Ireland is a wonderful country with a rich history – and part of that history is on full display in their castles. Filled with legends, stories, love and war – the best castles in Ireland have it all. I teamed up with other travel experts to bring you over 15 of the best castles to visit in Ireland!
Be sure to add at least some of these to your Ireland Bucket List!
(P.S. If your favorite didn’t make the cut, let me know in the comments and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!)
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Ashford Castle
Recommended by Olivia of Girl With Blue Sails
On the west coast of Ireland, overlooking Lough Corrib, stands iconic Ashford Castle. This medieval castle, originating from 1228, is now a 5-star luxury hotel, with a high-end spa and sprawling grounds, making it one of the best castles in Ireland to visit. It’s about a 45-minute picturesque drive from the major city of Galway and is entirely worth the visit. The history and opulence inside these castle walls provide an experience like no other.
This historic castle has been passed through the ownership of many wealthy and established families, one of them famously being the Guinness family in the 1800s. The Guinness family is responsible for adding the two regal Victorian wings onto the castle. This estate is now owned by Red Carnation Hotels, who made the hotel into the record-breaking hotel property that it is today.
Ashford Castle is a hotel able to be booked and visited by all. It has a variety of rooms and suites, as well as accessible rooms and ramps. Ashford’s grounds are freely open to visitors, who are able to stop by for lunch, dinner, or a stroll around the gardens. There are a variety of activities offered at Ashford as well that can be booked ahead of time online, including falconry, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, or a boat ride out on the lake.
Blarney Castle
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the most famous castles in Ireland is Blarney Castle. It got it’s reputation because of the Blarney Stone, but it has more to offer. The fortress is over 600 years old and is home to interesting rock formations, ‘Rock Close’ and extensive gardens.
The most common reason people visit Blarney Castle is because of the Stone of Eloquence. Affectionately nicknamed the Blarney Stone, the legend is that if you kiss it you’ll receive the gift of gab. You’ll never be at a loss for words in any situation.
In order to kiss the Blarney Stone, you have to be brave! You must hang upside over a sheer cliff, kiss the stone, and balance yourself on a narrow ledge before you can receive the gift of eloquence. There are handles to hold on to, and people who will help you kiss the stone and they disinfect the stones between each person.
Admission to Blarney Castle does not include a tour – but tours do include admission in their price. Entry costs for the castle and grounds are 18€ for an adult, 14€ for seniors and students, 8€ for children between 8-16, and 45€ for a family (2 adults and 2 children). Be sure to give yourself a few hours to explore the castle and grounds!
There is even more to see in Blarney, so if time allows, stay overnight at the Muskerry Arms Hotel and Restaurant.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Recommended by Catherine at Postcard Narrative
Bunratty Castle earns its place on this list particularly due to its Folk Park that transports you back into an era in which the castle was occupied. A village was recreated to show how rural and urban lifestyles blended at the turn of the 19th century with homes, businesses, and farms set up as they were back then. You’ll find musicians and actors who elevate your journey through time.
Since it was developed in 1250 as a Norman Defensive fort, four castles have been built upon the grounds. It is perhaps most famous for its occupation by the MacNamara and O’Brien clans and later Earls.
The Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are located 20 minutes outside of Limerick, on the West side of Ireland. Visitors are welcomed to Bunratty daily during the spring and summer from 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Adult tickets are €15.25 and they offer discount ticket packages for families. Consider adding another immersive experience, like a banquet dinner in the castle!
Bunratty is an ideal castle to visit with kids as there is so much more than the castle on the property to keep them engaged, active, and learning about days of old in the process. They’ll get a glimpse into what a school house would’ve looked like 200 years ago and have the opportunity to interact with animals at the farm. Fairies are alive and well in Ireland. Step into Bunratty’s mystical world on its Interactive Fairy Trail. Before departing, burn off kids’ energy at the Viking Playground.
