Castles And Mansions
Castletown House
East Ireland | County Kildare
Castletown House is a Palladian-style mansion located in Celbridge, County Kildare. It was built by William Conolly, a Speaker of the Irish Parliament and one of the wealthiest people in Ireland at that time. Construction began in 1722, and most of the work was completed by 1729. It was the first Irish Palladian house built to correct Classical proportions, ... more info and photos
Leap Castle
Midlands Ireland | County Offaly
Leap Castle is located about 6 km north of the town of Roscrea and 10 km south of Kinnitty, just off the road R421, in County Offaly. The exact date of the towerhouse construction is unknown but it is thought to have been built between the late 15th and early 16th centuries by the O'Bannon clan who were subject to the ruling O'Carrolls. Gerald Fitzgerald, th... more info and photos
Birr Castle
Midlands Ireland | County Offaly
Birr Castle is a large castle located in the town of Birr, in County Offaly. The first structure on this site was the Norman motte and bailey, established in the late 12th century. The castle became a stronghold of the O'Carroll clan, powerful Irish chieftains, and remained in their possession until the 1580s when it was sold to the Ormond Butlers. In 1620, ... more info and photos
Huntington Castle
Southeast Ireland | County Carlow
Huntington Castle is located in the village of Clonegal in County Carlow (about 30 km southeast of Carlow Town). It was built in 1625 by Sir Laurence Esmonde (major general of King James I's forces in Ireland and governor of Duncannon Fort) as a garrison, which later became his family home. He received the title of Lord Esmonde for his loyal service. Laurenc... more info and photos
Listowel Castle
Southwest Ireland | County Kerry
Listowel Castle is a tower house located in the town of Listowel, about 25 km northeast from Tralee in County Kerry. It was probably built in the15th century by Fitzmaurice family (Lords of Kerry), on the site of an earlier castle believed to be from the 13th century. The castle stands on the banks of river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford. Orig... more info and photos
Dunguaire Castle
West Ireland | County Galway
Dunguaire Castle is a well-preserved tower house located beside of the seaport village of Kinvara, in the south-west County Galway. Is almost completely surrounded by waters of Galway Bay, except of the narrow causeway joining it to the mainland. Its picturesque location makes it one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Dunguaire Castle was built abo... more info and photos
Portumna Castle and Gardens
West Ireland | County Galway
Portumna Castle is a semi-fortified Jacobean Mansion built in 1618 by Richard Burke, (4th Earl of Clanricarde, Lord President of Connaught) and was one of the finest residences in Ireland at that time. It is a great example of the transition period when the strongholds were changing into more comfortable manor houses. It is located on the north end of Lough ... more info and photos
Kilkenny Castle
Southeast Ireland | County Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle is an Anglo-Norman stronghold which was built at the beginning of the 13th century by William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke, son in law of Richard de Clare (Strongbow). In 1391 the castle passed into the possession of the Butler family and remained in their hands for almost 600 years, until 1967, when it was transferred to the State and sinc... more info and photos
Aughnanure Castle
West Ireland | County Galway
Aughnanure Castle is situated on the banks of the Drimneen River, about 3 km from Oughterard, in County Galway. This well preserved, six-storey tower-house was built in early 16th century by very powerful and ferocious clan of the O'Flahertys who controlled the lands of West Connacht, from the west shore of Lough Corrib to the sea. The castle is protected by... more info and photos
Belleek Castle
West Ireland | County Mayo
Belleek Castle is located on the outskirts of the town of Ballina in County Mayo (about 2 km north of town center). It was built by Sir Arthur Francis Knox-Gore (designed by Irish architect John B.Keanes), between 1825 and 1831, on the site of a medieval abbey, one of four along the River Moy. The Knox-Gore family lived in Belleek Castle until 1940's, when t... more info and photos
Parke's Castle
Northwest Ireland | County Leitrim
Parke's Castle is fortified manor house of the early 1600s, picturesque located on the shores of Lough Gill, in County Leitrim. It was built by Captain Robert Parke during the times of plantations of Ireland. Before Parke's Castle was built here, there was 16th century fortress of O'Rourke family, strongest clan on this lands. Its last owner, Sir Brian O'Rou... more info and photos
Roche Castle
East Ireland | County Louth
