Castles of Ireland
Ireland, the third largest of the European islands, has everything from glimmering coasts, thrilling outdoor adventures, and snug pubs, to wellness spas. Ireland is also well known for having the world’s finest castles. Traveling this beautiful island, you can slip into the timeless era of rich heritage consisting of medieval castles, haunted castles, ancient abbeys, towers, museums, distilleries, gardens, and a vast number of other ancient fortifications.
Castles of Ireland depict more of a personal attitude than royalty. Primarily they were meant to be constructed for defense purposes for chieftains, heads of clans, titled English gentry and Anglo-Norman settlers.
These castles are more of luxurious, sophisticated and graceful, sure to mesmerize anyone that explores their interior and exterior! Some of these castles were constructed during Georgian and Victorian Ages, many during the neo-gothic revival. Currently many castles have been renovated and restored, and some have even been converted into exotic hotels and museums, while the rest still stand in ruins, as a testament to another time altogether.
Some highly admired castles in Ireland are Blarney and Bunratty Castles. Bunratty is known for its medieval banquets and feasts, and is located in County Clare. You can see a wonderful Folk Park, presenting the island’s history. Blarney Castle has a lofty tower which perfectly symbolizes the Irish charm.
Dromoland and Ashford Castles have been transformed into lavish hotels. At one time, these were probably the biggest castle residencies in Ireland. Ashford has astounding Victorian neo-gothic architecture, built around 1228. This castle has served as a home to many popular princes and celebrities. Doromoland has lush green grounds, and was built in the 16th Century for the last High King of Ireland.
The most famous haunted castles in Ireland are Ballygally Castle, located in County Antrim, and Glin Castle in County Limerick. Glin was built in the 18th Century, while Ballygally is of an older architecture, and was built around 1625. Until recently, not many had shown the nerve to last an overnight stay in this infamous haunt!
Whether you’re there to explore the gigantic and impressive castles or to treasure the somewhat ancient traditions, Ireland’s beauty is unmatched, and a great place to see some authentic medievil history!
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My fav is Blarney Castle, a few miles from Cork, Ireland! If you would like to be ‘blessed’ with the gift of gab, legend has it that kissing the Blarney stone (bluestone built into the castle wall) will do just that!