Cahir Castle
Recommended by Faith of XYUandBeyond
Cahir Castle can be found in Tipperary a mere 20-minute drive from the Rock of Cashel. Built-in the 13th century Cahir is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland. Cahir (pronounced Kare) can be found situated on a tiny island in the River Suir. Archaeological evidence points to a house on the island that was occupied by Brian Boru around 926 and according to the Book of Lecan, a fort was destroyed here in the 3rd century. According to historians, the original fort was home to the Kings of Munster before the arrival of Christianity. It is from the word ‘cathair’ that the town’s name comes from.
At the time of building, Cahir Castle was at the cutting edge of defensive castle design and much of the original structure remains. Tickets for the castle cost Adult: €5.00 and this includes the exhibits displayed on the lower levels of the Castle and an audiovisual presentation of the castle’s history. The ground floor is accessible only as well as the courtyard of the Castle. The Castles hours do change depending on the season but it is open all year round. The Butler family came to Ireland in the late 12th century as a part of the Norman invasion and Theobald Fitzwalter married Stongbow’s daughter Isabel. Cahir was built by the Butlers to ensure their dominance and control within the local area.
In the 60’s the Castle was bought by the State and declared a National Monument and it is one of the few castles that contains several authentic pieces of medieval furniture and one of only three in the country to have a functioning portcullis. Cahir is also home to the Swiss Cottage which was built in the 1800s as a country retreat as the style is known as “Cottage Orne” which really means ornamental. The Cottage is believed to have been designed by John Nash and is a beautiful 2km walk from Cahir Castle.
Donegal Castle
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Located in the north of Ireland (not to be confused with Northern Ireland) Donegal Castle is a must-visit. Nestled near River Eske in County Donegal, it’s easy to visit this castle from Galway.
The castle was built in 1474 by the O’Donnell family – one of the most powerful Gaelic families of that time. However, after the English won the Battle of Kinsale, Red Hugh O’Donnell (head of the family) destroyed the castle to prevent it from being in British hands and fled to Spain.
The castle was rebuilt by English captain Sir Basil Brooke with some notable improvements – such as a show-stopping fireplace and a nearby manor house. Upon his death in 1633, the castle changed hands a few times before falling into ruins until the 1990’s. Thanks to extensive restoration efforts, the magic of the castle is back and perfect for visitors to get a glimpse into history.
Visitors can take a 30-45 minute self-guided tour of Donegal Castle for only €5. The tour describes the area of the castle and gardens in detail.
The town of Donegal has plenty of pubs, restaurants, and even lodging options for visitors who want to extend their time nearby. The Gateway Lodge is a 2-minute walk from the city center making it a great place to explore from!
Dublin Castle
Recommended by Kate Abroad
Dublin Castle is the most accessible castle in Ireland due to its location in central Dublin. While the 800-year old castle is now a major tourist attraction, it’s also a functioning government building. What’s interesting is that for almost all of its history the castle was British rather than Irish, up until Ireland gained independence just 100 years ago, the British ruled Irealnd from Dublin Castle.
There are three main sections of the castle that visitors will want to check out, the Chapel Royal, the State Apartment, and the excavations of the Viking settlement that was on the same site as the castle. The castle is open 7 days a week, from 9:45 am to 5:45 pm, including on bank holidays. However, Dublin Castle is sometimes shut to visitors due to government business in the building, this is usually advertised on the website with advance warning. Tickets can be purchased at the castle on the day, or online up to a week before your visit and cost €8.00 for adults, €8.00 for seniors, or €8.00 for children. You can choose to do the self-guided audio tour (included in the ticket cost) or sign up for one of the daily guided tours. A self-guided tour is a great option for solo travellers in Dublin or others who prefer to go at their own pace.
Dunguaire Castle
Recommended by Emily of EmilyEmbarks
Situated just 30 kilometers southeast of Galway, the Dunguaire Castle is one of the most iconic castles in Ireland to include on your trip! Offering breathtaking views of Galway Bay and nearby Kinvara for a mere €4-7 (child vs. adult), visitors can capture spectacular photos from its tower house.
