Celtic works. Ireland's Greatest Castles

Stone walls radiating a unique historical atmosphere, amazing legends about ghosts, picturesque surrounding landscapes, and the opportunity to see unique historical artifacts – the greatest castles in Ireland have something to surprise modern tourists. Some castles are perfectly preserved to this day, despite their impressive age. They are cultural centers of world significance today. Some of the old castles were converted into hotels. Everyone can live in them today. Some unique Irish castles are in disrepair. They are gradually being destroyed. But they continue to attract the attention of curious travelers.

Dunguaire is one of the most famous and popular castles in Ireland. It was built in the 16th century. The castle is located in County Galway. Representatives of the Hynes clan are the founders of this castle. According to historical data, the construction of the fortress was completely completed in 1520. The castle has changed many owners over the years. It was in a rather neglected state by the beginning of the 20th century. It was partially destroyed. The famous poet and Doctor Oliver St. John Gogarty acquired the ancient fortress at this time. It was under his leadership that the complete reconstruction of the building began.

The poet organized various cultural events in his castle. Many famous figures of art and culture visited it during this period. William Butler Yeats, as well as the world-famous playwright George Bernard Shaw, often visited the castle. Christabella Lady Amphill bought the castle in 1954. A large-scale reconstruction was completed under her leadership. One of Ireland's most luxurious castles is managed by the Shannon Development Corporation today.

It is only open to the public during the summer months. Interesting entertainment events are held for participants of excursions during this period. They can participate in a costumed medieval banquet and listen to traditional Irish music performed live. Literary evenings are often held here in memory of the former owner of the castle. Other events are also held here. They are dedicated to national culture. The castle became known to the public after 1979. The shooting of the “North Sea Hijack” film took place there at this time. Next - Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle, Ireland

Malahide is one of the oldest and most magnificent castles in Ireland. It was built in 1185. Members of the Talbot family were the last owners of the castle. The historic building remained in their private ownership until 1975. A beautiful castle is located in the vicinity of Dublin. It is available to visit today. Usually, the tour begins with a walk through the vast park. It covers an area of 250 acres. An incredibly interesting collection of antiques is kept in the castle. You can see beautiful portraits of its former owners in the Great Hall. Complete article

Fiddaun Castle, Ireland

Fiddaun Castle is considered one of the most significant historical attractions in Ireland, even though it is in a dilapidated state. This castle was built in the middle of the 16th century. Only the tower and a few residential buildings remain from the historical building today. The castle is located near the Bay of Dou and Lake Lough Aslaun in an incredibly beautiful natural area. Fiddaun is notable because it is one of four preserved O'Shaughnessy castles. Complete article

Barberstown Castle, Ireland

Barberstown is one of the most popular tourist destination castles of Ireland. It is located near the village of Straffan. The hotel was opened in the castle in 1971. Absolutely everyone can spend a few days in a luxury castle today. A luxurious park surrounds the castle. Its area is about 20 acres. This castle is often chosen for special events and wedding ceremonies. Complete article

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle is located in County Mayo. It's hard to find castles as beautiful as this one. The feudal Lord Burke was its founder. He built a castle on the site of a ruined old monastery in 1228. The castle was run by the Burke family for more than 300 years. Richard Bingham became the owner in the late 16th century. The first major modernization of the castle took place under his leadership. It was completed with new walls and structures. Complete article

Gowran Castle, Ireland

You can visit the beautiful Gowran Castle in County Kilkenny. It was built for Earl James Butler in 1385. The castle is an important architectural landmark in the region today. It was built in the best traditions of the classical style. Many of the original elements of the castle have been preserved hundreds of years later. The castle has high ceilings and still high narrow windows even today. Unusual masonry is a distinctive feature of the castle. Local bricks were used in its construction. Complete article

Glenveagh Castle, Ireland

Glenveagh Castle is located in County Donegal within the National Park of the same name. It is one of the youngest castles in Ireland. Its construction took three years. It was fully completed in 1873. The castle is located in a very beautiful mountain area. Impenetrable forests surround it. There are also lakes in the vicinity of the castle. They serve as a natural defense. Captain John Adera was the founder of the magnificent castle. He initially sought to build the most luxurious fortress that would surpass the Royal residence in the beauty of design and grandeur. Complete article

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Kilkenny Castle is located in the town of the same name. It was built on the banks of the River Nore in the 12th century. Earl William Marshal was the founder of the castle. The old fortress has been owned by the Butler Family for the last 600 years of private ownership. The castle was handed over to the municipal authorities in 1967. The last major restoration of the historic building was completed in 1969. The garden surrounding the castle is a favorite place for locals and visitors to the town today. Complete article

Doe Castle, Ireland

The legendary Doe Castle is located in the vicinity of the village of Creeslough. It is known as the stronghold of the MacSweeney Clan. The castle was built in the 16th century. It is one of the most beautiful castles in the country. The historical building is perfectly preserved to this day. The castle was built on a natural peninsula. Water surrounds it on several sides. This served as a natural defense for the fortress. It is noteworthy that not only the castle itself but also its high external walls are perfectly preserved from the moment of construction. Complete article

Blackrock Castle, Ireland

The famous Blackrock Castle is located near Cork city. It was built by order of Queen Elizabeth on the banks of the River Lee in the 16th century. The locals themselves initiated the construction of the fortress. They asked the Queen to build a fortress on the river bank that would protect the city from robbers and pirates. However, Blackrock Castle was used for completely different purposes, even though the request of the citizens was granted. Complete article

Dunsoghly Castle, Ireland

Sir Rowland Plunkett is the founder of Dunsoghly Castle. The castle was built in 1450. It was owned by the Plunkett family for 400 years. They appreciated their family residence so much that they lived in it until 1870, despite the obvious inconvenience. Requirements for comfort in homes were quite high in the second half of the 19th century. But the medieval castle could no longer meet all the needs of its owners. Complete article

Ross Castle, Ireland

The beautiful Ross Castle is located in the vicinity of Killarney. It has been the ancestral seat of the O'Donoghue Clan since its founding. This castle is located within the Killarney National Park. An important natural attraction is located in the immediate vicinity. This is Lough Lene Lake. The castle was built in the 15th century. It is considered a striking example of medieval architecture typical of Ireland. Strong fortification walls and round corner towers are preserved in this castle. The building looks unique against the background of the surrounding landscapes. Complete article

Adare Castle, Ireland

Adare Castle is located in County Limerick in the historic village of the same name. According to available historical data, this castle was founded by members of the O'Donovan Clan in the late 12th century. Its founders were the rulers of the region during that period. The historic castle has been in disrepair in recent years. Restoration work has been carried out in it since 1996. The castle is available for visiting as part of organized excursions in the summer. Complete article

Slane Castle, Ireland

The famous Slane Castle is located in the northern part of Ireland. It was built in 1701. The castle was originally built as a family estate for the Marquess Conyngham's family. The historic castle is known as a venue for grand music concerts today. Its surrounding area is a collection of spacious slopes. They form a natural amphitheater. This unusual open-air stage can accommodate up to 80,000 spectators on concert days. Complete article

Lismore Castle, Ireland

Lismore Castle is located in the County of Waterford. It continues to be one of the most majestic and luxurious castles in Ireland for more than 800 years. It was built by order of Prince John in 1185. He became king of England later and was known as John Landless. A dilapidated monastery was located on the site of a fortress in the past. It was founded in the 7th century. The castle has changed many famous owners over hundreds of years of existence. The historical garden is no less interesting than the building itself today. Complete article