Several thousand castles were built in Ireland in the Middle Ages. With native Irish fortifications being different from the rest of Europe, it was not until the 12th century when Norman/English incursions into the island that castles were being built. While some large-scale castles exist, most of the remaining medieval fortifications found in Ireland and Northern Ireland are smaller tower houses that were designed for a family to live and be protected.
Honourable mention goes to Dunguaire Castle, which was built in the early 16th century.
Visitor information for Castles in Ireland and Northern Ireland
Trim Castle – run by Heritage Ireland
Blarney Castle – privately owned
Cahir Castle – run by Heritage Ireland
Rock of Cashel – run by Heritage Ireland
King John’s Castle – Shannon Heritage
Carrickfergus Castle - Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Ballyportry Castle – privately owned
Dunluce Castle - Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Ross Castle – run by Heritage Ireland
Redwood Castle – privately owned
Videos of these Irish Castles
See also:
Dunluce Castle: History and Archaeology
The castle building of William Marshal in Ireland
How to help restore an Irish castle
A review of Irish medieval castles as a tourist facility
Meet Helen Cassidy – Castle seller
And also our lists of top ten medieval castles for England, Scotland and Wales
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