Originally constructed in the early 16th century, the castle was known locally as the home of Mayor Richard Martyn until 1642. Later in the 1920s, the castle’s restoration process began and it is now used to showcase the lifestyle of Irish natives from the 1520s to the present.
Plan your trip between April and early September to ensure the castle will be accepting visitors, and while they are technically open between 10:00am and 5:00pm, it’s recommended to get there early to avoid the crowds. Unfortunately, the castle is not wheelchair accessible, however, it’s still beautiful to visit and offers great photo opportunities from the ground.
You can also opt to enjoy a medieval banquet dinner in their grand hall and even take a guided tour to learn the details of the castle’s captivating history!
After your visit to Dunguaire Castle, make your way to your accommodation on the Dingle Peninsula. Often overlooked due to nearby Kinvara and Galway, Dingle is a unique seaside town overflowing with hospitable locals and Irish charm. The drive from the castle is wonderfully scenic, and you won’t regret taking the time to journey past several other Irish castles along the way.
Granuile’s Castle
Recommended by Sarah Carter of Cornwall’s Best
The 16th-century Granuile’s Castle is found on Clare Island in County Mayo on Ireland’s west coast. The castle, which is a tower house is a National Monument of Ireland, was built by the O’Malley family, the Kings of Umaill, and was the stronghold of Grace O’Malley – Gráinne Ní Mháille. The name Gráinne is anglicized as Granuile and she was known as the Pirate Queen. The castle is located at the entrance to Clare Island harbor and its position meant that it was vital in controlling Clew Bay. The main living area of the castle was on the first floor, with access by a wooden staircase.
The main entrance to the castle is a small passage in the wall. In 1820 the castle was converted into a police barracks. It was then taken over by the coastguard in 1831. It’s not possible to enter the castle, but it makes for a glorious photo at the entrance to the harbor at Clare Island. Ferries to Clare Island leave Roonagh Harbour, at least once a day and up to five times a day in the high season. Tickets cost €17.00 for a round trip.
Kilkenny Castle
Recommended by Rachel of Caribbean Uncovered
Built over 800 years ago, rebuilt throughout the years, and renovated to open for visitors in 1976, Kilkenny Castle holds an important spot in Ireland’s rich history. The castle was originally built as a stronghold to overlook the grounds and banks of Kilkenny.
The guided or self-guided tours will take you through the castle rooms, showcasing the history and uses of each part of the castle. If you can’t make it to Ireland, you can take an audio tour on their website! If you get a chance to visit this historic castle, visit the rose garden and lake before you leave for the perfect photo op. The tour can take 2-3 hours, but Kilkenny hosts a large farmer’s market for tourists and farmers to gather for fresh, locally sourced food and produce every Thursday if you want to make a day of it.
Hours, admission cost
October to March 09:30 – 17:00 April to September 09:15 – 17:30 Admission ranges from $4-$20 with discounts available for students, families, and seniors.
Handicapped accessibility
Admission to Kilkenny is free for visitors with disabilities. The castle is accessible to visitors with hearing and vision impairments. They also offer sensory-friendly visiting times.
For visitors with limited mobility, some rooms are handicap accessible, but not all. However, they continue to improve their facilities to make the castle more accessible in the future!
Malahide Castle
Recommended by Anda of Travel for a While
Malahide Castle is one of the most accessible Irish castles to visit from Dublin. Add to that a long history and some amazing gardens, and you have enough reasons to take a short trip to Malahide Castle and Gardens. The castle has been owned and lived in by the same family, the Talbots, for most of its 800 years history until being bought by the Irish State.
