What is the most visited castle in Ireland?
With over 400 000 visitors every year, Blarney Castle is the most visited castle in Ireland. Most of these also visit and ultimately kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
Below you will find a list of the 7 most visited castles in Ireland.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle dates back to the middle ages and was built around 1446 and is definitely Ireland’s most famous castle. It is also the home of the Blarney stone, rumoured to have magical qualities.
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is located in the centre of Bunratty village, County Clare. It is close to Limerick City and also Shannon airport. The castle and adjoining folk park are very popular tourist attractions run and maintained by Shannon Heritage.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is located off Dame Street in central Dublin and is a major Irish government complex, conference centre, and tourist attraction, of significant historical importance.It has always been the nerve centre of historical power in Ireland and until 1922 it was the seat of the British government’s administration in Ireland.
Kilkenny Castle
Along with Kilkenny City, Kilkenny Castle is a firm tourist favourite. The Castle was built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways.
King John’s Castle
King John’s Castle is also known as Limerick Castle and is located on Kings Island in Limerick, Ireland, on the bank of the River Shannon. King John built the castle in 120o but the site has been a Viking stronghold since 922. King John’s Castle is the major tourist attraction in Limerick.
Lismore Castle
Currently the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. Lismore Castle is a castle located in the town of Lismore, County Waterford in the Republic of Ireland. It is known for its beauty and depiction of various styles of architecture. A definite tick on the list of those visiting County Waterford.
Trim Castle
Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest castle with an area of 30,000 m² and located on the south bank of the River Boyne in Trim, County Meath, Ireland. It was built over a period of 30 years,t by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter as the headquarters and stronghold of the Lordship of Meath.
Ireland has more than 30 000 castles and to know which ones to visit you certainly need some guidance. Fortunately, here at Love Ireland, we have you covered.
Below you will find a list of the 49 Best Castles in Ireland to visit.
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Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
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