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Ireland is the land of fairies and folklore, so it makes sense that this famously green country would have its share of castles too. Upwards of 30,000 in fact! To properly explore Ireland’s heritage, there should be at least a couple castle tours on every Ireland itinerary.
Obviously, no human on earth could visit 30,000 castles, or even 1% of that, in one go. Therefore, this post narrows the list down to the very best castle tours to prioritize during your Ireland trip.
To help me compile this list, I’ve reached out to my fellow travel bloggers for their favorite castle tours throughout the Emerald Isle. I’ve contributed my own favorites too, and you should leave this post ready to seek your own magic. Shall we begin?
13 Must-Do Castle Tours in Ireland
The below list of castle tours in Ireland is organized by region. Additionally, as Ireland is a great road trip destination, I’ve mapped a sample route below for visiting these castles in a giant loop.
Castles Near Dublin
1. Trim Castle
A drive into the Boyne Valley to visit Trim Castle takes you to story book land. Trim Castle, in medieval Trim village, is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle, and features one of the best castle tours in Ireland. The structure sits along the Boyne River, and is a forty-five minute drive northwest from Dublin.
Hugh De Lacy first built the castle as a wooden structure in 1172. However, in 1174, the Gaelic Irish, led by Rory O’Connor, attacked and destroyed it. Shortly after this, construction began on a new, more imposing stone fortification, much of which still stands today.
Visitors can either wander the castle grounds for free, or pay €5 for a guided tour of the Keep. Over one hour, your guide will take you through all three levels of the structure while explaining the castle’s history. If you are afraid of heights, know that the walkway on the third story could be a bit dizzying.
Finally, the tour leads you to the roof of the castle for sweeping 360-degree views over Boyne Valley. Experiencing this magical landscape might seem cinematic. After all, Trim Castle was a set in the movie Braveheart!
Trim is an easy day trip from Dublin, and also makes a great detour en route from Belfast to Dublin. This colorful village is perfect for a short stroll or picnic lunch beside the Boyne River. For overnight stays, consider the Trim Castle Hotel just steps away from the castle itself.
2. Tyrrellspass Castle
Recommended by Paulina from ukeveryday
Tyrrellspass Castle is easy to find due to its location on Main Street in Ballykilmore. It takes only one hour to reach from Dublin, and is the perfect stop when traveling between Dublin and Galway.
The castle was built in 1411 and is situated in the heart of the island. This positioning strategically controlled the only route through the surrounding bog. As a result, the Tyrrell family was able to grow wealthy by charging tolls to any traveler wishing to pass.
Today, Tyrrellspass Castle is a restaurant where you can try tasty Irish food. This medieval building offers an amazing experience, where you can learn not only about the history but also see some traditions of Ireland. Why not join the medieval banquet in Tyrrellspass Castle, which is one of the top things to do?
One of the best hotels to stay nearby is New Forest Estate & Golf Club for those who love golf and historic buildings. Plus, it is only a few minute’s drive from the castle. This is the last example of the Tyrrells’ castle that you can find, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this magical place.
3. Malahide Castle & Gardens
Recommended by Adam of Where in Dublin
Malahide Castle & Gardens is one of Dublin’s most popular castles. It’s located in the leafy suburb of Malahide, which is only a half-hour drive from the city center and is seen as one of the best places to walk in Dublin.
Originally, what is now a castle built from stone was once built with wood. It’s known that the grounds were owned and controlled by the Talbot Family between the years 1185 and the 1970’s.
For a brief period, Cromwellian soldiers took over the castle in 1649, but the Talbots managed to retain it in 1660. The last man standing was Lord Milo Talbot, who eventually passed away and left the castle to his sister Rose. She then sold it on to the Irish state in 1975.
To tour the castle, visitors can expect to pay €8 for an adult and €5.50 for a child. The park’s grounds are free to enter for anybody.
Those looking to spend the night nearby should definitely check out The Grand Hotel Malahide. It’s one of the most sought after hotels in the whole of Dublin because of its stunning coastal views.
