and beautiful castles are located.

Castles to See In Ireland:  Ulster Province

Ulster is the Island's northernmost province and includes counties bridging both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  Some of the more interesting castles to see in these counties include the castles of Belfast, Carrickfergus, Dunluce, Glenarm and Kinbane.

1. Belfast Castle:  County Antrim

As the name suggests, Belfast Castle can be found in Northern Ireland in Ulster Province's Antrim County. It is arguably one of the best-known Irish castles and an iconic symbol of Belfast, widely referenced in local art, pop culture and song.  Click the image for more detail on this beautiful castle to see in Ireland

2. Carrickfergus Castle:  County Antrim

If you visit Northern Ireland, make time to explore Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim. Another Norman castle, Carrickfergus was a military fortress built in the 12th century.  It is one of the few castles that was actively used for military purposes all the way into the 20th century.  Want to know more?  Click the image to explore lovely Carrickfergus Castle!

3. Dunluce Castle:  County Antrim

If you're eager to see Dunluce Castle and tour its ruins, then you'll need to head to one of the northernmost spots in all of Ireland.  The striking castle has been featured on albums covers and in hit movies for decades.  Today the ruins can be toured solo or with a local guide.  Curious?  Click on the image to learn more about his amazing castle to see in Ireland.

4. Glenarm Castle:  County Antrim

For a stunning, glamorous castle with plenty to do, see and explore, be sure to visit Glenarm Castle in County Antrim.  During the summer, events like the Highland Games and major festivals take place on the castle's grounds.  There is so much more to know about beautiful Glenarm Castle.  Click the image to find out what we mean!

5. Kinbane Castle:  County Antrim

In Country Antrim, Northern Ireland, Kinbane Castle stands at the very tip of a narrow limestone outcropping over the water. Although very little of the castle remains today, it was once a stunning 16th century two-story structure.  Admiring the views and touring the ruins is well worth your time if you're in the area.  Click the image to start your tour!

Castles to See in Ireland:  Connacht Province

In Western Ireland is Connacht, a province that was once made up of many small but independent kingdoms.  Castles of interest in Connacht Province include Aughnanure, Ashford, Athenry, Clifden, Dunguaire, Kylemore Abbey, Parke's, Portumna and Rockfleet.

6. Aughnanre Castle - County Galway

You won't want to miss a tour of Aughnanure Castle.  This castle is technically a tower house, which were designed to be a protected fortress home for the upper class in Galway.  Built in the 16th century by the O'Flaherty family, the castle can still be toured to this day.  Click the image to learn about the castle's enormous banqueting hall and much more!

7. Ashford Castle:  County Mayo

This enormous medieval structure is one of the grandest and most beautiful castles found in Ireland.  Construction on Ashford Castle in County Mayo started all the way back in 1288, and at one point the castle was owned by the Guinness family.  Ashford Castle is now an upscale hotel ranked as one of the best in the world.  Click the image for more fun facts!

8. Athenry Castle:  County Galway

One of the oldest walled towns in Ireland is Athenry, which is home to the 13th century Athenry Castle.  This is a must-see structure for history buffs, because parts of the 13th century enclosure walls and battlements remain. Visitors can climb a wooden staircase to enter the half-keep, the most preserved part of the castle.  Tap the image to learn more!

9. Clifden Castle:  County Galway

Built in John D'Arcy in the 18th century, Clifden Castle is a beautiful manor house located in Ireland's County Galway.  Although it was the region's most prestigious home for decades, by 1894 the manor hour was abandoned.  Tenants occupied the home, and today it is nothing more than a beautiful collection of ruins.  Click the image for a closer look!

10. Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle is another structure overlooking the water on the western coast of the Emerald Isle. Part of County Galway's charm and the history of Connacht Province, Dunguaire the castle was once lived in by the mayor of Galway and became a hub for Irish literary icons in the 20th century.  Want to know more?  Click the image above!

11. Kylemore Abbey:  County Galway

One of the newer castles to see in Ireland is Kylemore Abbey, which was originally built as Kylemore Castle near the end of the 19th century. While the castle began as the private residence of Mitchell Henry, it was eventually purchased in 1920 by Benedictine nuns who had escape from Belgium in World War I.  Want more?  Click the image!

