Traveling in Ireland

Author: Ireland Family Vacations

Welcome to Traveling in Ireland, the podcast where Jody Halsted, your go-to Ireland travel expert, chats with locals about their areas and tourism businesses. Listen for laid-back conversations that spill the beans on the best places and experiences Ireland has to offer. From the buzz of Dublin to the tranquil spots in County Kerry, were diving into it all. Get ready for stories, insights, and tips that go beyond the guidebooks. Plus, Ill be dishing out some Ireland travel tips to make your trip smoother than a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. Whether youre a newbie or a frequent flyer to Ireland, this podcast is your shortcut to the real deal. Grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and lets chat all things Ireland on Traveling in Ireland with Jody Halsted.
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10 Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Trip
Episode 331
Tuesday, 17 March, 2026

Ireland and castles go hand in hand. With thousands scattered across the island, it can feel like there’s one around every bend in the road. The real challenge isn’t finding castles in Ireland — it’s deciding which ones to add to your itinerary. Barbican Gate Rock of Dunamase, County Laois, Ireland This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 331. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. No matter the type of travel you enjoy—or the type of transportation you’re using—you’ll find castles that easily fit into your trip. With more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins scattered across Ireland, the real challenge isn’t finding them… it’s deciding which ones make sense for your route and the time you have. That’s exactly the kind of planning the Ireland Travel Compass is designed to help with. It brings attractions and accommodations together geographically, helps you see what fits well together, and makes it much easier to build an itinerary that actually works. And if you’d like a simple way to start thinking about your own itinerary, I’ve created a resource that walks you through my TRIP framework – a straightforward way to avoid the most common Ireland planning mistakes and build a trip that feels manageable and enjoyable. 10 Castles in Ireland Worth Visiting With thousands of castles scattered across Ireland, choosing which ones to visit can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few of my favorite castles in Ireland—and why they stand out. Rock of Dunamase (County Laois) – The Dramatic Castle Ruin Rock of Dunamase may be one of the most atmospheric castle ruins in Ireland. The site dates back to the 9th century when it served as a stronghold of the Kings of Laois. The ruins visitors see today sit on top of a massive rocky outcrop and were largely destroyed during Cromwell’s invasion in 1650. Even in ruin, the location tells you why it mattered: the views stretch for miles across the countryside. Traveler tips: Free OPW-managed site Rarely crowded Easy detour when traveling between Dublin and Kilkenny Short walk up to the ruins with sweeping views Driving through narrow country roads and farmland to reach it only adds to the experience. Lawn games in front of Malahide Castle : Crack the whip.By Aoife for Flytographer; Dublin, Ireland. All rights reserved. Malahide Castle (County Dublin) – The Fairy Tale Castle Just 10 minutes from Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle is a perfect first stop after arriving in Ireland. The castle itself offers fascinating guided tours led by engaging storytellers who bring the Talbot family history to life. But the estate offers far more than the castle alone. Visitors can enjoy: Extensive parklands perfect for stretching your legs after a flight Walled gardens A fairy trail Butterfly house Dining at Avoca café The grounds are partly free to explore, while the gardens and castle tour require tickets. During busy months (May–September), it’s smart to pre-book the castle tour. Malahide is also very easy to reach from Dublin city center by DART or bus, making it a great half-day excursion. Looking for more day trips from Dublin? Click Here! Bunratty Castle beyond Durty Nellie's Bunratty Castle (County Clare) – The Irish Tower House Experience If you want to understand the most common type of castle in Ireland, Bunratty Castle is the perfect example. Tower houses — tall, four-story defensive structures — once dotted the Irish landscape. Bunratty is considered the most completely restored example in the country. Visitors can explore: Dungeon levels Narrow spiral staircases Battlements with views over the countryside Surrounding the castle is Bunratty Folk Park, a 26-acre living history village that showcases historic Irish homes and daily life. Highlights include: Traditional farmhouses and cottages Costumed interpreters A recreated village with shops, schoolhouse, and pub Bunratty is also famous for its medieval banquet experience, held year-round. These dinners are extremely popular, so booking well in advance is highly recommended. Kilkenny Castle viewed from the parklands Kilkenny Castle (County Kilkenny) – Ireland’s Castle Palace Unlike many defensive castles, Kilkenny Castle evolved into a grand aristocratic residence. Originally built as a fortress, it was transformed over centuries by the Butler family — Earls and later Dukes of Ormond — who held the castle for more than 600 years. Today visitors will find: