Breathtaking Castles in Ireland to Add to Your Bucket List (+ a Map!)

Ireland is packed with storybook-worthy castles (literally everywhere you look). Some sit dramatically atop seaside cliffs, others stand proudly in the middle of bustling cities, and a few have been transformed into luxury hotels where you can spend the night like royalty (sign me up). Then there are the haunting abbeys and ivy-covered ruins that have been slowly reclaimed by nature over centuries.

During my recent trip to Ireland, we checked off quite a few castles, but I wanted to reach out to fellow travel bloggers to make sure this list included the best of the best. So, without further ado, here are 19 breathtaking castles in Ireland to add to your bucket list.

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Map of Castles in Ireland

Use the map below to find the best castles, abbeys, ruins, and castle hotels throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. If you want a done-for-you itinerary, check out this 10-day road trip guide!

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Castle Ruins in Ireland

While Ireland is home to plenty of beautifully preserved castles, some of the most memorable are the ruins. These centuries-old structures offer a glimpse into Ireland’s past and often sit in some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.

1. Dunluce Castle

• Closest Major City: Belfast (~1 hour)
• Fee: 6 pounds pp.
• Year Built: The visible ruins are from the 1500’s

During our time in Northern Ireland, we were on a hunt to find all the Game of Thrones filming locations. Dunluce Castle was the inspiration for the Greyjoys’ castle. However, I wasn’t prepared for how cool it would be to actually get to walk around the ruins.

The castle is perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the North Atlantic, and the history behind it dates back to the 13th century. You can check out the exterior for free, but I highly recommend paying 6 pounds per person for a closer view (credit cards were accepted). There’s a small visitor center where you can read more about the history, and then spend 30 minutes or so wandering the grounds.

Tip! If you have the time, make sure to stop at the Wishing Arch overlook before or after for epic coastal views of the Dunluce Castle.

2. Clifden Castle

• Closest Major City: Galway (1 hour 20 minutes)
• Entry Fee: Free
• Year Built: Early 1800’s

After the rainiest and windiest hike of my life in Connemara National Park, I somehow convinced my husband to make one final stop before going to dry off at our hotel. Anddddd I am SO glad we did.

Clifden Castle is somewhat hidden among the rolling hills of Connemara, and is an often-overlooked ruin that feels straight out of a fairy tale. The parking lot is SMALL, but we did see some cars parked on the road. If you would rather wait for a spot, most people only spend 30ish minutes here, so you likely won’t have to wait long.

Built in the early 1800s by local landowner John D’Arcy, the Gothic Revival castle now sits abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by nature. A short walk (about 10ish minutes) through fields and along the coastline leads visitors to the ivy-covered stone walls. It was kind of eerie to be the only ones exploring.

3. Dunservick Castle

• Closest Major City: Belfast (~1 hour)
• Entry Fee: Free
• Year Built: 15th or 16th century

If you are already taking a Causeway Coast road trip (or stopping at the famous Giant’s Causeway), Dunseverick Castle is worth a stop.

Once an important stronghold dating back to the early medieval period, the castle is believed to have been visited by Saint Patrick and played a role in the region’s ancient history.

While only a small section of the structure remains, the real draw is the breathtaking coastal scenery, with crashing waves, rugged cliffs, and panoramic views stretching along the shoreline. It’s a quick stop, but one that offers a glimpse into Northern Ireland’s rich past while giving you some epic coastline views.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll ask yourself 500 times how the heck they were able to build a castle on a cliff so many years ago?!

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Preserved Castles in Ireland

Not every castle in Ireland has fallen into ruin. These well-preserved castles allow visitors to step inside centuries of history while exploring grand halls, impressive architecture, and beautifully maintained grounds.

1. Ross Castle

• Closest Major City: Killarney (~10 minutes)
• Entry Fee: Exterior is free, €5.00 for a tour
• Year Built: 1450-1500

Located on the shores of Lough Leane within Ireland’s famous Killarney National Park (our favorite city we visited), Ross Castle is one of the country’s best-preserved medieval tower houses. Built in the 15th century, the castle was once the stronghold of the O’Donoghue clan and is steeped in local legends, including tales of a chieftain who still watches over the lake from beneath its waters.