12.  Parke's Castle:  County Leitrim

Parke's Castle is a plantation era structure that was built right on the banks of Lough Gill in County Leitrim. The pentagonal defensive walls of the castle, known as the bawn, date to an earlier castle, but the structure standing now was built in the 16th century.  In centuries past, water would have lapped up against the bawn.  Click the image for more fun facts.

13.  Portumna Castle:  County Galway

Unlike many of our castles  to see in Ireland, which had defense as their first priority, Portumna Castle is only partially fortified.  As a result, its exterior is more ornamental and less fortress-like than other castles on our list.  Incredibly expensive for the time, Portumna was the height of elegance in Ireland in the 17th century.  Click the image for more info.

14. Rockfleet Castle:  County Mayo

The tower house of Rockfleet Castle is a ruin that looks like a relatively standard tower structure at first glance. However, the castle actually has a fascinating history. Located in County Mayo, Rockfleet Castle was built in the middle of the 16th century for Grace O’Malley, a woman nicknamed the Pirate Queen.  Want more?  Click the image!

Castles to See in Ireland:  Leinster Province

In Eastern Ireland is Leinster, where many castles were constructed as fortresses to fight the British.  Castles from Leinster Province include:  Athlone, Birr, Dublin, Dunamase, Foulksrath, Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny, Malahide, Trim and Tullynally.

15.  Athlone Castle:  County Westmeath

Athlone Castle, which was constructed in the 12th century in County Westmeath, is a definite stop for all ages while visiting Westmeath in Ireland.  The stone castle was completely refurbished and opened to the public in 2012, bringing history to life.  There is much, much more to know about this wonderful castle.  'Prove it' you say?  Click the image!

16.  Birr Castle:  County Offaly

This castle, found in the small town of Burr in County Offaly, is one of the few still used as a royal residence.  Owned and lived in by the seventh Earl of Rosse, Birr Castle has an impressive pedigree dating back to the 12th century.  Although the interior is not open to the public, you can tour the gardens.  Click on the image to learn more.

17.  Dublin Castle:  County Dublin

Once of the most-visited castles to see in Ireland is Dublin Castle, most of which was built in the 18th century.  However, a castle has stood on the site in Dublin County since as far back as the 12th century, and until 1922 it was the seat of UK's government administration in Ireland.  And there is much, much more to know.  Click the castle image to learn why.

18. Dunamase Castle:  County Laois

One of the most popular castles to see in Ireland's County Laois is Dunamase Castle, a fortress that has been known for centuries simply as Hum.  Early history reveals that in the 9th century, the site had been settled, although it wasn't until the 12th century that the castle itself was erected.  Click on the image for more info about this castle to see in Ireland.

19. Foulksrath Castle:  County Kilkenny

Foulksrath Castle, known in Irish as Caislean Ratha, is a tower house that was constructed by the Anglo-Normans in the 14th century.  Located in County Kilkenny, the castle was given to the English after the English Civil War.  By the 19th century it was owned by the Swift family, descendants of author Jonathan Swift.  And ... there's more!  Click the image to see!

20.  Jerpoint Abbey:  County Kilkenny

In the heart of the County Kilkenny, Jerpoint Abbey stands in ruin. Built in the 12th century, the abbey was commissioned by the King of Osraige, and it was home to Cistercian and Benedictine monks throughout history. The abbey is worth visiting because because many of its key architectural features are visible.  Click the image to see what we mean.

21. Kilkenny Castle, County Kilkenny

Found in County Kilkenny, the aptly named castle was built by the 1st Earl of Pembroke, and it served primarily as a family residence until the middle of the 20th century. Now, the Castle is owned by the city of Kilkenny.  Visitors can picnic in the gardens and admire the art collection on display in the castle's gallery. Want to know more?  Click the image!

