Castles in and near Cork

Ballinacarriga Castle

This castle is also called "the mouth or passage of rock." While the date 1585 appears in the fourth storey carving, it has been suggested that the building is older than this date. Locals also claim that this chapel was still in use until a ... more

Take a stroll along the ramparts of Ireland's castle and explore the ruins that are scattered across the Irish landscape: these historic buildings tell the story of Ireland, from the time of the early Irish kings through to the arrival of the conquering Normans, and the tumult of English colonisation.

Medieval Castles were both a home for their occupants, and strong fortresses designed to withstand attacks and protect its residents in times of war. The centuries-old stones of the Castles in Ireland have often withstood significant battles and turbulent times, while crumbled ruins have not been so lucky, but also provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's past.

One of Ireland's oldest castles is Blarney Castle, which was built almost 1000 years ago for the McCarthy Clan. The castle is filled with fascinating treasures, and the grounds are also beautiful, with many walking trails leading to spectacular natural rock formations. The castle's main claim to fame, however, is the Blarney Stone, which millions of tourist kiss every year in the hope of receiving “the gift of the gab”.

There are many myths surrounding the stone's origins, and it is believed to be half of the mystical Stone of Scone originally belonging to Scotland. Legend says the story of the stone imparting the gift of eloquence derives from when Queen Elizabeth I requested that the Irish chiefs remain loyal to her while occupying their own lands. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, said diplomatically that he promised to remain loyal to the Queen without 'giving in' and the sharp-witted Queen replied that McCarthy was giving her a “lot of Blarney”.

The stone has boasted many famous visitors, including Winston Churchill and several United States presidents, who all claim to have benefited from the experience. You can also try to obtain the stone's mystical gift, but it's not for the faint-hearted – you have to earn your coveted kiss as it involves bending over backwards over an open hole in the castle floor. It's definitely worth it though, even if the quality of your speech reminds unchanged afterwards, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One of Ireland's most famous historic landmarks is the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, which was the seat of the Kings of Munster until the Norman invasion, and is also is said to be the place where St Patrick converted the local King Aenghus in the 5th century. This event is marked by St Patrick's Cross, and the Rock also features a 13th century Gothic cathedral, and a massive and well preserved 12th century Round Tower.

Near Cashel is Cahir Castle, one of Ireland's best preserved fortresses set on a rocky island of the river Suir. The 15th century castle was considered unassailable until the invention of heavy cannon fire, and it became the stronghold oft the powerful Butler family. The castle's impressive keep, tower and sturdy defensive structure still remain and the fortress is an amazing sight.

The site of Bunratty Castle, in County Clare, was inhabited as early as 970, when it was used as a Viking trading camp, and has been demolished and rebuilt several times since. The castle today is the remains of a structure built in 1425, which was ruled by the O'Brien clan until Henry VIII's reign. It has a violent past as there are several “murder holes” set in the walls where boiling oil was poured onto attackers in defence of the fortress. Carefully restored, Bunratty Castle now forms part of the Bunratty Folk Park, which also includes a recreation of a 19th century village.

Set on 250 acres of park land in the attractive seaside town of Malahide, near Dublin, is the magnificent Malahide Castle. The building was both a fortress and a private home for nearly eight hundred years as the Talbot family lived in the castle from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died. The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture and an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings which tell the story of the castle's inhabitants and their place in Irish history.

Rathfarnham, also near Dublin, is a castle with a really colourful and fascinating history. It was built in the 16th century by an ambitious Yorkshire clergyman, Adam Loftus, who soon became Archbishop of Dublin and was involved in the establishment of Trinity College. The interiors are sumptuously decorated in 18th century splendour, and conservation work also gives visitors a glimpse of the castle's earlier appearance.

Ireland has some of the most spectacular and historic castles in the world, and you'll only really understand the country's heritage once you've explored these treasured buildings.