With a Gaelic culture full of literature, art, folk lore and cuisine Ireland is rich with tradition, lore and what goes better with that than castles. In fact, Ireland apparently has over 30,000 castles. You could visit a castle a day for over 80 years and still not see them all!
Most people don’t have 80 years to explore Ireland, but rather a week or two. Everyone wants to get the most out of their visit and that includes as many castles and landscapes as you can. With such a short time in Ireland, something like the Ireland Castles & Moores tour is a great success, You are given an itinerary, pre-booked hotels, the option of having your meals booked, or booking our own, and you own car to travel at your leisure and visit the places that are of interest to you.
With only a week there is way too much of Ireland to see it all. You can take the 2,600km Wild Atlantic Way which stretches along the west coast or the Coastal Causeway Route between Belfast and Londonberry to see the unspoiled natural beauty of the country. Either way, you will see breathtaking views, natural beauty and local points of interest that will enchant and entertain.
Small Group Tours
Small group activity tours are the way to go. Small Group tours allow you to visit historical castles and sometimes stay in those castles or manor houses, provide guided tours, as well as information and details about the stunning coastline, moors and historical sites. Whether you choose to go with a group tour or want to go it on your own, below is a suggested loop that you can drive that will bring you to some beautiful sights throughout the southern part of the country. Just remember if you are driving on your own, they drive on the left side of the road in Ireland.
Here are some of the things you will want to not miss out on while you are in Ireland, which of course includes Castles!
Start with a Smithwick’s Experience
Located in Kilkenny, Smithwick’s has been harvested in Ireland since 1710. Open 7 days a week they offer daily tours every hour where you can see the 18th-century brewery.
The guided tour offers multilingual audio guides, a discount online and of course ale tasting. If you really want to try all the ales, you will want to upgrade your ticket to try all three of their ales: red, pale and blonde. If your traveling with kids under 6 they are free, but it’s more fun as a couple tour.
Cashel Rock
Cashel Rock is a historic site and the ancient site of the kings of Munster and has been a center of power going back to the 4th and 5th century when it was used as a fortress. With such a long history it’s not surprising they have an extensive collection of Celtic art. Also called St. Patrick’s Rock and Cashel of the Kinds, this medieval monastery is located in county Tipperary, on the outskirts of Cashel.
Set atop a green rolling hill rising from a grassy field, Cashel Rock is a collection of medieval fortifications and religious buildings. It’s amazing to see that the stone walls have remained strong and imposing throughout the centuries.
Make sure to visit the 12th century Cormac’s Chapel, made out of limestone and home to an amazingly well-preserved Irish fresco. You’ll also want to check out the cemetery behind the chapel that is still used today.
Not a Castle, but Memorable
The next stop isn’t a castle, and has to do with much more modern history. Well it’s a 100 years ago, but the Titanic is still considered modern when you compare it to the Irish castles in the area. The historic Titanic Experience in Cobh is the home to the original White Star Line Ticket Office and the place where the final 123 passengers joined the Titanic at it’s last call of port in Queenstown (currently Cobh), Ireland. During your visit you can experience life as it was on the Titanic for third and first class passengers, including eating the same food as passengers.
Once there you are given a ticket with all the details of one of those 123 passengers and you go through their experience, including the chilly water as the ship sank. The guided tour lasts 30 minutes and then you will find out if you (as per your passenger card) survived. You are also free to explore the surrounding area including the original pier, which as the last point of land contact for the Queenstown passengers
The Famous Blarney Stone Castle
Next stop is Blarney Castle in County Cork. You may have heard of the Blarney Stone, but did you know it’s around a castle? The Blarney Stone is a block of limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle in 1446. People come from all over the world to kiss the Blarney Stone since the 1850s, which is no easy feat. In order to kiss the stone, you must lay on your back and lean on the edge. This is usually the most anticipated castle visit in Ireland.
The blond lady is where the Blarney Stone is
Even with modern day safeguards/guard rails you still have to overcome any fear of heights for a kiss that legends say will endow the kisser with the gift of eloquent speech and flattery… a.k.a. ‘the gift of gab’. It’s much better now than in the early 19th century when you would have to be hung by your feet in order to kiss the stone.
Like most of the castles, the stunning beauty that has lasted so long is breathtaking. Be prepared for the small stairs, that get smaller as you go to visit all the towers to where the best views are.
While your there make sure to check out the Blarney Castle Poison Garden, the caves, the dungeon and the witch’s stone too.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle was built in the late 15th century by O’Donoghues Mor. This castle has a long history as being a guarded stronghold. Located on the lakes of Killarney, in county Kerry, the castle has a ghostly haunted history and only accessible with a guided tour. You can even rake a boat ride around the lakes of Killarney and explore Innisfallen Island.
One the great things is that it now offers accommodations, so if you’re into that kind of thing you can stay there with the ghosts.
Bunratty Castle
Like Blarney, Bunratty Castle offers beautiful views from it’s north tower… you just have to climb a bajillion teeny steps. Apparently, the teeny steps were to slow down intruders, who would have to pay careful attention to navigate either up or down.
Bunratty is one of the better know castles in county Clare and offers over 1,000 years of history and a beautiful folk park, which make sit great for family visits.
The 15th century medieval castle, is like most, built close to the water so one could see their enemies coming. Back in the time of Castle living it was all about survival.
Not sure how the mermaid chandelier ties into survival, but it is enjoyable to look at.
Cliffs of Moher
Dunguaire Castle
Dunguaire Castle in Galway was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan and restored in the 16th century to offer a picturesque view of the shores of Galway Bay. One of the most photographed and visited castles in the West of Ireland, and easy to get to right off the side of the road.
The Irish tradition of celebrating with a feast of food, Dunguaire Castle continues the tradition with nightly medieval banquets. The merriment, music and poetry during a medieval feast is continued and a big crowd pleaser. While popular during the day, Dunguaire Castle is more popular at night. The four course meal is entertaining and begins with a glass of mead traditionally made. While the entertainers are dressed in traditional garb, you will be delighted to enjoy a modern typical Irish meal of soup, chicken in mushroom sauce and apple pie.
Go for a Guinness
Guinness is synonymous with Ireland and if you are in the country you should really visit the Guinness storehouse in Dublin. The Irish dark stout has been brewed in Dublin since 1759 and the brand icon is the top visitor attraction to Ireland. Whether you like Guinness beer or not, you have to admire the success of the brand worldwide where it is now brewed in almost 50 countries and available in more than 120 countries worldwide.
Guinness not your thing?
If Guinness isn’t your think, check out the Jameson whiskey distillery, also in Dublin.
Here you will get to see how John Jameson has been creating an unforgettable whiskey experience since 1780. You will get to learn everything about how whiskey is made, and best part is you get to compare and test different levels of Jameson whiskey.
Stay in a Castle
While you’re in Dublin, why not stay at the Clontarf Castle Hotel and actually sleep in a castle too! It’s easy to see why Condé Nast Readers chose it as top 10 hotels in Ireland.
Also, enjoy seeing all the fun signs wherever you go. Even if you don’t see all the castles you’d like, you will enjoy the culture and people.
Have you visited any Castles in Ireland? Let us know what you think.