22. Malahide Castle:  County Dublin

Just north of Dublin is the sprawling estate of Malahide Castle, which has its roots in the 12th century.  A knight named Richard Talbot was given the Malahide estate, which today occupies more than 260 acres.  The Talbot family kept nearly continuous ownership of Malahide Castle until 1976.  For much more about lovely Malehide castle, click the image!

23. Trim Castle:  County Meath

To spend the night in the largest of the Norman castles in Ireland, head to Trim Castle in County Meath.  The castle was built in the late 12th century by Hugh de Lacy.  If you're a film buff, you might recognize Trim Castle from the movie Braveheart.  For more pictures and information about this iconic castle to see in Ireland, click on the castle image!

24.  Tullynally Castle:  County Westmeath

Though known as an Irish country house, Tullynally Castle is far from an ordinary residence.  The Gothic castle in County Westmeath boasts a staggering 120 rooms, and it has been in the aristocratic Pakenham family for over 300 years.  Since it is a private home, visits to the interior aren't available to the public. But you can learn much more by clicking the image.

Castles to See in Ireland:  Munster Provice

In the South of Ireland is Munster province, where most of the castles were designed to see enemies approaching by land or sea.  Castles of interest in Munster Province include:  Adare, Blackrock, Bunratty, Cahir, Carrigfoyle, Doonagore, Dromore, Dunasead, Glenstal Abbey, Kilbrittain, Kilcoe, King John, Kappogue, Leamaneh, Newtown and the Rock of Cashel.

25.  Adare Castle:  County Limerick

On the banks of the Maigue River is the Adare Castle, an incredible manor house that dates back to the 18th century.  Located in the town of Adare in County Limerick, Adare Castle is a sprawling estate that takes up over 800 acres.  The castle boasts nearly 400 stained glass windows... WHAT?  Yep, it's amazing to see.  Click the castle image for more information.

26.  Blackrock Castle:  County Cork

Just outside the Irish city of Cork is Blackrock Castle, an enormous fortress built in the 16th century in order to protect the city from invaders and pirates along the River Lee.  The castle is five stories high, making it easier to spot invaders from afar, which also helps give the castle its dramatic look.  Know what else makes it dramatic? Click the image to find out!

27.  Bunratty Castle, County Clare

Bunratty Castle, found in County Clare, is one of the most complete examples of a medieval fortress in all of Ireland. All of the furnishings in the interior of the castle date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, letting you relive history on your tour. There's even an included folk park, where you can visit a traditional pub, post office or school.  Click the image for more!

28. Cahir Castle, County Tipperary

In the heart of County Tipperary is Cahir Castle, a wonderfully preserved fortress built by the Prince of Thomond in 1142. For nearly 400 years, the castle was said to be impregnable, but that ended with the siege in 1599.  Click on the castle picture to learn more about one of the most lovely and important castles to see in Ireland.

29.  Blarney Castle:  County Cork

30.  Carrigfoyle Castle:  County Kerry

The ruins of Carrigafoyle Castle, located in Ballylongford in the heart of County Kerry, is a monument with incredible historic significance.  Constructed using limestone bricks, the castle was erected in the 15th century as a way to oversee local shipping routes.  At the end of the 16th century, a siege on the castle occurred... then what?  Click the image to find out!

32.  Doonagore Castle:  County Clare

Just above the town of Doolin in County Clare is Doonagore Castle. When it was built in the 16th century, its primary purpose was as a navigational aid for boats arriving at the Doolin Pier.  To achieve this aim, the castle had one tall tower as well as an enclosure surrounding the property.  Want to know more about this special place?  Click the image to find out!

33.  Dromore Castle:  County Limerick

Built in the Gothic Revival style in the early 19th century, Dromore Castle is an iconic landmark in County Limerick. The castle was originally built for the Earl of Limerick. It was abandoned during World War I and began to slip into ruin.  In the 1980s the castle was featured in the movie comedy “High Spirits.” Fun, huh? Click the castle image to learn more!

34.  Dunasead Castle:  County Cork

Dunasead Castle, which translates to English as Fort of the Jewels, is a fortified house located in County Cork. Built in the 17th century, Dunasead Castle is a relatively simple two-story rectangular building protected by a curtain wall. It is believed that the castle was largely destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's forces.  Click the image to see what it has become!

