The 8 Most Beautiful Castles in Ireland
Renowned for its rich and complex historical past, Ireland is blessed with exceptional heritage – the island is home to several thousand castles! Not sure which castle to visit?
Renowned for its rich historical past, complex and layered, Ireland boasts exceptional heritage – the island is home to several thousand castles ! Not sure which castle to visit? Here are the 8 most beautiful castles in Ireland to discover during your journey!
1. Kylemore Castle
Dating from the 19th century, Kylemore Castle sits in the Connemara region, in the western part of the country. Converted into an abbey in the 20th century, this neo-classical structure stands in a sumptuous setting, beside a lake. During a guided tour, you'll discover the castle's history, its Victorian-style décor and its 3-hectare French garden (featuring vegetable plots and greenhouses).
Practical Information
Address: Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Co. Galway
Opening hours: daily (November to mid-March 9:30am to 5pm)
Price: €13
Visit duration: 1.5 hours
2. Ashford Castle – one of Ireland's most beautiful castles
Considered one of Ireland's most beautiful castles, this building has been transformed into a luxury hotel… While the interior of the structure (designed in 1228) cannot be visited, the beauty of its exterior architecture and gardens are truly worth stopping for!
If you're not a hotel guest, you can still stroll through the park – and try to spot filming locations from the television series Reign (a dedicated map is available at reception).
Practical Information
Address: Ashford Castle Dr, Leaf Island, Cong, Co. Mayo
Opening hours: daily
Price: €10 for exterior access only
3. King John's Castle
Built on King's Island (in the ancient city of Limerick, in the south-west of Ireland), this castle was constructed in 1212. During your visit, you'll discover its various architectural evolutions through displays, as well as its rich history and emblematic figures. You'll also be able to admire archaeological remains in the basement and siege engines in the castle courtyard…
Practical Information
Address: Nicholas St, Limerick
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5:20pm
Price: €15
Visit duration: 1.5 hours
4. Trim Castle
Located in County Meath, Trim Castle is one of the most impressive in the country, covering 30,000 m²! Built over two generations, this structure stands on elevated ground and offers breathtaking views of the River Boyne…
Trim Castle contains several buildings within its ramparts, including a mint. It's also renowned for its distinctive three-storey keep. In 1994, this architectural treasure was one of the filming locations for Mel Gibson's film Braveheart.
Practical Information
Address: Trim, Co. Meath
Opening hours: daily April to end of October, 10am to 6pm
Price: €3.70 per adult and €1.25 per child
Visit duration: 45 minutes
5. Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle is located in County Tipperary. Built in the 12th century, this medieval structure is renowned for its excellent state of preservation. The site features numerous rooms and staircases, making the visit engaging and fun!
Outside, you'll be charmed by the park and its pleasant waterside walk – you may spot ducks, swans, herons and geese… A peaceful escape from time!
Practical Information
Address: Castle St, Townparks, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, E21 P652
Opening hours: daily 9:20am to 5:20pm
Price: €5 (guided tour)
6. Kilkenny Castle
Located in the county of the same name, Kilkenny Castle is renowned for its medieval architecture. You can visit independently (equipped with an audio guide) or with a passionate guide, who will show you the restored rooms (guided tours also provide access to castle areas unavailable for self-guided visits).
You'll admire a majestic mahogany staircase, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper in the drawing room, a richly decorated dining room, and a children's bedroom furnished with period pieces (piano, books, toys).
Practical Information
Address: Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1
Opening hours: daily; October-March 9:30am to 5pm; April-September 9:15am to 5:30pm
Price: self-guided adult €8/child €4; guided tour €12/child €6. Free under 12 years.
7. Dublin Castle
Located in the Irish capital, Dublin Castle is one of the most impressive in the country. Successively held by English, British and Irish power, this castle built in the 13th century was designed as a medieval fortress.
While not all rooms are open to the public, there are treasures to discover – such as the neo-Gothic Bermingham Tower, the Church of the Most Holy Trinity or the state reception room… Our tip? Take time to explore the extensive gardens!
Practical Information
Address: Dame Street, Dublin.
Opening hours: daily 9:45am to 5:45pm
Price: adult €8; child €4; family ticket (2 adults 2-3 children) €20
Visit duration: 45 minutes
8. Malahide Castle
Built in the 12th century, Malahide Castle houses richly furnished and tapestried rooms. Its unique feature? Malahide Castle offers, every Saturday, an Irish whiskey tasting at the end of visits! Hosted by one of the founders of Whiskey Island, this unique experience is also an opportunity to learn anecdotes about the castle's history…
Practical Information
Address: Back Rd, Broomfield, Dublin
Opening hours: daily 9am to 5pm
Price: adult €8.50; child €6; family ticket (2 adults 2-3 children) €28; €35 for tour-tasting
To discover the castles, monasteries and ancient tombs of the south-east of the country, explore our tour dedicated to Celtic Ireland!
Frequently asked questions
It's hard to choose just one! Kylemore Castle, nestled in Connemara beside a lake, is often considered the most visually spectacular. Ashford Castle, converted into a luxury hotel, is renowned for being one of Ireland's most elegant. It all depends on your preferences: architecture, history or natural setting.
Prices vary depending on the castle. Expect between €3.70 (Trim Castle) and €15 (King John's Castle) per adult for standard visits. Some sites, like Ashford Castle, also offer garden access for around €10. Reduced rates are generally available for children and families.
The best time to visit Irish castles is spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October): the weather is milder, crowds are smaller and the scenery is magnificent. In summer, there are more visitors but opening hours are often extended.
Yes! Several castles in this selection are particularly family-friendly. Cahir Castle, with its engaging route and waterside walk, will delight younger visitors. Kilkenny Castle also features a reconstructed child's bedroom with period furniture. Family rates are available at Dublin and Malahide Castle.
Ireland is one of Europe's richest countries in castles: several thousand are recorded across the island. Some are perfectly preserved and open to the public, others are picturesque ruins. Our selection of the 8 most beautiful castles in Ireland offers the most iconic and best-maintained sites to visit.