Roche Castle is Norman stronghold located about 10 km northwest of Dundalk, in County Louth. Castleroche, how is also called, consists of a roughly triangular in circuit of walls (determined by the shape of the rock it stands on), with two masive D-shaped towers with gateway between them and two storey great hall beside. It was built in 1236 by Lady Rohesia ... more info and photos
Knappogue Castle
West Ireland | County Clare
Knappogue Castle is a medieval tower house located near Quin, in County Clare. It was built in 1467 by Seán MacNamara and stayed in MacNamara's hands untill 1800 when was sold to Scott family. The new owners have begun extensive modernisation, completed in 1855 by another owner Theobold Fitzwalter Butler, 14th Baron Dunboyne. In that time, the Gothic-revival... more info and photos
Enniscorthy Castle
Southeast Ireland | County Wexford
Enniscorthy Castle in its present shape dates back to late 16th century but the first Anglo-Norman fortress on this site was built by knight Raymond le Gros in 12th century. That earlier structure was recorded as being destroyed by native Irish in 1326. The castle is similar to Ferns Castle, also has four corner towers but it's much smaller. It changed the o... more info and photos
Ross Castle
Southwest Ireland | County Kerry
Ross Castle is situated on the shore of Lough Leane, in Killarney Town, County Kerry. The exact date of construction is uncertain but probably was built in late 15th century by O'Donoghue Mór chieftains, who had undisputed hold over Killarney area at that time. In 1580's after Second Desmond Rebellion, Ross Castle passed into the hands of Donal MacCarthy, bu... more info and photos
Trim Castle
East Ireland | County Meath
The castle situated on the banks of River Boyne in town of Trim, County Meath, is largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. The first defensive structure was built here in 1172, by Hugh de Lacy, to whom the lands of Meath were granted after Norman invasion of Ireland. It was a motte, with timber tower defended by double palisade and external ditch. Hugh... more info and photos
Muckross House and Gardens
Southwest Ireland | County Kerry
Muckross House is a one of the most famous and most visited Victorian mansions in Ireland. The estate is situated in the heart of Killarney National Park on the eastern shore of Muckross Lake. The house was built by Herbert family and designed by famous Scottish architect, William Burn. The most of the garden dates back to the 1850s and was laid out by the f... more info and photos
Dysert O'Dea Castle
West Ireland | County Clare
Dysert O'Dea Castle is located 5 km south of Corofin in County Clare (signposted on the road R476). This defensive tower house was built between 1470 and 1490 by Diarmuid O'Dea, Lord of Fearmaic. Castle had a turbulent history, changing the owners many times but always was coming back into the possession of the O'Dea clan. In 1651, the stronghold became a C... more info and photos
Kylemore Abbey
West Ireland | County Galway
Kylemore Abbey is located in the heart of Connemara in County Galway and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. Before it became home for Irish Benedictine Nuns it was a privat castle built by Mitchell Henry in 1860's as gift for his wife Margaret. The estate was designed by James Franklin Fuller and is beautifully situated on lake shore,... more info and photos
Athenry Castle
West Ireland | County Galway
The castle located in Athenry, County Galway was built around 1235 by Meiler de Bermingham as a anglo-norman stronghold. Because of strong resistance of native population, in 1346 Athenry was enclosed by defensive walls with six tower gates of which five is still standing. Initially the castle had only two storeys, the basement with vaulted celling at groun... more info and photos
Dungarvan Castle
Southeast Ireland | County Waterford
Castle in Dungarvan (County Waterford), also known as King John's Castle is an Anglo - Norman fortress built in 1185. The castle is situated at the eastern corner of the town on the bend of river Colligan, just before escape to the sea. Defensive walls create the shape of shell, what is unique in Ireland, but quite common in England. There are two towers on ... more info and photos
Rossborough House
East Ireland | County Wicklow
Russborough House located in Blessington, County Wicklow, it's one of the finest Irish Palladian mansions. It was designed by renowned German-born architect Richard Cassels, who also designed Powerscourt House. Mansion was built between 1741 and 1755, for 1st Earl of Milltown, Joseph Leeson, and remained in possession of the one family until 1914, when wido... more info and photos
Carrigafoyle Castle
Southwest Ireland | County Kerry
Carrigafoyle Castle is a 15th century fortress situated on southern bank of Shannon estuary, near village of Ballylongford in north County Kerry. This large, five storey tower-house stands on rock in Shannon River and is surrounded by double defensive walls with moat inside and outside, was built in the 1490s by O'Connors of Kerry, very powerful irish cl... more info and photos