We just explored the exterior, but visitors can also tour the restored interior to learn about life in medieval Ireland.

There’s plenty of free parking available, and it was the meeting point of our Gap of Dunloe Adventure tour, which I HIGHLY recommend. It included a 2+ pony and trap ride through the Gap, a stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage for lunch, AND a boat ride for more views of Ross Castle.

2. Cahir Castle

• Closest Major City: Cork (~1 hour)
• Entry Fee: €5.00 but it is free on the first Wednesday of every month
• Year Built: 1202 (remodled and enlarged between the 15th and 17th centuries)

Cahir Castle is a medieval fortress set on an island in the River Suir in Cahir town, County Tipperary. Built mainly in the 13th century on the site of an earlier stone fort, it remains one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland.

Driving from Dublin takes just over an hour, and the roads are straightforward. You can also take a bus directly to Cahir from Dublin, and a ticket costs around €17.

Adult admission is €5.00, but it is free on the first Wednesday of every month. While the exterior is striking with canons and a working portcullis, the interior is where the visit becomes truly interesting. There is a self-guided tour which takes between one and two hours and includes exhibits on the 1916 Rising and women in Ireland from medieval times to the Rising.  

Cahir itself is a scenic market town with very easy parking in the Castle’s parking lot. It is located between the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Cork, with views of the Galtee and Knockmealdown Mountains nearby. There are very good places to grab a coffee or a lunch break, as well as good pubs for a Guinness.

After lunch, you can enjoy a lovely walk along the River Suir to the Swiss Cottage, an early 19th-century thatched cottage ornée built for the Butler family around 4km away.  

As experienced by Faith of XYUandBeyond

3. Malahide Castle

• Closest big city: 14 km from Dublin
• Entry Fee: Starts at €10
• Year Built: 12th century, 1475 Great Hall

Just 14 km north of Dublin, Malahide Castle is one of Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating castles. Parts of the castle date back to the 12th century, and it was home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years. Today, visitors can explore the beautifully preserved interiors on a guided tour and learn about the family’s remarkable history.

I visited as part of a half-day guided tour from Dublin, that also included the charming fishing village of Howth.

If you get there by car, it is open daily between 09:30 and 16:30, and prices start from €10 for visiting only the gardens. I recommend taking the guided tour to make the most of your visit. Simply book online on their website.

One of the things I loved most about Malahide Castle was that it felt more like a grand family home than a fortress. After the guided visit, I spent time wandering through the gardens and enjoying the castle grounds. There are cafés, shops, and plenty of space to relax.

If you have extra time, combine your visit with nearby Howth Harbour, known for its scenic waterfront, seafood restaurants, and coastal views. Together, they make an excellent day trip from Dublin.

As experienced by Nofar Ronen Traveling outside the Box

4. Blarney Castle

• Closest big city: Cork (~20 minutes)
• Fees: €24 per adult (2 for parking)
• Year Built: 1446

Blarney Castle in County Cork is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Ireland, and would you believe it attracts over half a million tourists every year – making it the most visited castle in the country! 

It is most famous for being the home of the Blarney Stone, which is said to give anyone who kisses it the ‘gift of the gab’ – i.e., the ability to talk eloquently. The stone was first known as Lia Fáil or the Stone of Destiny, and its mysterious powers were first revealed to the McCarthy family by a witch they had saved from drowning. 

The Castle’s grounds are spread over 60 acres, and are made up of the famous Blarney Castle and Stone, Blarney Castle House (where the owner of the castle lives), and loads of gorgeous gardens like my personal favorites, the poison garden and the fern garden.

And if you love to hike, there are three routes you can take through the grounds. The Woodland Walk, the Lake Walk, and the Riverside Walk are the three walking trails here.