You can only visit Malahide Castle on a guided tour. Join one of the four daily tours at 9:30, 12:30, 14:30, or 16:30. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and an adult ticket costs 14 Euros, and they have some family ticket options as well. You’ll hear about the Talbots’ story but also learn about Ireland’s history or nobility traditions throughout the centuries. Throw in some local ghost stories, and the tour will just fly by.
The gardens are completely wheelchair accessible, but on the castle tour, you can only visit the first floor in a wheelchair, but the second floor where the private rooms are located is only accessible by stairs. Around the castle, the domain is covered by large green areas, a Botanical Garden with a Butterfly House, the West Lawn, some public gardens, and sports centers. On the West Lawn, a huge attraction for the little ones is the fun Fairy trail that takes about an hour and a half to complete.
Rock of Cashel
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
The seat of the High Kings of Munster, the Rock of Cashel is technically not a castle. However, it’s pretty close, so let’s include it on this list! It’s actually one of the most intact, historically significant structures in Ireland dating back to medieval times! It also goes by the name Cashel of the Kings.
History (or legend) states that this is where St. Patrick (yes, that saint) converted King Aenghus to Christianity in the 5th Century AD. The site was granted to the church in 1101. That’s when the medieval complex was built. The complex includes a cathedral, tower house, chapel, and an abbey.
You can do a self-guided tour of The Rock of Cashel for €8. Give yourself about an hour to 90 minutes to do the full tour. If you have more time in the area, there is a nearby monastery, Hore Abbey. You can walk through the ruins for free.
It’s easy to get to the Rock of Cashel from Dublin. It’s a two-hour drive or you can take a tour. If you’re road-tripping through Ireland, you can base yourself in Kilkenny and you’d be under an hour away.
Ross Castle
Recommended by Janelle of Make the Trip Matter
Ross Castle is located on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake (Lough Leane) in County Kerry. If you are spending any time in the Ring of Kerry, this Irish castle is well worth a visit for the spectacular surrounding scenery (with panoramic views of Killarney’s lakes and beautiful Irish mountains from the upper floors) and fascinating legend.
Ross Castle was built in the 15th century by O’Donoghue Mór who, as legend has it, still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane. The legend also says that every seven years on the first morning of May he rises from the lake on his white horse and circles the lake. If you can catch a glimpse of him, it’s said you will have good fortune for the rest of your life!
The stunning restored castle is open to the public from mid-March to the end of October from 9:30 am to 5:45 pm. Admission prices to tour the castle and learn more about its history and legends start at €3 for children/students and €5 for adults.
Ross Castle can be reached in several ways. If you are driving through Ireland, Ross Castle can be reached via a signposted right turn off the N71 traveling south from Killarney. Or you can walk or cycle from the Killarney House in Killarney National Park. Otherwise, horse-drawn carriages are available in town or waterbuses depart from Ross pier to the lower lake.
Unfortunately, Ross Castle is difficult to access for those with mobility challenges. Those in wheelchairs will only be able to visit the lower floors, as the upper levels can only be reached by a spiral staircase in a narrow stairwell.
Slaine Castle
Recommended by Ruma of The Holiday Story
Slane Castle is a magnificent historical monument in Boyne Valley of County Meath, Ireland. The country’s capital Dublin is nearby and takes only a thirty-five-minute drive to cover the distance. A 1500-acre compound surrounds the establishment, and the river Boyne flows by the estate borders.
It’s a family property of the Scottish Conynghams. They used to be the landowners of the area during the 17th century. The castle was reconstructed in its present form in 1785 by William Burton Conyngham and his nephew. A 1991 fire caused significant damage to the Eastern Wing. The restoration work took ten years to complete. Today this castle is known for its spectacular architecture, impressive art collection, and most importantly, the summer rock concerts.
Legendary artists like Queen, U2, David Bowie, Madonna, etc., have performed here since 1981. The grounds can host up to 30,000 people on its expansive grounds. On other days it’s open for tourists. It is also rented as a wedding venue. The Gandon Room operates as a fine dining restaurant inside the castle. A food truck named Silver Fox Food Truck is also present in the castle courtyard that serves coffees and Irish street food to tourists.
