It is always a wonderful experience to stay at a castle in Ireland, however there is also a wealth of castles in Ireland to visit. Here we have listed some interesting castles in Ireland where you can take a step back in time...

Ardgillan Castle and Victorian Gardens, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
Built by Rev Robert Taylor in 1738, this fine 18th century country-manor house is surrounded by 80ha of woodlands and gardens. It overlooks the sea 30km north of Dublin city. Ardgillan houses the permanent exhibition of 17th century "Down Survey" maps of Ireland. The garden contains a fine Victorian conservatory and rose garden. A unique 20 alcove fruit wall is one of the features of the Walled Garden which also includes sections for herbs, vegetables and Irish plants. Assistance was received from ERDF grant through the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Programme Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel: Dublin City: Merrion Hall Hotel | Harrington Hall Hotel | Butlers Townhouse

Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Dunguaire was built by the O'Hynes Clan in 1520. In the 17th century the castle passed to Richard Martyn, Mayor of Galway. Subsequently, it was purchased by Oliver St John Gogarty and became the venue for meetings of the literary revivalists such as WB Yeats, his patron Lady Gregory, George Bernard Shaw, Edward Martin and JM Synge. The Castle was acquired in 1952 by Christobel Lady Ampthill who completed the restoration work started by Oliver St John Gogarty. Mediaeval Banquets are held twice nightly April - October (reservations necessary). The Castle is owned and managed by Shannon Heritage , Bunratty, Co Clare. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel:Sheedy's Country House Hotel, Lisdonnvarna, Clare
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Hylands Burren Hotel, Clare

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 by the MacNamaras and then passed to the O'Briens who were Earls of Thomond. The Castle is furnished with mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. Medieval Banquets are held in the Castle year round (reservations necessary). Bunratty folk park recreates rural and urban life in 19th century Ireland. Visitors can for example view farmhouses of various economic backgrounds, a watermill, church and village street. The Traditional Irish Night celebrating the best traditions in Irish music, song and dance, is held in the Corn Barn at Bunratty Folk Park (April-Oct., reservations necessary). The walled garden at 19th century Bunratty House and Bunratty Folk Park vernacular gardens have been restored to a very high standard. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel:Sheedy's Country House Hotel, Lisdonnvarna, Clare
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Armada Hotel, Millltown Malbay, Clare

Knockabbey Castle and Gardens
Knockabbey Castle has evolved over the last millennium and each of the families who lived there have left their mark. They contain some of the finest historical water gardens to be found anywhere in the country, dating back to the 11th century. The gardens contain a wide range of magnificent specimen trees and is tulip tree ranks among the largest and finest in Ireland. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel:Cabra Castle Hotel, Cavan
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Armada Hotel, Millltown Malbay, Clare

Blarney Castle and Rock Close, Co. Cork
This historic castle is most famous for its Stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth 1st and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. Blarney Castle has long been famous because of the Blarney stone but the less known Rock Close and Castle grounds are well worth a visit in their own right. The Rock close is a mystical place where majestic yew and oak trees grow around an anceint druidic settlement. Follow the trail trhough giant Gunnera leaves and bamboo and you will find such geatures as a dolmen, wishing steps and a witch's kitchen. A water garden with waterfalls is presently being constructed which will add the sothing sound of water to the visitor's experience. Below the castle are mysterious caves and an arboretum filled with rare trees. There are pleasant walks along the riverbanks where you can sit and contemplate the reflections of the castle. In springtime the castle grounds are filled with thousands of bulbs. In autumn the whole place glows as the leaves turn red, amber and gold. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel:Perryville House Hotel, Kinsale
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Fitzgerald's Vienna Woods Hotel

Knappogue Castle and Walled Gardens near Quin, Co. Clare
The original tower house of Knappogue Castle was built by Sean Mac-Con MacNamara in 1467. During the 1641 rebellion the castle was occupied by Cromwellian forces. In the 18th and 19th centuries further additions were made to the original structure. The castle was abandoned in the 1920's and was restored by the Hon. Mark Edwin Andrews and his wife Lavonne in 1966. Today world famous Medieval Banquets are held at the castle. The Castle is also a popular location for wedding receptions, gala events and also houses a luxurious state-room accomodation which is available for rental. The beautifully restored Walled Garden at Knappogue Castles offers horticultural therapy, a healing environment and provides a tranquil haven with something of interest for everyone. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel:Sheedy's Country House Hotel, Lisdonnvarna, Clare
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Armada Hotel, Millltown Malbay, Clare

Malahide Castle, Malahide, Co. Dublin
The history of the Talbots of Malahide stretches back virtually unbroken to 1185 when the property was granted to Robert Talbot by Prince John, Lord of Ireland. The castle is the oldest to be continually inhabited by the same family and, apart from a period during which they were evicted by Cromwell, the Talbots lived there until 1975. The castle has the only surviving original medieval great hall hung with an impressive collection of family portraits. It is said that 14 Talbot cousins breakfasted here before riding out to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, never to return. The delightful demesne was created by (Milo) Lord Talbot de Malahide between 1948 and 1973 and contains over 5,000 different species of trees and shrubs. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel: Dublin City: Merrion Hall Hotel | Harrington Hall Hotel | Butlers Townhouse
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Deerpark Hotel, Howth, Dublin

Shankill Castle and Gardens, Paulstown, Co Kilkenny
Shankill Castle started as a Bulter tower-house near the ruins of an old church. In 1708 it was rebuilt and set in a formal landscape, vista to the front and canal to the rear by Peter Alyward who had bought the lands from his wife's family. In the 19th century, it was enlarged and castellated, serpentine bays added to the canal and an unusual polyhedral sundial given pride of place on a sunken lawn. A gothic porch bearing the Alyward crest and a delightful conservatory were other additions. The stable-yard and the castellated entrance to the demesne are attributed to Daniel Robertson. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel:Kilkea Castle Hotel, Kildare
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow

Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly
Ireland's Largest, Award-Winning Gardens - spanning over 120 acres of beautiful and tranquil parkland. This impressive worldwide plant collection boasts over 3,000 species of trees and shrubs as well as wildflower meadows and a Victorian fernery. The millennium gardens reflect a French-style formal garden, and include the tallest box hedges in the world. Walk through the hornbeam cloister paths and enjoy the fragrance of the enchanting springtime Magnolias specially propagated. Cross over a breathtaking waterfall in the fernery, and meander around rivers and lakes in the relaxing River Walk. Follow "The Red Tree Trail" and discover Birr Castle Demesne's 50 trees of distinction.
World Famous 'Great Telescope' and Historic Science Centre - Travel back in time at Ireland's Historic Science Centre, where the 'Galleries of Discovery' reveal the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy. Then marvel at the world famous 'Great Telescope', built by the Third Earl of Rosse, the largest in the world for over 70 years. "In the heart of Ireland, a green jewel of world renown" - Eliana Ferioli: Great Gardens of Europe. Click here for more
Nearest Manor House Hotel:Dundrum House Hotel, Tipperary
Nearest Irish Country Hotel:Abbey Hotel, Roscommon