Entrance to the castle is €24 per adult, €19 for students and seniors, and €12 for children aged between 5 and 15. Children aged 5 and under are free. Alternatively, you can buy a family pass (two adults and two children) for €65. Parking is available on-site and costs  €2 per vehicle. 

As experienced by Aimee of Ireland Drives

5. Kilkenny Castle

• Closest Major City: Dublin (~1.5 hours)
• Entry Fee: €8 per person to go inside the castle
• Year Built: 1195 (First stone castle)

Kilkenny is one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland to visit and is only an hour and a half from Dublin. At the heart of this medieval town sits the stunning 800-year-old Kilkenny Castle. It may not look like your typical Norman fortress you see in Ireland, but once you walk through the gates, you’ll be blown away by the colourful gardens and historic interiors inside.

The gardens are free to visit, but you must buy tickets at €8 per person to go inside the castle itself. Children under 12 get free entry. Self-guided tours are available on the day; however, guided tours must be booked in advance. The interior is spectacular, and our highlight is the Long Gallery, a room packed with ancient sculptures and paintings. 

Having said that, the Long Gallery may be a bit boring for young kids, but the good news is that the towers and weapons on display will keep them entertained enough, and the castle gardens also have a playground, so everyone in the family gets something enjoyable.

Kilkenny Castle is open year-round from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Allow at least two hours to explore, including the grounds. Make sure to book your guided tour in advance, and if time allows, walk the riverside path along the River Nore afterwards for some great photo opportunities.

As experienced by Kevin of Happy Irish Wanderers

6. Dublin Castle

• Closest Major City: Dublin (near city center)
• Entry Fee:  €8.00 self guided tour, 12 for guided tour
• Year Built: 1204

Dublin Castle is a charming place to visit, steeped in centuries of history, it is conveniently located in the heart of Dublin City Centre. 

Dating back to darker times of British rule, this historic monument attracts numerous visitors every year. Built in 1204 by King John, Dublin Castle was the seat of British rule in Ireland.

Originally a medieval fortress, parts of Dublin Castle were ruined by a significant fire in 1684. It was then rebuilt in the Georgian Style of the time. The Record Tower is the only remaining 13th-century original structure.

Dublin Castle was the scene of one of Ireland’s most famous mysteries: the unresolved theft of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907.

On January 16, 1922, the last British Viceroy formally handed the castle keys to Irish hero and revolutionary, Michael Collins, marking the end of British rule and the birth of the Irish Free State.

You can opt for a self-guided tour or a guided tour. With the guided tour, you get access to the Gothic Chapel Royal and the Medieval Undercroft, which are not accessible without a guide.

It is located centrally, on Dame Street, with numerous bus routes stopping outside. You can grab any of the following buses that will stop nearby: 9, 13, 15, 16,  27, 40, 49, 54a, 56a, 65, 68, 68a, 77a, 122, 123, 140, 150, and 151.

Dame Street is just a stone’s throw from the famous Temple Bar, Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, and St Patrick’s Cathedral, should you wish to explore the area and other historical locations. 

As experienced by Dubliner, Gill from Secret Sussex 

7. Swords Castle

• Closest Major City: Dublin (~10 minutes)
• Entry Fee: Free
• Year Built: 1200’s (early construction)

As I was travelling slowly and discovering Europe’s lesser-known destinations, I set out to visit some of the most beautiful Irish castles. My quest led me to many; however, Sword Castle alone left me speechless.

Although it is conveniently located 10 minutes away from Dublin, I was surprised to see how overlooked this castle was by most travellers to Ireland. Sword Castle is nestled in the ancient town of Sword, on the Ward River, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Its beauty and history deserve the short drive. Built under the Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn, between the 12th and 13th centuries, it has never been used as a defensive building but rather as an administrative hub and manorial palace.

The castle’s walls contain hundreds of years of history, and once inside, you can observe the chapel with its renovated windows and beautiful wooden ceiling framework, constable towers, gatehouse, chamber block, knights and squires.

The Swords Castle opens daily from 9:30 AM to 5PM, except on bank holidays, and tours are available on request. The entrance is free, but if you are coming by car, you have to pay for parking in nearby locations (Swords main street, Castle Shopping Centre, St Colmcille’s Church).

