What would it be? We're visiting Dublin and then focusing on Southwest / West Ireland. We are eager to check out a castle but prefer to avoid crowds and cheesy tourist traps. Thanks for your insight!
Posted by
1366 posts
If by castle you mean a defensive castle, not a manor house, I would consider Trim Castle, which is north of Dublin but an easy day trip by car, or on your way to or from the south and southwest, Cahir Castle. Trim Castle is interesting as it has been "renovated" to show how the castle was used over the centuries. It was also the movie set for Braveheart. Neither will have tapestries, oil paintings or silver. Nor will they have mannequins dressed up in Victorian clothes. Cahir Castle will be particularly empty.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1189 posts
Hello from Wisconsin,
Trotter makes excellent suggestions.
In the evolution of building. Castles went through many stages before becoming obsolete. A ring fort, a circle of mounded earth is pretty common in Ireland. That is the early end of castle building. And manor houses with turrets and fake battlements are also to be seen and reflect the time past useful castle building. They were built to intimidate by a show of wealth. If the building you are looking at has windows on the first floor...that ain't no castle, as many would say here locally.
If you are near Shannon airport, there is a ruin. Not a castle ruin, but a religious ruin in Gort. Cows graze outside the structure. A few people show up now and again. It is a nice visit. While in Gort notice the Credit Union of St. Peter and Paul. Neither a lender nor borrower be.
wayne iNWI