4. Dublin Castle
Recommended by Janelle from Make the Trip Matter
Spending some time in the capital city of Dublin is usually a must for most visitors to Ireland! While in Dublin, one of the most popular attractions is to tour the Dublin Castle.
Built in the early 13th century, the castle was the headquarters of the English administration in Ireland until 1922 when Ireland gained independence. The exterior is unique because it showcases the evolution of architecture in Ireland. The interior is quite magnificent as well with a Throne Room decorated in gold and the spectacular Record Tower that dates to 1226.
A tour of the castle includes the treasury building, Bedford Tower, army barracks, Chapel Royal, Chester Beatty Library (home to treasures such as manuscripts and paintings), and a museum with permanent and rotating exhibitions that will teach you some of Dublin’s turbulent political history. The Dublin Castle Gardens are especially beautiful to take a stroll through as well.
Dublin Castle is extremely easy to get to, located in the heart of Dublin near other top attractions, including the Book of Kells and popular Dublin pubs.
Self-guided tickets are €8 for adults, €6 for seniors and students, and €4 for children 12-17. The tour lasts about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Tours in the South
5. Kilkenny Castle
Recommended by Nicole from Go Far Grow Close
Kilkenny Castle is located in the center of Kilkenny, one hour and twenty minutes south of Dublin. It is a beautiful castle with a long history. It begins in 1172, when Strongbow, the Anglo-Norman conqueror of Ireland, built a simple wooden tower. Shortly thereafter, his son-in-law built a stone castle with four towers, three of which remain today. In 1391, the Butler family purchased the castle, and it remained in their family until 1935. In 1967, the City of Kilkenny bought it for £50.
Today, two wings of Kilkenny Castle are restored to their 19th century splendor. They include a library, drawing room and the famous “Long Gallery”.
The castle sits on over fifty acres (or twenty-seven hectares) of beautiful gardens, with walking and running paths, a spectacular rose garden, ornamental lake and playground for all to enjoy.
You can take a self-guided tour for €8 or a guided 45 minute tour for €12. The castle gardens are not included in either tour, but you are free to enjoy them whether you tour the castle or not.
Kilkenny Castle is an easy walk from fantastic restaurants and lots of hotels. Pembroke Kilkenny is a great hotel with large rooms, and only a five-minute walk from the castle. For amazing Italian food, try Rinuccini Restaurant just across the street.
6. Rock of Cashel
Although the Rock of Cashel is not technically a castle, the site was once the seat of the High Kings of Munster. In fact, it is known as Cashel of the Kings, and is one of the most intact and historically significant medieval structures in Ireland.
Legend has it that this location is where St. Patrick converted King Aenghus to Christianity in the 5th century AD. In 1101, the Rock of Cashel site was granted to the church, after which the medieval complex you see today was built. These 12th and 13th century structures include a chapel, cathedral, abbey, and tower house.
The Rock of Cashel costs €8 a person for a self-guided tour, which typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you have more time, consider taking a little stroll downhill to the lonely, neighboring monastery ruins of Hore Abbey. It is essentially a pile of rocks, but free to roam.
The Rock of Cashel takes about 2 hours to reach from Dublin, and is technically doable as a daytrip. For an overnight stay as part of a road trip, I recommend basing 50 minutes away in the lively medieval town of Kilkenny (mentioned above) for more sights and a fun local spirit.
7. Blarney Castle
Recommended by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Blarney Castle is one of the most famous castle tours in Ireland, and more than just a beautiful photo opportunity. The 600-year-old fortress is home to wonderful gardens and interesting rock formations known as Rock Close’.
The biggest reason people visit Blarney Castle is because of the Stone of Eloquence. Nicknamed the Blarney Stone, legend states that if you kiss the stone you will never be at a loss for words (otherwise known as the gift of gab).
Kissing the Blarney Stone isn’t as easy as it looks! You must hang upside down over a sheer cliff, then kiss the stone while balancing yourself on a narrow ledge. Don’t worry, there are people to help you down, and they disinfect the stone between each person!