Malahide Castle and Gardens
East Ireland | County Dublin
Malahide Castle and Gardens are located just 15 km north east from Dublin city center and are easily accessible by public transport. The castle and surrounding parklands cover area of over 260 acre and contain one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Whole demesne belonged to Talbot family for nearly 800 years until 1976, when was bought by the State... more info and photos
Ferns Castle
Southeast Ireland | County Wexford
Ferns Castle is an Anglo-Norman fortress situated in a historic town of Ferns in north County Wexford (road N11 linking Dublin to Wexford). Built on the site of an earlier stronghold by William Marshal in 1224, the castle changed the owners many times, passing between the hands of Normans and Irish. In 1641, the keep was surrendered to Cromwell's army and... more info and photos
Roscrea Castle
Midlands Ireland | County Tipperary
The medieval castle in Roscrea was built in 1280s, when the silver was discovered in nearby Silvermine Mountains. Due to proximity to the mines it became stronghold of great strategic importance. The Castle consists of massive gatehouse with drawbridge and large walled enclosure. The basement is housed a prison, and spiral stairs leads us to the first and... more info and photos
Cahir Castle
Midlands Ireland | County Tipperary
Cahir Castle (Irish: Caisleán na Cathrach) is a medieval stronghold, situated on small, rocky island, on the bend of the River Suir, in town or Cahir, County Tipperary. The earliest castle on this site was built by the Anglo-Norman, Philip of Worcester, in the 13th century (once, there was a stone fortress of powerful irish clan, O'Briens, who were banish... more info and photos
Donegal Castle
Northwest Ireland | County Donegal
Donegal Castle is situated beside the River Eske in centre of Donegal town in County Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. The first tower house on this site was built by powerful O'Donnell clan in 15th Century. O'Donnell Family burnt and left the castle in 1600, to prevent it being of use by English forces. In 1623, the ruined stronghold was granted to Sir... more info and photos
Carrickabraghy Castle
Northwest Ireland | County Donegal
Carrickabraghy Castle is located about 10 km north from the village of Ballyliffin (on the northern tip of Pollan Strand) on Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal. The castle was built in 16th Century, probably by Gearalt O'Doherty who held the lordship of Inishowen at that time. The last Irish lord of this land and the castle was Cahir O’Doherty, who died i... more info and photos
Ballycarbery Castle
Southwest Ireland | County Kerry
Ballycarbery Castle is a ruin located near Cahersiveen in Ballycarbery East on Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. It was built in16th century by McCarthy Mor, one of Ireland's greatest medieval dynasties. In 1652 Oliver Cromwell's troops severely damaged the castle using the cannons and fell into decay. In the 18th century the house was built and inhabited o... more info and photos
Rockfleet Castle
West Ireland | County Mayo
Rockfleet Castle also known as Carrickahowley Castle (irish: Carraig-an-Cabhlaigh) is fine example of Irish tower house which were built in the likeness of the Norman design. This 16th century stronghold is located approx 7km from Newport in Achill Island direction (road N59), County Mayo. Was built by powerful Clan O’Malley which controlled a large par... more info and photos
The Kildavnet Castle
West Ireland | County Mayo
The Kildavnet Castle also known as Grace O'Malley's Castle is fine example of Irish tower house which were built in the likeness of the Norman design. This 15th century stronghold is located near small harbour of Kildavnet on the scenic Achill's Atlantic Drive which begins in Achill Sound. Probably built by powerful Clan O’Malley which controlled a large ... more info and photos
Powerscourt House and Gardens
East Ireland | County Wicklow
Powerscourt Estate is located just off the Enniskerry Village in County Wicklow, only about 20 km from Dublin City Center. You will find there magnificent neoclassical mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens and the highest waterfall in Ireland. Powerscourt House was built in 1741 by the Richard Wingfield - 1st Viscount Powerscourt . This... more info and photos
King Johns Castle
West Ireland | County Limerick
King John's Castle located in Limerick is one the best preserved Norman castles in Europe. Was built on the orders of King John (brother of Richard the Lionheart) around 1210 as a stronghold and an administrative centre for the region. For 800 years this imposing castle has dominated the life and history of Limerick.