The castle organizes walking tours for visitors to Ireland. On this tour, you can visit the Slane Distillery, Hatch Bar, and a gift shop on this tour along with the public section of the castle. The castle is open from Friday to Sunday, and on Bank holiday Mondays from 10 am to 6 pm.
The castle is handicapped accessible, but some regions have a rough surface or steep incline, which might cause difficulty.
Swords Castle
Recommended by Adam of As Adam Goes
Situated in the leafy Dublin suburb of Swords, the Castle of Swords is by far one of the most
underrated gems of the region.
The castle was built in and around the year 200 by the ex-Archbishop of Dublin, John Cromyn, and was to be his residence and administrative centre. According to legend, John Cromyn had his own constable who lived in the castle with him. For those of you who don’t know, a constable was the main man to hold court in the area, so he was pretty much ruling the roost when Mr. Cromyn wasn’t around. Swords Castle is made up of several buildings that form a pentagon shape where visitors can wander through. The grounds are a brilliant place to just get lost and are easily a contender for being one of the best walks in Dublin.
Throughout the whole year, Swords Castle is open for visitors to explore, and on certain days, guided tours of the grounds can be had by booking in advance. Taking a guided tour is a great way to get a real feel for history.
In relation to opening hours/days, visitors are allowed access to the castle from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 16:30 p.m. The castle itself is wheelchair accessible, so there’s no need to worry.
Trim Castle
Recommended by Rachel of Bucket List Places
Trim Castle is a massive, medieval castle sprawling on the south bank of the River Boyne, and an absolute must-see destination when traveling from Dublin to Galway. The castle’s history dates back to around 1220 when historians believe construction was completed under the ownership of Walter de Lacy. Nowadays, only parts of the castle’s structure are still intact, but you can peer directly into the impressive stone towers and walk along the intimidating wall. In fact, the wall itself brings its fair share of tourists due to its appearance in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. The movie used Castle Trim to represent the walled city of York– a testament to just how huge this castle is!
Trim Castle is open to the public every day from 10 am to 5 pm, and you can explore the ground free of charge. Purchase a tour of the castle for €5.00 per adult, €3.00 per child or student, or €13.00 for a family. Some of the grounds have steep areas and loose gravel, so it’s not entirely wheelchair accessible. However, the path around the keep is hard gravel with a few minor ups and downs, and there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet right at the entrance.
Tyrellspass Castle
Recommended by Paulina of UKEveryDay
If you would like to visit the last castle of Tyrrells in Ireland, look no further than Tyrrellspass Castle. This interesting building from 1411 is about one hour drive from Dublin or Galway. 20 m high fortress is easy to see from Main St and it is a great place to stop during any road trip in Ireland.
Tyrrellspass Castle is open from 10 am until 8 pm every day. After renovations, the castle was transformed into a restaurant. If you are looking for a great Irish meal in a historic building, there is no better place to visit. Food prices are affordable starting from a few euros for starters and around 15-20 euros for the main course.
Visiting Tyrrellspass Castle is perfect for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a great meal at a table outside or eat inside the historic building, the staff is very friendly. You can also have an authentic Irish experience in one of the best castles in Ireland.
Tyrrellspass Castle is a beautiful fortress to visit with many parking spots so you will not have to worry about finding a place to park your car. It is also set in a quiet location far away from the crowds. Delicious food, easy to find, and great service, make that Tyrrellspass Castle should be on every travel bucket list in Ireland.
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I was in Ireland back in March and loved it! I didn’t get a chance to visit any of these, but I know I’m definitely going back to Ireland at least 5 times in my life. It’s such an amazing country!
These castles are all so cool! I love touring castles when I travel to marvel at the amazing architecture. I would love to explore Kilkenny Castle the most – what an amazing building. Thanks for sharing!
