The Best Castles

Trim Castle (County Meath): Trim, also called King John's Castle, recently restored as a "preserved ruin," is the most massive and important Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. It proved all but impregnable for over 4 centuries (late 12th to mid-17th), suffering only one siege during that entire period. In fact, until it collapsed sometime in the 17th century, it never underwent any significant alteration. For anyone with imagination, Trim is a virtual gateway into medieval Ireland.

Cahir Castle (County Tipperary): One of the largest of Ireland's medieval fortresses, this castle is in an extraordinary state of preservation. Tours explain some fascinating features of the military architecture, and then you're free to roam through a maze of tiny chambers, spiral staircases, and dizzying battlements.

Kilkenny Castle (County Kilkenny): Although parts of the castle date from the 13th century, the existing structure has the feel of an 18th-century palace. There have been many modifications since medieval times, including the addition of beautiful landscaping around the castle.

Blarney Castle (County Cork): Despite the mobs of tourists who besiege the castle daily, this majestic tower house is worth a visit. While you're there, check out the Badger Cave and dungeons at the tower's base, as well as the serpentine paths that wind through the castle gardens, in a picturesque rocky glen. Need we mention the stone? You sidle in under the upper wall with your head hanging over a 10-story drop. You kiss it. It's a thing people do.

Charles Fort (County Cork): On a promontory in stunning Kinsale Harbor, the fort's massive walls enclose a complex array of buildings in varying states of repair. At the entrance you're handed a map and left on your own to explore, discover, and almost certainly get lost in the maze of courtyards, passages, walls, and barracks.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park (County Clare): The castle has been restored and filled with a curious assortment of medieval furnishings, giving the modern-day visitor a glimpse into the life of its past inhabitants. This is the first stop for many arrivals from Shannon, so expect crowds.

Doe Castle (County Donegal): Location, location, location. This tower house is surrounded on three sides by the waters of Sheep Haven Bay and on the fourth by a moat carved into the bedrock that forms its foundation. With its remote seaside setting and sweeping views of the nearby hills, this is one of the most beautifully situated castles in Ireland.

Carrickfergus Castle (County Antrim): This fortress on the bank of Belfast Lough is the best-preserved Norman castle in Ireland. It consists of an imposing tower house and a high wall punctuated by corner towers.

Dunluce Castle (County Antrim): The castle ruins surmount a razor-sharp promontory jutting into the sea. This was no doubt a highly defensible setting, and the castle wasn't abandoned until a large section collapsed and fell into the breakers one day in 1639.

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