Castles in Ireland | A road trip through 10 locations!
Irish culture is so fascinating that thanks to it we have one of the best celebrations in the world: Halloween; one of the best beers: Guinness; Y one of the best tours to see in Europe: the castles in Ireland.
Did you also know that one of the most famous routes in ireland is it the Ring of Kerry?
So if you are planning to study and work in Ireland, or simply travel to discover Irish curiosities, take advantage and make one of the best plans: make a roadtrip for Ireland!
Rent a car and tour our top 10 castles in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Ready for this dose of adventure?
The best castles in Northern Ireland
In this tour to discover the castles in Ireland we will start with the place where the titanic was builtwhere the biggest Gaelic football fans live and, of course, where the Starks’ home is.
Yes! We are talking about nothing more and nothing less than Northern Ireland.
1. Castle Ward
Nothing would be the same without game of Thrones, TRUE? One of the best series of all time was shot here. In fact, this castle, located on the shores of Lake Strangford, County Down, was chosen as the famous courtyard of winterfell.
Although this may be one of the most fascinating facts of GoT, this architectural work possesses magic by itself. And it is that Ward Castle is known for being one of the oldest castles in ireland.
Built from 1570, it was the home of important families of the region. Also cultural epicenter and home of the Annual Summer Opera Festival until 2010. If you want to know more or stay in bed Jon Snowvisit its official page.
2. Castles in Ireland: Dunluce!
Located in County Antrim, are the ruins of another of the castles in ireland featured in GoT. In this case as the home of the Greyjou.
Dunluce Castle not only served as the home of the Greyjou. It was also the castle of Cair Paravel in The Chronicles of Narnia, and served as inspiration for the album cover by Led Zeppelin, Houses of the Holy.
However, the most characteristic of this place are the narrations of fantastic beings such as the banshees, Irish fairies of death. Visit him! This way you will also be able to know the origin of the dispute between the McDonnell clans Y McQuillan.
3. Belfast Castle
To live in Ireland is to have a direct pass to know the history of the old continent. For example, Belfast Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans, better known as the Vikings.
But this building disappeared due to a fire and was built again on Cave Hill, in the year 1870. Now, it is also known for the legend of the white cat, which when seen will bring good luck. Its doors are open to the public at no cost..
The castles of the Republic of Ireland
One of the curiosities of Ireland is that the island is known for being one of the destinations in the world with the most castles. We are talking about an approximate figure of 3,000 buildings. What’s more, Dublin Castle is located in its capital, but we’ll talk about that later.
Settle down because this tour of the castles of the Republic of Ireland Just you’ll love.
4. Trim Castle
One of the Mel Gibson’s most important roles was the one of William Wallace in BraveHeart. Who doesn’t remember her intense blue eyes that matched the blue paint on his face? Although the story is from Scotland, the location of this film was in Ireland.
Trim Castle is in County Meath, on the banks of the River Boyne. Remember we mentioned the Vikings? This is the Ireland’s most important Norman fortification. To get to know it, it is best to go on a weekend and have a guide.
5. Dunguaire Castle
home of the hynes clan, this is one of the castles in Ireland that was built in the 16th century. It is currently known for the different legends of ireland they have space within their walls.
Some say that Guarie AidhneKing of Connaught who lived there, continues to be generous with those who ask for fortune at his grave. Other attractions of Dunguaire Castle are the medieval-style banquets that take place between the first and second floors.
That’s why, if you’re going to study in Galway, you can’t help but take a selfie in one of the most popular castles in Ireland. And, for your experience to be complete, nothing better than having a partner of adventures.
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6. Ashford Castle
Built in 1228, this medieval castle in Europe was a favorite of the irish writer Oscar Wilde. It was also the home of the Guinness Familythe creators of the incomparable Irish beer that bears the same name.
Nowadays Ashford Castle is a five star hotel where great personalities like John Lennon Y Grace of Monaco.
If you’re not going to stay, at least visit The Prince of Wales Bar, created in 1800, or the restaurant George V Dining Room.
7. Dublin Castle
If you are going to live in Dublin, a mandatory visit that you must do is to the castle that is located in the middle of the city.
Built in the 13th century by the Vikings, it is today one of the buildings with the most historical and political history in Ireland. Presidents are sworn in here!
And if you want visit Dublin Castle and take some photos, you can take a guided tour that lasts 45 minutes through the labyrinthine buildings that compose it. Of course! Some places are private. The cost per person is $13 €.
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8. King John Castle
Limerick is another of the Irish cities famous for their castles. Located on the banks of the River Shannon is King John’s Castle.
Have you heard of Robin Hood? Well, the villain is precisely this king who gives his name to this originally Viking fortress.
Among the plans that there are to do (and that we think is great) is to visit the medieval tent that still preserves several of the original objects. We also recommend the plays and different exhibitions about the siege of limerick.
9. Castles in Ireland: Blarney
If you don’t know what to see in Cork, very close to this Irish city is Blarney Castle, known for the stone of Scone or the stone of eloquence. this gift of Robert I of Scotland it can give the power of speech to whoever kisses it. Would you try it?
If you are going to visit it, you can take the opportunity to tour its impressive gardens. In addition to the plant beauty, you will be able to observe part of the diversity of animals of Ireland.
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10. Lismore Castle
Built in the 7th century, this is one of a handful of castles in Ireland that was originally an abbey.
have you heard of confrontation between catholics and protestants? Lismore Castle, renovated in the 13th century, is a reflection of the importance of the Catholic religion in the Republic of Ireland.
What is most striking is its gothic style. And, although it has a particular beauty, it is one of the private castles of the dukes of devonshireso you can only access their gardens.
We’re done! This was our list of castles in Irelandbut you still have thousands of options to discover.
What we recommend is that check in advance the hours of operation and the entrance costsso you can better plan your getaways and enjoy dream settings.