It’s impossible to talk about Ireland and not mention its amazing castles. Almost every region of Ireland hides a picturesque castle and some legends and stories about its owners. Ireland is a fascinated land dominated by lush, green sceneries where medieval castles hide in various states of ruins. Check out the following 4 castles, book your plane ticket, rent a car and drive around the lands of Ireland in search of tales with knights and ladies. Here are the four castles you must visit in Ireland!
Blarney Castle is without any doubt the most popular castle in Ireland, a magical place that attracts over 300,000 tourists every year. The castle you will admire today dates from 1446, but the site was the foundation for other two castles before this one. The first castle was made out of wood and was built in the 10th century, while the second castle dated from 1210, and had a stone structure. The current castle was founded by Cormac MacCarthy, one of the greatest warriors of Ireland, and was made out of stone.
However, the main attraction of the site is not the castle itself but the Blarney Stone. This stone is surrounded by many legends, but the generally accepted one is the story which says that, if kissed, this stone has the power to give the gift of words. The stone was built into the walls of Blarney Castle in the 15th century by Cormac Macarthy, so it’s quite a challenge to get to kiss it.
It seems that Winston Churchill visited this landmark and then managed to convinced the USA and the entire world that united they can defeat Adolf Hitler, that John Fitzgerald Kennedy too kissed this rock and then he became the first Roman Catholic of the USA, and the list can continue.
Dating from around 1480, the Carrigaholt Castle has a tumultuous and colorful past that can tell stories about rebellions and battles between Teigue McMahon and the Earl of Thomond, and even tales about pirate ships which stopped here on their way to Limerick.
The castle was built by the McMahons of West Corca Baiscin and, in the 1600s, it became the property of the Clare Dragoons, which were lead by Daniel O’Brien, son of Conor, the Earl of Thomond.
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Unfortunately, although this fascinating castle has faced so many attacks and battles, it seems that there is one battle that it will lose: the battle with time and nature. The castle is in danger of becoming ruins due to the continuous erosion it endures from strong tidal forces.
Built in 1035 by Cian, grandson of Brian Boru, high king of Ireland, the Kilbrittain Castle is the oldest castle in the country. Over the time, this castle was a home for many powerful families such as the McCarthy, De Courceys and Stawell.
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Today the castle is the property of the Cahill O’Brien family, who decided to open the castle for visitors and even allow them to spend a few nights here. So, if you want a special setting for your vacation in Ireland book a few nights at this castle hotels.
The Kilbrittain Castle is situated only 15 minutes from Kinsale, in the center of West Cork, and 35 minutes from Cork Airport.
Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best preserved medieval fortresses in Ireland. Its defense structures and the tower date from 1142 and are still standing proud and defy the passage of years. This castle was once the stronghold of the Butler family, former Irish nobility, and today fascinates tourists with spiral staircases, small side chambers and fantastic views captured from the Cahir Tower. The castle is situated on a rocky island of the River Suir in Tipperay County.
It is recommended to book a half an hour tour before your arrival here and also to dedicate 15 minutes of your time to watch a movie that tells the story of this castle and, as a matter of fact, of all the Irish castles.
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