Admission to the castle and grounds is €18 for an adult, €14 for seniors and students, €8 for children between 8-16, and €45 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). Admission does not include a tour of the grounds, so that would have to be booked separately. However, most tours include admission in their price. You can easily spend a few hours seeing everything this impressive castle has to offer.
There’s more to see in Blarney, so if you’re able to spend a night in town, the Muskerry Arms Bar and B&B is a great option.
8. Muckross House
Recommended by Mary from Be Right Back by Mary
Muckross House is not quite a castle, but rather a gorgeous 19th century Victorian mansion that is literally fit for a queen. It sits on stunning grounds comprising of well-maintained gardens and beautiful Muckross Lake. These grounds are one of the best visits for couples on a budget in Ireland, as the views and atmosphere are very romantic.
Muckross House was owned by the Herbert family and built by William Burn, a Scottish architect, in 1843. It famously welcomed Queen Victoria for a visit in 1861.
As Muckross House is furnished, it’s easy for any visitor to imagine life at the mansion. In addition to visiting the mansion itself, visitors can wander the gardens and navigate on the lake to immerse themselves in the life of the Herbert family. The tour of the house is captivating, with staff available to answer any questions.
Muckross House is located in County Kerry in the South-West of Ireland, on the grounds of beautiful Killarney National Park. Reaching Muckross House requires about an hour drive from the Dingle Peninsula, and a four hour drive from Dublin. The easiest way to access Muckross House is by renting a car, although some bus tours also stop here.
Admission to the mansion costs €7 per adult, while there is no charge to access the gardens, lake and Killarney National Park. The tour takes about an hour to complete, depending on your pace. The closest place to stay is Killarney, which offers a good selection of hotels and restaurants.
9. Bunratty Castle
Recommended by Nicola from All About RosaLilla
Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It is located in the center of Bunratty village, by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, and it is very close to Shannon Airport in Ireland. It is the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland and was in its origin a Viking trading camp in 970.
Visitors can tour the iconic fortress or join a medieval banquet to envision how the lords and ladies of this castle lived. The tour describes stories of battles that occurred here and provides stunning views across the idyllic Clare countryside.
Set on 26 acres, Bunratty folk park consists of over thirty buildings that resemble a “living” village. It really feels like you have stepped back in time to rural Ireland with a selection of traditional farmhouses, a school, a pub where you can enjoy a pint, village shops and streets decorated as they would have appeared at that time to help you experience life in 19th century Ireland.
Tickets cost €15.25 for adults and €11.50 for children over 3. If you opt to stay for a medieval banquet, it will set you back €63 per adult and €35 per child. While in the area, you simply must explore County Clare, the Wild Atlantic Way and Kilkee Cliffs.
Castle Tours in Western Ireland
10. Dunguaire Castle
Recommended by Emily from Emily Embarks
Situated on the outskirts of Galway City, Dunguaire Castle is one of the best castle tours in Ireland for people of all ages. Its secluded location overlooking Galway Bay enhances its natural beauty and medieval appearance. Offering spectacular panoramic views of the Irish countryside, Dunguaire Castle is a must-visit on your next trip to Ireland!
When coming from Galway, the castle is a quick 35-minute drive along the scenic N67 route to the Dingle Peninsula. To enter, children will be charged a fee of €5 and adults will be charged €7.50. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and possibly for larger groups (this will need to be confirmed prior to arrival).
People seeking a more intimate look at the castle can book a Medieval Banquet Tour inclusive of a full meal and entertainment! Prices for these meals average around €63 per adult. These tours are particularly special since they allow visitors to experience the history behind Dunguaire Castle.
Once the home of Mayor Richard Martyn in the early 1600s, the castle was originally constructed nearly 100 years earlier by the O’Hynes clan of Ireland. With centuries of history to explore, visitors will feel like they’ve been transported back to the early years of Ireland!