35.  Glenstal Abbey:  County Limerick

Glenstal, located in Murroe, County Limerick, is actually an abbey rather than a castle.  Built in the Norman Revivalist style, but with a Windsor round tower, the castle was constructed in the 19th century but designed to look like it has come from the 12th century. Today it serves as a monastery and as an all-boy's school.  Click the castle image for more info.

36.  Kilbrittain Castle:  County Cork

 One of the oldest castles on this list is Kilbrittain Castle, which was built in 1035 by the O'Mahony clan.  It is believed that Killbrittain Castle, located in County Cork, is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in all of Ireland.  Although the medieval castle is still a private residence it also operates as a hotel.  Interested?  Click the castle image to learn more!

37.  Kilcoe Castle:  County Cork

Kilcoe Castle is a truly unusual structure, thanks in part to its location.  Situated on a two-acre island in the waters of Roaringwater Bay, County Cork, Kilcoe was constructed in the 15th century by the Dermot MacCarthy clan.  Although the structure is fascinating, what makes this castle so intriguing is its current owner.  Any guesses?  Click the image to find out!

38.  King John Castle:  County Limerick

Although King John Castle in County Limerick was built in the year 1200, it is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in all of Europe.  Multiple stone watchtowers and an enormous wall helped protect the castle and its inhabitants from several major sieges throughout history.  To learn more about that and other fun facts, click the image!

39.  Knappogue Castle:  County Clare

Knappogue Castle is a tower house located in Quin, County Clare.  Construction of the castle started in 1467, but it wasn't completed until halfway through the 19th century.  During the Irish War for Independence in the early 20th century, Knappogue Castle was used as a military headquarters.  For much more information, click on the image above!

40.  Leamaneh Castle:  County Clare

Leamaneh Castle is two distinct buildings that stand side-by-side between the villages of Corofin and Kilfenora in County Clare. The older of the buildings was constructed in the 15th century, and it is a rectangular tower house. Nearly 200 years later, the second building, known as the mansion, was erected. Learn more about that by clicking the castle image.

41.  Newtown Castle:  County Clare

The 16th century tower house known as Newtown Castle is located just outside the village of Ballyvaughan in County Clare. Unlike most Irish tower houses from this time period, Newtown Castle has an unusual square pyramid base as well as a round tower. This incredibly unique design has made it an architectural attraction.  Learn more here.

42.  Rock of Cashel: County Tipperary

Known as St. Patrick's Rock and Cashel of the Kings, the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary is a collection of historic architecture situated in what was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. Leave plenty of time to walk around the area and see the round tower from the 12th century, the castle from the 15th century and the Gothic cathedral from the 13th century. Get more information about this fascinating Irish landmark by clicking the image.

What's Next?

Castles are amazing right?  Such a powerful and important element of the culture of the Emerald Isle.  And guess what?  They are not the only great thing to see and do in Ireland.  Think about the pubs, the landscapes, the music, the food ... 

Interested in some pro tips on Ireland sightseeing?  We can help!  Visit our Ireland Sightseeing section here for more images and ideas.

More Fun With Irish Expressions

Congratulations on learning more about the Emerald Isle and discovering what we like to call your "Irish Side."  You may be thinking "I'd love to actually VISIT Ireland but that's really not in the cards right now.  What am I supposed to do with the stuff I just learned?"

Well never fear!  Since 2009 we have collected all of the best printable, shareable resources we could find, to help you put your new knowledge of Ireland to good use.  We've put them all together in a single download we call "Your Irish Expressions Playbook," which contains over 100 pages of games, puzzles, recipes, songbooks, quizzes, travel guides and much, much more.

Purchase them ALL for one small price, print as many copies as you like and share them with your friends - with no limitations!   But order soon - we are already adding to the Playbook for future editions and this price will not last long. 

Oh, want one more reason to order right away?  If you buy YOUR copy of the Playbook now, you will be allowed to upgrade to any new future edition for FREE.

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