Top Things to do in Ireland
Countries
What to do and see in Ireland, Ireland: The Best Castles
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. Ballinacarriga Castle
2. Belleek Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 231 reviews
Learn about the history of Belleek Castle & the story of its inhabitants the Knox-Gore family. Lean about the exciting life of Marshall Doran a sailor who made his fortune from smuggling & antique dealing who later became hotelier & restored Belleek Castle in the 1960's. Visitors will see the original Castle & Marshalls additions to the house such as the Spanish Armada Bar (built from salvaged wood from Spanish Armada shipwrecks) and the Medieval Banquet Hall,. The highlight of the tour will be the Marshall Doran Collection! One of the finest collections of antiques, Jurassic Fossils, Medieval weapons and Medieval Armour in Ireland! Other curiosities include the last wolf shot in Connaught & the bed of Grace O'Malley, Ireland's Pirate Queen.
Reviewed By sandramK8378SD
Went Nov. 2019, great tour, guide fantastically knowledgeable. Would be great for kids as well. Very interesting history. ????
3. Kilkenny Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,363 reviews
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle
Reviewed By M4474IDtomk
A must see in Kilkenny ....really great experience. Very friendly welcoming staff....who managed visiting during Covid really well. The castle itself is magnificent ...we were on a self guided tour and I would strongly recommend engaging with the staff in the rooms ...very knowledgeable and made our visit a truly memorable one.
4. Rock of Cashel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,052 reviews
A majestic medieval fortress now in ruins: contains the Hall of Vicars and a 13th century cathedral.
Reviewed By Kelly-Irishlove
Our visit to the Rock of Cashel was intriguing The views are spectacular Explore the site on your own and with the guided tour, each offers a plethora of experiences and views The guides are very knowledgeable and have a great sense of humor as well. There is plenty of parking in the car park, there are also gift shops near by.
5. King John's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,522 reviews
This newly renovated 13th-century castle is open for tours.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
Fantastic castle, a wonderful museum that really brings the history of Limerick to life with a combination of audio visual displays, interactive exhibits, artefacts and really interesting story-boards. The first half of the self-guided tour deals mostly with medieval history, the sieges, treaties and battles for power and what life was like for the people of the city then. There are superb models of the city at its various stages of growth. Then you can go down to the medieval foundations before ascending the towers and waking the battlements. Fantastic place, I was there well over 2 hours and just loved every minute. The staff were so, so helpful as well, it's important for me to mention that.
6. Adare Castle
7. Cahir Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 795 reviews
This imposing 15th-century castle was long a military stronghold.
Reviewed By LenSydneyAustralia - Glenbrook, Australia
Self toured this castle with some narrow staircases. It had some very interesting history which is on display plus different rooms as it was. Worth a visit.
8. Carrickfergus Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 896 reviews
Due to the military impenetrability of this castle the town of Carrickfergus long thrived even when surrounding villages suffered defeats.
Reviewed By Happycamper45454545 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Spectacular in the sunshine!! Lovely stroll and an excellent part of the world when the sun shines and a few out on to Belfast Lough!!
9. Cloughouthter Castle
10. Dunluce Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,607 reviews
Reviewed By TheIrishtourguide - Belfast, United Kingdom
Great place to stroll and just to soak up the history of one of Ireland’s great castles ,hear stories from , C.s.lewis , yo the game of thrones , led zeppelin and Sorley boy McDonnell .. take your time 30 mins is enough. But take 40 mins