After your visit, you can explore Malahide Castle nearby, which is absolutely splendid as well. Wandering across Sword can also be nice if your castle exploration left you hungry. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from: Traditional Irish Pub, Lebanese food, or a nice curry.

As experienced by Ulysse of Slow Sight Soul

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Castles in Ireland that you can STAY in

Want to take your Ireland trip to the next level? These castle hotels allow you to spend the night in a historic estate, combining centuries-old charm with modern comforts and unforgettable surroundings.

1. Culloden Estate and Spa

• Closest Major City: Belfast (~15 minutes)
• Year Built: 1876

Overlooking Belfast Lough just outside of Belfast, Culloden Estate & Spa offers a luxurious stay steeped in history. The grand mansion was originally built in 1876 as the official palace of the Bishops of Down, Connor, and Dromore, serving as an ecclesiastical residence for more than a century before being transformed into a luxury hotel.

Today, guests can experience the elegance of the estate through its beautifully appointed rooms, manicured gardens, and award-winning spa while still appreciating many of the property’s historic architectural details.

We just stayed here for one night during our 3 nights in Northern Ireland, but it was for sure memorable (red carpet and all!) Be sure to partake in their afternoon tea, it was so much fun and the perfect introduction to our Ireland road trip.

Tip! If you are planning a trip to Ireland, fill out this form, and I’ll send you a FREE quote for the best hotels that fit your trip. Many of them will include VIP perks (like the afternoon tea). It’s free and you have no pressure to book from the links.

2. Ballynahinch Castle

• Closest Major City: Galway (~ 1 hour)
• Year Built: 1754

This was my favorite stay during our 10 days in Ireland. Ballynahinch Castle offers a unique blend of luxury, history, and wilderness. The estate’s history dates back to the 18th century, when it was owned by the legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley, before later becoming the residence of the Martin family, one of Galway’s most influential landowning families.

The current castle was built in the 1750s and has since been transformed into one of Ireland’s most celebrated castle hotels. Surrounded by 700 acres of woodlands, rivers, and mountains, Ballynahinch Castle is the perfect retreat if you want to explore Connemara National Park.

Whether enjoying afternoon tea, fly fishing on the river, or simply taking in the Connemara scenery, staying here feels like stepping into a different era. We loved the 5-course dinner (a splurge, but SO GOOD), the cozy Fisherman’s Pub for a drink, and the scenic sauna.

3. Kilkea Castle Hotel

• Closest Major City: Dublin (~1 hour)
• Year Built: 1180 (initial stone citadel), Renovated in 1960s for hotel

Staying at Kilkea Castle Hotel is like stepping into more than 800 years of Irish history. Located in County Kildare, the castle was built in 1180 and served as the ancestral home of the powerful Fitzgerald family, Earls of Kildare, for centuries.

Today, the meticulously restored property combines medieval charm with modern luxury, offering guests the opportunity to sleep within the castle walls while enjoying elegant rooms, fine dining, and a championship golf course. From its impressive stone towers and historic courtyards to its sprawling 180-acre estate, Kilkea Castle provides an unforgettable castle stay that perfectly blends Ireland’s rich heritage with contemporary comfort.

4. Clontarf Castle

• Closest Major City: Dublin
• Year Built: 1172 (renovated in 1998 for hotel)

Located just a few miles from Dublin’s city center, Clontarf Castle offers a unique combination of historic charm and modern luxury. The original castle dates back to 1172, when it was built shortly after the Norman invasion of Ireland, although much of the structure seen today was rebuilt and expanded in the 19th century.

Over the centuries, the castle has served many purposes, including a noble residence and later a hotel. Today, guests can enjoy stylish accommodations that seamlessly blend medieval architecture with contemporary design, along with an acclaimed restaurant and easy access to Dublin’s top attractions.