I am going back to Ireland in September so I will definitely be hitting some of these up! It’s such a beautiful country!
Bunratty is the absolute best for visiting Ireland with young kids! And I’d add Athenry Castle to your list. It’s well preserved and easy to access.
One day we are going to visit Ireland and do a long road trip. Your post has now given me many great castles we will have to see on our travels in Ireland. I am sure visiting the castles would take me back to another time. And good to see how many are in great shape. I love that some are open to tour the inside.
Wow, this is an ultimate guide and I loved most of these castles, so I will have to save them to my bucket list. Hoping to visit Ireland soon! Thank you for putting this together, great work like always.
I am visiting Ireland for the first time in a few days. This guide is so helpful! Some of these places were already on our list but thanks to this post, we added a few more castles to see. Thank you so much
I didn’t realize there were so many fabulous castles in Ireland! I’d love to visit & I’d really enjoy the history! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Wow, they all look sooo good! I hope I can visit every single one of them one day! 🙂
This is such a great list! I have been to most of the castles on here, and they all have unique things to see. I have a particular fondness for Blarney Castle traveling with my Dad. It brings back such good memories, and kissing the stone! It was sooo long ago, and disinfecting and other things were very laid back back then. Thinking of it, makes me want to visit again soon! Thanks for a great read.
I need to plan a trip to Ireland. There is so much that I need to explore and discover. Castles are just another cool thing to add to my bucket list.
I absolutely love Ireland for its heritage – thanks for sharing such a detailed guide. Hoping to tick each of these off my list one day!
I don’t think many non-Irish think that Ireland has many castles but, as your article shows, it does – and some beautiful ones too.
I been to 7 of the 15 you mention and a couple of them more than once. I used to own a house about 10 miles from Cahir castle so saw it almost daily whenever I was in town shopping for groceries or at a pub. It brings back fond memories of Cahir town
This is an impressive list with lots of details to get a good idea of what to expect from these varied castles.
I love visiting castles in different countries and I would love to visit all of them. Ireland is on my list for a long time already and I can’t wait to go there. Saving this post for my visit!
All of these castles are stunning! We’re looking at heading to Ireland next year and this post has inspired me!
I still haven’t visited Ireland due to the pandemic but I must redouble my efforts. I want to see all these castles. I would love to stay at Ashford Castle, the medieval castle that is now a 5-star luxury hotel, with a high-end spa!!!
this is such a fantastic guide! you’re making me miss Ireland! I need to go back.
I think Ashford Castle would have to be on my list mostly because you can actually stay there. What an experience that would be. I really like the idea of the Medieval banquet dinner at Dunguaire too. Growing up in the UK we always visited castles but you’re making me want to check out all of these in Ireland now
Wow, so many awesome castles to visit in Ireland! This is a fantastic list. I’d love to visit Kilkenny Castle, looks fascinating!
This is a great selection of castles. How does one choose- I guess you have to see them all! I especially like Malahide Castle and would want to see those gardens. Great guide for when going to Ireland. Saving for future reference.
Thanks for sharing those, these are all lovely castles and of interest to me. As someone mentioned, it would make for a great road trip to go around Ireland and tick each castle off the list. I’ve only ever been to Dunluce Castle ruin in Northern Ireland by the Causeway but can confirm Irish castles are worth a visit.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
There’s nothing I love more than castles! Cannot wait to visit Ireland.
Ireland is jam packed with wonderful castles to explore! When I was in Ireland about 7 years ago, I visited the Blarney Castle and a few other ones while on a day tour, but I’ve long since forgotten the names. I loved visiting this historic and beautiful castles, and I’d love to see more the next time I’m in Ireland.
Amazing and lots of detail, thanks for sharing this. I plan to travel around Ireland this year, if i can see some of these castles it will be a worth while trip!
Glad you found it helpful! If you need anymore help, just let me know!