Castles
Ireland’s castles are proud defenders of our history. If walls could speak these castles would tell of thrilling adventures, brave battles, daring sieges and cunning exploits. They would tell tales of clans and families, noble lords, formidable ladies and some unwelcome occupiers - all part of the tapestry of Ireland’s story.
Explore the magnificent keeps, donjons and towers that made these castles the ultimate symbols of political power in their time. Take the view from the proud battlements and try find hidden murder holes and secret rooms.
Let our expert guides tell the stories of these architectural masterpieces and their fearsome inhabitants.
Adare Castle
Discover a medieval masterpiece, built for defence
Athenry Castle
An emblem of Norman lordship
Aughnanure Castle
A historical gem in the heart of Connemara
Ballyhack Castle
Savour a sense of the Middle Ages
Barryscourt Castle
A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle
Cahir Castle
A defensive powerhouse of the thirteenth century
Desmond Castle Kinsale
A building at the core of Kinsale’s history
Desmond Castle Newcastlewest
Where sounds of medieval revelry echo around the walls
Doe Castle
A waterside citadel with a thrilling history
Donegal Castle
One of Ireland’s most splendid Gaelic castles
Dungarvan Castle
Journey back to the dawn of Anglo-Norman rule in Ireland
Ferns Castle
Two nations, two cultures and one shared heritage
Kilkenny Castle
The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city
Listowel Castle
The last bastion of the Fitzmaurices
Maynooth Castle
A glimpse of life in a Norman fortress
Ormond Castle
Discover a Tudor gem
Parke’s Castle
Walk in the footsteps of planters and Gaels
Portumna Castle and Gardens
Seventeenth-century splendour on the shores of Lough Derg
Rathfarnham Castle
An inspiring Elizabethan castle within easy reach of Dublin City Centre
Roscrea Castle, Gardens and Damer House/Black Mills
A place of medieval might and eighteenth-century elegance
Ross Castle
A lakeside citadel steeped in legend
Trim Castle
The ultimate symbol of Norman glory