Castles and Forts in Ireland - Irelands Heritage
Explore the heritage of Ireland by visiting the many Castles, Forts, High
Crosses, Church's, Abbey's, Megalithic Sites, Ancient Burial and Monastic Sites
all around Ireland. Whether it is the monastic site at Clonmacnoise, Co
Offaly, the imposing Rock of Cashel Castle, Co Tipperary or Glendalough's
round tower and monastic site, Irelands Heritage can be seen throughout the
counties of Ireland. Ancient Ireland traces can be seen from the tombs at
Carrowmore and Carrowkeel sites in Co Sligo, Glencolmcille, Co
Donegal is known for its many Dolmens and Ringforts, Portal and Court Tombs. The
many holy wells dotted throughout Ireland such as St Gobnaitt's Well,
Ballyvourney, Co Cork, Doon Well & Mass Rock, Co Donegal, St Declan's Well,
Ardmore, Co Waterford and many more display the faith of the Irish people. Co
Meath is steeped in ancient Irish history as seen from the sites at Newgrange
and the Hill of Tara as is Lough Gur in Limerick and the monastic
settlement on Skellig Michael, Co Kerry and Monasterboice
Monastery and High Crosses, Co Louth. Find out more by choosing a County above
or to the right of this column and see the legacy left by the Irish Clans &
Chieftains. |
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Carrickfergus Castle,
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim |
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Carrickfergus Castle is one of Northern
Ireland’s most striking monuments
whether you approach it from land, sea,
or air. With over 800 years of history
behind it, today it is under the care of
the NIEA and is open to the public After
use as a prison in the 18th century it
was further strengthened and served as a
magazine and armoury until 1928. Cannons
from the 17th to 19th centuries are on
show in the castle, while the keep
houses historical and other displays. |
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Blackrock Castle, Cork |
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Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 16th
century castle located about 2km from
the heart of Cork city on the banks of
the river Lee.
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Bunratty Castle,
Clare |
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The Castle is the most complete and
authentic medieval fortress in Ireland.
Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to
its former medieval splendour and now
contains mainly 15th and 16th century
furnishings, tapestries, and works of
art which capture the mood of those
times. Today, the castle stands
peacefully in delightful grounds. The
houses and cottages of the folk park
spread out at the foot of its massive
walls, much in the way that the cottages
and crofts of old would have clustered
around its base. We invite you to wander
through the castle and marvel at the
finest collection of medieval furniture
in the country which brings to life a
vital part of our Medieval past.
Bunratty Castle closes each day at 4pm
to prepare for the Medieval Banquet |
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Carrigafoyle Castle Ballylongford,
Kerry |
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The present castle at Carrigafoyle was built (1490-1500) by Conchuir
Liath O Connor; it is 90 feet high, 60 feet long, and 30 feet wide.
Its most interesting feature is the dock surrounding the castle,
which allowed boats to tie up in safety at its very door. |
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Dunguaire Castle,
Kinvara, Galway |
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Dunguaire Castle,
Kinvara was built around 1500,
for the O' Hynes family.The first record
of Kinvara, as a market place dates back
to 1615, when Oliver Martyn, residing in
Dunguaire Castle was granted a licence
to hold a Saturday market in Kinvara.
During the 1600's, access to Kinvara
would have been a lot easier by sea than
by land and as a result of the growth in
business and commerce in Galway. |
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Kilkenny Castle,
Kilkenny |
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Kilkenny Castle, the home and
headquarters of the powerful Butler
Family since 1391 has long established
rose garden, together with 50 acres of
charming and extensive pleasure grounds.
The grounds overlooking the Nore river
features mature trees and shrubs with an
ornamental lake numbered among the many
items of interest. Very well maintained
and presented |
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King John’s Castle,
Limerick |
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King John’s Castle is a 13th century
Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart
of medieval Limerick City. The Castle
overlooks the majestic River Shannon
offering wonderful views of Limerick
City |
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Malahide Castle,
Dublin |
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Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside
town of Malahide. Malahide Castle is one of the
oldest and most historic castles in
Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was
the home of the Talbot family. This was
a remarkable tenure by a single family
and is one of the longest in Ireland. In
1169, at the time of the Anglo-Norman
invasion, Malahide was under the control
of Hammund Mac Turkill, the last Viking
King of Dublin.The estate survived such
losses as the Battle of the Boyne, when
fourteen members of the owner's family
sat down to breakfast in the Great Hall,
and all were dead by evening, and the
Penal Laws, even though the family
remained Roman Catholic until 1774. |
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Rock of Cashel,
Tipperary |
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Cashel is home of the majestic Rock of
Cashel. A spectacular tourist attraction
in Ireland and one most visited.
Cashel’s rich history is reflected in
its built heritage, from prehistoric
raths to mediaeval monasteries and
fortified town houses, a Georgian
Cathedral and a 21st century Library.
The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the
High Kings of Munster.
The buildings represent both
Hiberno-Romanseque and Germanic
influences in their architecture. |
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Ross Castle,
Killarney |
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Ross Castle in
Killarney, County Kerry was built in the
15 Century and was home to the
O'Donoghue Ross clan. Ross Castle with
beautiful views across Killarney Lakes,
where today you can tour the castle or
take a boat trip out across Killarney
Lakes. Ross Castle is in a beautiful
mystical setting. |
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Belfast Castle Antrim
Northern Ireland
The familiar landmark of Belfast Castle,
overlooks the Belfast
city from a prominent site 400
feet above sea level on the slopes of
Cave Hill. This magnificent sandstone
building, recently restored by Belfast
City Council's Parks Department, has
close associations with the city's
history |
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