5. Ashford Castle

• Closest Major City: Galway (~45 minutes)
• Year Built: 1228

Set on a sprawling 350-acre estate in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury hotels. The castle’s origins date back to 1228, when it was founded by the Anglo-Norman House of Burke, before passing through several notable owners over the centuries, including the famous Guinness family, who expanded and enhanced the estate in the 1800s.

Today, the meticulously restored castle is a five-star destination known for its opulent rooms, exceptional dining, and world-class activities such as falconry, horseback riding, and lake cruises. With its grand architecture, rich history, and stunning lakeside setting on Lough Corrib, a stay at Ashford Castle feels like living in a real-life fairy tale. It’s definitely on my bucket list for a future visit.

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 Monasteries and Abbeys to Visit in Ireland

While not technically castles, Ireland’s abbeys and monasteries are some of the country’s most fascinating historic sites. An abbey is a religious community where monks or nuns lived, worshipped, and worked, often serving as important centers of learning during the Middle Ages.

Today, many of Ireland’s abbeys stand as beautiful ruins, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s spiritual, cultural, and architectural history.

1. Inch Abbey

• Closest Major City: Belfast (~45 minutes)
• Entry Fee: free
• Year Built: 1180

After our tour of the nearby Castle Ward (or Winterfell for Game of Thrones Fans), we made a quick stop at Inch Abbey. It was another filming spot in the series!

Founded in 1180 by John de Courcy, an Anglo-Norman knight, the abbey was built on the site of an earlier monastery that had been destroyed during regional conflicts. It’s free to visit with the parking lot just steps away.

2. Muckross Abbey

• Closest Major City: Killarney
• Entry Fee: free
• Year Built: 1448

During our time exploring Killarney National Park, Muckross Abbey quickly became one of our favorite stops. It’s one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval monasteries and a must-visit stop in County Kerry.

Founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary, the abbey has endured centuries of conflict, destruction, and rebuilding while retaining much of its original architecture.

Visitors can explore the atmospheric stone cloisters, ancient tombs, and roofless church, but the true highlight is the magnificent yew tree that stands in the center of the cloistered courtyard. It was so cool to see!!

Bonus! Old Castle Ward (aka Winterfell)

• Closest Major City: Belfast
• Entry Fee: Depends on tour you select
• Year Built: 1590

Calling all Game of Thrones Fans! Did you know you can visit Winterfell?!

Located on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, Old Castle Ward is one of Northern Ireland’s most fascinating historic estates and a filming location for the first few seasons of Game of Thrones. Built in the 18th century for the Ward family, the mansion is famous for its unique architecture, featuring a grand Classical façade on one side and a Gothic Revival design on the other to satisfy the differing tastes of its owners.

Today, you can tour the historic house, explore miles of walking trails, and enjoy stunning views across the estate. We booked a tour with Clearsky Adventures where our tour guide was an extra on the show. He showed us around, told us insider stories, and then sent us out on bikes to find more filming locations. We finished the tour by channeling our inner Starks with an archery lesson.

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Castles in Ireland Recap

Whether you’re exploring windswept ruins perched on dramatic sea cliffs, wandering through centuries-old fortresses, spending the night in a luxury castle hotel, or admiring the quiet beauty of a medieval abbey, Ireland offers no shortage of unforgettable historic sites.

If you’re planning a road trip through Ireland, consider adding at least a few of these incredible sites to your itinerary.

Castles, Abbeys & Castle Hotels Included in This Guide

Castle Ruins

1. Dunluce Castle
2. Clifden Castle
3. Dunseverick Castle

Preserved Castles
4. Ross Castle
5. Cahir Castle
6. Malahide Castle
7. Blarney Castle
8. Kilkenny Castle
9. Dublin Castle
10. Swords Castle

Castle Hotels
11. Culloden Estate & Spa
12. Ballynahinch Castle
13. Kilkea Castle Hotel
14. Clontarf Castle
15. Ashford Castle

Abbeys & Monasteries
16. Inch Abbey
17. Muckross Abbey

Bonus Game of Thrones Castle
18. Old Castle Ward (Winterfell)

Now all that’s left to do is decide which castle you’ll visit first.