5 Enchanting Castles to Visit in Ireland
Blarney Castle – Co. Cork
Home to the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, and Gardens in – is a ‘must’ destination to go to when visiting Ireland. Dating back to 1446, this historical landmark is more than just an ordinary castle. Legend has it, that if you climb up 10 stories to the very top and hang upside down to kiss the stone, you’ll be blessed with the gift of eloquence. In fact, thousands of tourists make their way each year to kiss the Blarney stone to ensure that they’re never tongue-tied again.
Once you’ve had the pleasure of kissing the Blarney Stone, you can explore their breathtaking 60-acre floral garden.
Leap Castle – Co. Offaly
Located in the small town of Coolderry, Leap Castle is regarded as one of the most haunted castles in the world due to its bloody history. Since its construction in 1250AD, the castle has been the witness of much bloodshed, murder, and betrayal, living through the Irish Civil War. But that’s not even half of the offputting occurrences that have happened there.
Some say that they’ve seen a ‘Red Lady’ ghost appear, walking the halls whilst holding a dagger. Others have reported two little girls (not like The Shining) running up and down the spiral staircase. These figures, as well as other spirits, have been caught drifting around the castle.
Dunluce Castle – Co. Antrim
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognise this site as the Iron Islands’ Pyke Castle. Located on the rugged Antrim coast of Northern Ireland is Dunluce Castle – a now-ruined medieval castle and one of the country’s most famous landmarks. If you’re looking for Irish magic and mysticism, the story of this castle is as good as it gets: it features power struggles, feuding clans, and some spooky ghost stories.
One of the poor souls stalking the ground is said to be Maeve Roe, a young woman who was imprisoned in the castle by her father because he didn’t approve of her husband. Maeve tried to escape with her spouse by taking a rowing boat out to the “Mermaid’s Cave” below the castle but unfortunately, they were both killed.
Now you can expect to see the ghost of Maeve’s ghost among the cold flagstones and cragged cliffs. Did I mention that Dunluce Castle is also close to the Giant’s Causeway?
Bunratty Castle – Co. Clare
Bunratty Castle is known to be the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. The site originally served as a Viking trading camp in 970 AD, although in 1250 AD a Norman named Robert De Muscegros bought the land only to build the first defensive fortress. Later on, Thomas built the first stone castle on the site.
Whilst in the castle, you’ll get to see the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country. If the rich history doesn’t immediately strike you, the views certainly will. Nearby the castle is the extraordinary 26-acre folk park nestled in unspoiled Clare countryside with over 30 buildings and a ‘living’ village. A perfect family day out!
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle has stood for nearly 800 years, overlooking Kilkenny City and the rest of Ireland’s southeast. The castle was constructed in the 13th century as a symbol of Norman control by William Marshall, 4th Earl of Pembroke has come to symbolise the fortunes of the strong Butlers of Ormonde for nearly 600 years.
Now it’s available to the public all year round and is largely a Victorian remodeling of the 13th-century defensive castle. Hundreds of thousands of people visit this grand country estate each year to see it and wander around its fifty acres of parkland, mature trees, and abundant animals. Other recent additions include a formal terraced rose garden, forests, and a man-made lake.