If you plan on spending at least a couple of hours at Dunguaire Castle, the best accommodation choices are in nearby Kinvarra, due to its coastal charm and hospitable locals.
11. Belleek Castle
Recommended by Kate from Our Escape Clause
In County Mayo, just a short drive north from the village of Ballina, you’ll find one of the most unique castle tours in Ireland at Belleek Castle.
The building has its roots in a 13th century castle by the same name. However, Belleek Castle as we know it today was built in the 19th century, giving it a bit of a castle-combined-with-manor-house vibe.
The Belleek Castle Tour does not focus solely on the structure (the bar itself is particularly remarkable, and partially built with wood from Spanish ships). It also covers the impressive collection of artifacts compiled by Marshall Doran, who was responsible for the majority of the castle’s restoration.
From the bed of Grace O’Malley to 10,000-year-old fossils, to lots and lots of medieval weapons (including swords that you’re allowed to hold!), you never know what you’ll find next.
The tour costs €10 per person and is an absolute delight. The castle is also a hotel–so when you finish up your tour, you can check in for the night! Be sure to also explore the surrounding Belleek Woods during your time in the area.
There are two restaurants on-site, the Jack Fenn Cafe and the award-winning Library Restaurant (though it has quite limited hours). Consider making a reservation to enjoy a bite to eat before or after your tour.
Castle Tours in the North
12. Donegal Castle
Donegal Castle is one of the top sights in Ireland’s County Donegal, which is the northernmost county in the Republic of Ireland. While it may seem a little out of the way to visit, Donegal Castle is actually the perfect midway stop on a drive from Galway to Northern Ireland.
Red Hugh O’Donnell first built Donegal Castle along the River Eske during the 15th century. After the English won the Battle of Kinsale, O’Donnell fled to Spain, having destroyed Donegal Castle to keep it out of British hands. However, it didn’t stop English captain Sir Basil Brooke from taking ownership of the property.
Brooke made notable improvements to the castle, including an adjacent manor house and a show-stopping fireplace, complete with coat of arms. After Brooke’s death in 1633, the castle changed hands a few times, and ultimately fell to ruin until the 1990’s. However, subsequent restoration efforts have brought back this castle’s magic.
Today, visitors can pay €5 to take a self-guided tour of Donegal Castle. Over 30-45 minutes, an information sheet provided upon entry tells the history of the castle’s various spaces and details. Be sure to wear warm enough clothing, as some parts of the castle are virtually outdoors.
Visitors to Donegal Castle can simply wander Donegal Town for a variety of local eateries to grab lunch before heading onward. For an overnight stay, consider one of Donegal’s quaint lodging options, like The Gateway Lodge.
13. Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle, located on Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast, sits dramatically on a cliff by the sea. This Northern Ireland gem is a must-visit, and you simply won’t find other castle tours situated quite like this one.
Cliffside is certainly a precarious positioning for a castle; legend has it that a portion of the kitchen collapsed into the Atlantic in 1639. However, for tourist purposes, the positioning is great. Being visible from the road and close to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle is quite easy to find.
The current structure at Dunluce Castle was built during the 16th and 17th centuries, and inhabited by two rival clans: McQuillan and MacDonnell. During the early 17th century, Randall MacDonnell built the town of Dunluce next to the castle. However, the town was destroyed in 1641, and subsequently lost until it was excavated in 2011.
Today, visitors can tour Dunluce Castle for £6 each (pounds is the currency because Northern Ireland is within the United Kingdom). The tour is self-guided, and only takes about 45-60 minutes to explore the castle and read the placards that give information about each space. The sight also has a small museum, where you can see artifacts found during excavations of the castle grounds.
Dunluce Castle is a 10 minute drive to the city of Portrush, which has many dining choices, like Neptune and Prawn for seafood. There are also many lodging options available, like The Port Hotel.
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There you have it – thirteen amazing castle tours that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Ireland. As you can see, no two castles are the same, and they’re all rich with history and folklore. While you may not be able to tour them all, visiting any of these castles will add some magic to your Ireland trip.
