How many castles are there in ireland

This is a hard question to answer. There are a lot of castles in Ireland built around similar periods, which can be hard to accurately date in terms of when they were built, and when they were first occupied. As far as one can tell, Killyleagh Castle in County Down, Northern Ireland, is one of the oldest with some of its parts dating back to The first fortifications were built on the site by John de Coury, a Norman.

It was built as part of a defence effort against the Vikings, who were still a very present threat at the time. Another from a similar time period, which may be as old, or even older, is Trim Castle. Built over thirty years in the 12th century, it sits on the banks of the River Boyne in County Meath, and is also the largest Norman Castle in Ireland. At the time, it was used as a Norman administrative hub, and while it changed hands over many assaults, sales and giftings, it remained largely the same, with a few additions and renovations over the next few hundred years.

Blogging my way around the world. There are tons of fun things to do in Ireland, no matter what type of traveller you are. Wicklow is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in all of Ireland, known for its breathtaking national park and scenic coastal views. Skip to content.

By intrepidtraveller. April 3, Category: Castles. This picturesque castle on a acre estate looks like it came straight out of a fairytale! Home to the 12 th Duke of Devonshire today, beautiful Lismore Castle sits on the site of an older 7th-century monastery and was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh.

It has been lovingly restored in the Gothic style with the 13 th century round tower still standing. Admire the exterior of the castle from the grounds with a visit to the gardens. Where: County Waterford When: 13 th century Style: Gothic Open for visit: Only the castle grounds are open to visitors unless hiring the castle for a special event.

Click here to book your tickets to Dunguaire Castle. This year-old castle is located on the River Erne and was built to guard one of the few passes into Ulster.

The impressive turrets of the 17 th century Watergate will welcome you as you step inside today to discover the local history with the Inniskillings Military Museum and the County Museum. Built on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park and enjoying views across the city of Belfast and Belfast Lough, a castle has stood on this site since the 12 th century, the current building a house with semi-circular round towers being finished in Today, Belfast Castle is a lavish venue for weddings and has 2 eateries but you can still walk in the grounds to admire the castle from the exterior.

This building might look like a picturesque castle from the outside, and indeed it was until it became a Benedictine monastery in the s. Complete with a Victorian walled garden, Kylemore Castle Abbey with its lake and woodlands is a truly picturesque place to learn the history of this baronial castle and the later abbey and all that abbey life entailed. Surrounded on three sides by Sheephaven Bay stand the proud ruins of Doe Castle with a 15th-century central keep that has survived siege and cannon fire.

Said to have sheltered survivors from the Spanish Armada, Doe Castle was later converted into a 19th-century country manor, similar in style to the Scottish tower houses. Where: County Donegal When: 16 th century Style: Scottish Baronial Open for visit: Yes, grounds are open from dawn until dusk with the tours of the keep available June-August from 11 am. Closed Monday and Friday. Athenry is one of the most notable surviving medieval walled towns in Ireland and together with its tower house, is a national monument.

Parts of the original enclosure wall of the castle survives along with the 13th-century battlements and the large rectangular hall-keep with base-batter.

This impressive castellated fortification with a circular tower, crenelated parapets, and Watergate was built in and stands on the site of 2 older castles, some parts of the wall of the latter of the 2 castles still visible today. A national monument of Ireland, Carlow Castle was once a military fortress that stood on the banks of the River Barrow.

This beautiful fairytale-like castle is actually a castellated mansion that was built as a hunting lodge. Where: County Donegal When: 19 th century Style: Scottish Baronial Open for visit: Castle tours are only available in May but you can visit the grounds and gardens all year.

This stunning year-old castle is located on an island of the same name, next to the River Shannon. Read this next Travel. Travel Dine with an Irish view in - the best food experiences across Ireland. Most Read Most Recent. History This is why the Irish no longer mark Remembrance Day. History Ancient secrets of the Hill of Tara revealed. Opinion James O'Keefe's triumph and the lessons Democrats can learn. Comments Show Comments. Read this next History. Top of Page. Instead they were fortified homes for chieftains, or Anglo Norman settlers and were designed primarily for defence.

Many of these castles are medieval in origin, dating from the 11th to the 15th century. While some of the more elaborate and elegant castles you may find along the way owe their origins to the flamboyant Georgian era or the neo gothic revival in the Victorian Age. Ireland's two most beloved castles are Bunratty Castle and Blarney Castle, as well as two of the most visited tourist attractions in Ireland, outside of Dublin. This castle is famous for its medieval banquets that for many visitors, from the United States in particular, present a great last night in Ireland before returning home via Shannon Airport.

Today the castle forms the centrepiece of an excellent Folk Park outlining Ireland's history with a recreated 19th Century Irish town. Another popular choice for visitors is Blarney Castle in County Cork, which is home to the famous Blarney Stone which, according to legend, bestows the gift of eloquence and Irish charm - or as we say; "the gift of the gab". For years countless numbers of people have descended on this 15th Century castle and climbed its tall tower to kiss the Blarney Stone.