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_Jody_Halsted_IrelandFamilyVacations.com — 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.

By Aoife for Flytographer; Dublin, Ireland. Ireland travel tips | Ireland vacation | IrelandFamilyVacations.com — 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.

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Durty Nelly's for 400 years the place for Irish food | Ireland vacation | Ireland travel |Irish Pub — 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, Kilkenny, Ireland — 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...

10 Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Trip