Elegant reception rooms Decorative plasterwork ceilings Large windows overlooking parkland Formal gardens The castle sits in the center of Kilkenny City, surrounded by roughly 50 acres of parkland that locals still use for picnics, sports, and relaxing on sunny days. Kilkenny Castle is an OPW managed site. Tickets are available on site, and advance booking is rarely necessary. Learn about the OPW Heritage Card – the best deal in Irish history Cahir Castle along the River Suir Cahir Castle (County Tipperary) – The Norman Stronghold Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Set on the River Suir, the fortress features massive stone walls, towers, and defensive structures typical of Norman military design. Visitors can: Climb the tower Explore defensive passages Stand beneath the working portcullis Look for cannonballs embedded in the walls Guided tours are included with admission and provide fascinating insight into how these massive defensive castles operated. Despite its impressive size, Cahir Castle often sees surprisingly small crowds, making it a rewarding stop between other popular attractions like the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle. Leap Castle Photo credit: Mike Searle, CC BY-SA 2.0 Leap Castle (County Offaly) – Ireland’s Haunted Castle Leap Castle is often called the most haunted castle in Ireland. Built in the late 15th century, the castle is tied to dark legends and family power struggles. The castle chapel is known as the “Bloody Chapel,” named after a violent incident during a rivalry between brothers. During restoration work in the early 20th century, a hidden dungeon filled with human remains was reportedly discovered. Leap Castle is privately owned and lived in by musician Sean Ryan, who has carried out much of the restoration work. Visits are possible, but only by appointment, so travelers must contact the owner ahead of time to arrange a tour. Dunluce Castle on the Causeway Coast Dunluce Castle (County Antrim) – The Dramatic Cliffside Castle Few castles in Ireland match the dramatic setting of Dunluce Castle along the Causeway Coast. The ruins sit right on the edge of towering Atlantic cliffs, creating one of the most photographed castle locations in Ireland. Visitors can explore: Ruins of the castle keep Clifftop viewpoints Visitor center exhibits about the castle’s history The castle itself is impressive, but the surrounding views may be even more memorable. Two particularly stunning viewpoints include: The bend in the road east of the castle, where it suddenly appears in front of you Magheracross viewpoint west of the castle, offering a sweeping coastal perspective Bring a jacket — the winds here are often strong even on calm days. Ireland's Best Castle Hotels Ashford Castle viewed from the gardens Ashford Castle (County Mayo) – The Luxury Castle Stay For travelers dreaming of staying in a castle, Ashford Castle delivers a truly luxurious experience. Once owned by the Guinness family, the estate now consistently ranks among the best hotels in Ireland. Activities on the estate include: Falconry Golf Horseback riding Boat tours on Lough Corrib Gardens and woodland walks Afternoon tea is particularly popular and should be reserved ahead of time. Ashford Castle works best as a destination stay rather than a touring base — there is so much to experience on the estate that most guests prefer to stay at least two nights. Access to the estate is restricted to guests or visitors with reservations. Lough Eske Castle from the guest car park Lough Eske Castle (County Donegal) – A Relaxing Castle Retreat Lough Eske Castle offers a luxurious but peaceful castle experience surrounded by the landscapes of County Donegal. The focus here is relaxation rather than packed schedules. Highlights include: Spacious rooms Beautiful lake and woodland setting A highly regarded spa Fine dining and afternoon tea Unlike some castle hotels, Lough Eske also works well as a touring base. Nearby excursions include: Slieve League Cliffs Glencolmcille Scenic drives along Donegal’s coast Families will appreciate that the hotel offers interconnecting rooms — something not commonly found in castle accommodations. Approaching Kinnity Castle Kinnitty Castle (County Offaly) – The Most Authentic Castle Stay For travelers who want a castle experience that feels historic and intimate, Kinnitty Castle is a wonderful option. Unlike many castle hotels that have been extensively modernized, Kinnitty retains much of its traditional character. The baronial rooms at the top of the castle feature exposed stone and wood, creating the feeling of being a guest in a historic residence. Activities nearby include: Horseback riding Archery Hill walking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains Guests can also visit nearby attractions like Birr Castle and Gardens. Inside the castle, the Dungeon Bar is a memorable spot for a meal, while the Library Bar is perfect for relaxing by the fire with a drink. One practical tip: there is no elevator, so pack lightly if you’re staying on the upper floors. No matter how you choose to explore Ireland, castles have a way of connecting you to the country’s history, its stories, and sometimes even its legends. And with so many scattered across the island, chances are you’ll find at least one – or several – that fit perfectly into your trip. The post 10 Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Trip appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.