Which Irish castles are the best visit? I want ones that are still standing with furnishings and deep history. Nothing built after 1850. Nothing that is only rocks. It doesn't matter if they are in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7146 posts
We enjoyed Cahir Castle.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
741 posts
Maybe Bunratty or Killarney? We prefer piles of rocks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
319 posts
You could visit Belevedere House in Mullingar: https://belvedere-house.ie/ It was built in 1700's I believe. I am a bit biased as many women in my family were the servants for this estate so I have generations of history there. But it is a beautiful house, furnished with lovely grounds on a loch. Mullingar is about an hour west of Dublin.
Posted by
125 posts
We are heading to either Carrick Fergus or Dunluce (Causeway Coast drive, NI) later this year. The latter probably fits the pile of rocks category.
If we have time we will also visit Glenveagh in Donegal. Definitely not pile of rocks and furnished but its 1870.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2279 posts
I can't think of many places that fit your requirements.
Check out Bantry House in SW ireland.
Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland just slips in, being built in 1820.
Posted by
CT
101 posts
Kilkenny Castle fits your description. The Butler House across the street was also part of the castle complex, and is now a hotel.
Posted by
Cornwall
334 posts
If it’s built after about 1500 it’s not a castle.
Posted by
32 posts
Ashford Castle is beautiful, you can see the entire castle if you are a guest. Or you could schedule an afternoon tea to see some of the main floor areas. History dates back to 1228, https://ashfordcastle.com/about It's about a 45 minute drive north of Galway city.
Posted by
5 posts
Check out Tales of Irish Castles on YouTube. It's a 6 part documentary castles throughout Ireland. Great historical background. Make sure that you watch them in order. Host is Simon Delaney and he is very entertaining!