Ireland’s Top 15 Castles You Should See

Ireland’s castles are dramatic, windswept, moody, and utterly magical. They hold the echoes of Celtic legend that all Game of Thrones fans will want to see. But which ones truly capture the magic? Read and find out your favorite.

The Rock Of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel rises from a limestone outcrop to command views across County Tipperary. Originally the seat of Munster kings, it transitioned into a vital spiritual hub. Its round towers and medieval frescoes connect visitors to a time when authority was sacred and sovereign.

Blarney Castle

Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle draws crowds eager to kiss its legendary stone, believed to bestow the gift of eloquence. However, its appeal extends far beyond that single ritual. The surrounding gardens and the castle reveal historical layers that make every visit memorable.

Trim Castle

Ireland’s largest Norman castle, Trim, is a maze of curtain walls and echoes. Made famous by “Braveheart”, its cinematic charm barely scratches the surface. Constructed over 30 years in the 12th century, this fortress once controlled vital river trade routes and projected Anglo-Norman power.

Kilkenny Castle

This imposing gem straddling the River Nore has been polished into a stately museum over time. Owned by the Butlers for centuries, it now showcases lavish interiors and galleries. It feels less like a relic and more like a noble’s home paused mid-story.

Cahir Castle

Wedged on a rocky island in the River Suir, Cahir Castle screams defense with its intact keep and arrow loops. It’s one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles. Film crews love it, but history buffs come for the siege stories and echoes of noble rivalries.

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle, located in County Clare, transports you straight into the 15th century with costumed performers who vividly reenact medieval life. This meticulously restored fortress goes beyond stone walls to offer immersive experiences through music and storytelling.

Dublin Castle

Though the site initially held a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle as we know it today is primarily Norman in origin. Its blend of medieval towers and Georgian courtyards reflects centuries of change. Now, it serves as a venue for state ceremonies and cultural exhibitions that symbolize Irish governance.

Malahide Castle

Framed by vibrant botanical gardens, Malahide Castle invites visitors to linger in its romantic, storied grounds. Its elegant manor reveals stories of ghostly residents and noble bloodlines, having housed the Talbot family for generations. Yet the blend of charm and mystery gives this castle its lasting appeal.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle delivers an unforgettable experience. It is now a five-star hotel, which indulges guests with regal suites and gourmet dining. Once owned by the Guinness family, its ivy-clad walls and lakeside location create a beautiful setting where elegance and history coexist.

Dunluce Castle

This medieval ruin reflects the raw spirit of Northern Ireland to combine natural power with a mythic past. Though its stone walls bear the scars of time, the atmosphere remains gripping and unforgettable. Dunluce Castle clings dramatically to a cliff in County Antrim, where crashing waves meet swirling legends.

Dromoland Castle

A stay at Dromoland Castle feels like stepping into aristocratic splendor. With turrets and world-class hospitality, it balances regal tradition and modern luxury. Once home to the O’Briens of Thomond, the castle now welcomes guests seeking comfort wrapped in authentic Irish nobility.

Desmond Castle, Kinsale

Located in the coastal town of Kinsale, Desmond Castle served as a customs house, prison, workhouse, and munitions store. Today, it hosts the International Wine Museum. Though modest in size, its stone walls hold centuries of trade and change to capture a lesser-known but vivid slice of Irish history.

Aughnanure Castle

Built by the powerful O’Flaherty clan in the 16th century, Aughnanure Castle looms beside a peaceful river in County Galway. Its defensive design—including a tower house and dry moat—speaks of clan rivalries and strategic importance. It provides you a glimpse into Gaelic resilience and architectural ingenuity.

Ross Castle

Ross Castle sits by the lakes of Killarney, mirrored in tranquil waters that belie its fortified past. Once a stronghold of the O’Donoghues, it fell during Cromwell’s campaign. However, it is now restored and draws visitors with its stories of sieges and survival along with that serene beauty.

Dunlough Castle

The castle stands in haunting isolation on Ireland’s southwest cliffs. Built in 1207 by the O’Mahonys, its three towers linked by a stone wall reflect Irish adaptation to Norman-style defense. Remote and windswept, the ruins remain one of the country’s most atmospheric historic sites.