At the end of the 20th century... more info and photos
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
West Ireland | County Clare
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are located in village of Bunratty (approx. 15 km from Limerick City in Shannon direction) in County Clare. It's one of the most popular and worth visiting tourist attractions in Ireland. Covering an area of 26 acre park includes a medieval castle - Bunratty Castle, 19th century Georgian residence - Bunratty House, 19th cent... more info and photos
Emo Court and Gardens
Midlands Ireland | County Laois
Emo Court it's neo- classical mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland located near Portlaoise in County Laois. House was designed by famous architect James Gandon (architect of "Four Courts", "Custom House" and "King's Inns" in Dublin) in 1790 for John Dawson, the first Earl of Portarlington. When Dawson-Damer family have left the residency in 1... more info and photos
Roscommon Castle
Midlands Ireland | County Roscommon
Roscommon Castle is quite large ruin of Anglo-Norman castle located on a hillside, just outside the Roscommon town, in county Roscommon. The castle was erected on the orders of the Henry III king of England and work to begin in 1269. Due to constant attacks of Aedh O'Conor (son of FeiIim O'Conor, the Irish king of Connacht) building works were slowed down.... more info and photos
Dunamase Castle
Midlands Ireland | County Laois
Dunamase Castle or "Rock of Dunamase" (county Laois) - the ruins of the Anglo-Norman defensive stronghold from the 12th century built on the site of early-medieval fort "Dun Masc". Probably was built by Meyler Fitzhenry, to whom they were granted the lands of the county laois after the Norman invasion(there is also a hypothesis that was built by William Mars... more info and photos
Killruddery Gardens
East Ireland | County Wicklow
Killruddery Gardens, Bray, county Wicklow - one of the earliest and most extensive formal gardens , kept in the original style from 17th century to present times. The property belongs to the Brabazon family, who hold the title of “Earls of Meath”. Gardens was created by 3rd Earl of Meath - William Barazon and his work was continued by 6th Earl of Meath ... more info and photos
Blarney Castle
Southwest Ireland | County Cork
Blarney Castle originally dates from before 1200, when a wooden structure was believed to have been built on the site, although no evidence remains of this. Around 1210 this was replaced by a stone fortification. It was destroyed in 1446, but subsequently rebuilt by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muscry. The castle was besieged during the Irish Confederate... more info and photos
Johnstown Castle
Southeast Ireland | County Wexford
Johnstown Castle is located 6 km south west of Wexford Town and is well signposted on the road N25 (Wexford - Rosslare). This 19th century Victorian castle and its beautifully maintained ornamental gardens were designed by Daniel Robertson, the architect who is famed for his work in Powerscourt House and Gardens and Killruddery Gardens in County Wicklow. ... more info and photos
Baltimore Castle
Southwest Ireland | County Cork
Baltimore Castle (Dún na Séad) was built in 1215 by an Anglo-Norman Sleynie, a descendant of Robert FitzStephen "The Conquistador" (one of the first Normans who arrived with Richard de Clare - known as "Strongbow", to settle Ireland). In 1261, after the battle of Callan, the Irish clan of O’Driscolls took over the Dún na Séad castle and their former la... more info and photos