castles historical ireland

Domestic quarters were added on over the following centuries, giving us today a Most attractive architectural composition. Now lovingly restored in a superb parkland setting, its owners delight in sharing their private home with visitors....

O'Flahertie's Castle, Oughterard

Little is left of the castle that belonged to the O'Flahertie clan. The castle dates from the 16th century, among the best features of the ruins are the tower and the main hall with it's stonework, with carved vines.

The O'Flaherties were not popular in Galway and were considered a threat. Over the West Gate of Galway in the Middle Ages was the following inscription: "From the furies of the O'Flaherties, Good God deliver us." The Clan were...

Mrs. Bridget Aylee Owner of Ayesla Castle will welcome you personally and give you a guided tour of the castle and grounds....

Dunboy Castle beside the remains of the older O'Sullivan Bere Castle, destroyed in a siege in 1602, stand the impressive ruins of a vast 19th century castle in a bewildering mixture of styles, including french chateaux and Italian villa.

The castle was built by the Puxley family, landlords until 1921, who made their fortune from the copper mines in Allihies.
Dunboy woods are open to the public with picnic areas and walks....

Shankill Castle is set in beautiful parkland on the Carlow/Kilkenny border this castellated house incorporates a building from 1713. The interior preserves much of its 18th century character and features a late Georgian staircase, Gothic plasterwork in the dining room and a charmingly Victorian drawing room.

Visitors are invited to walk in the grounds and gardens, and there are guided tours of the house.

Parties and coach tours are welcome at other times by prior arrangeme...

The legend of the family that are said to have built this castle is like something from a fairy-tale; the O’Hallinans were all killed by the O’Briens, except one boy who later avenged his family. The six-storey castle has two barrel vaulted rooms in good condition and interesting slits for archers on the top floor....

Redwood Castle was constructed by Normans in 1210, but came into the possession of the Mac Egans, the leading Irish Family of Brehon Lawyers in 1350. They established a famous Law School which flourished for three hundred years, until the castle was destroyed by fire in 1650. The ruin was acquired and restored by an Egan lawyer in the 1970s....

The rugged Donegal highlands may be one of the bleakest places in Ireland, but in a secluded valley beside a mountain lough is a most remarkable garden....

One of a series of five fortifications, it was originally owned by the O'Kynes but eventually passed from one Sir Richard O'Donnell to Sir Benjamin Guinness, and thus became part of the great Guinness estates.

Architecturally, this castle has some interesting doorways. One enters this castle by entering the demesne via the Red Gate which is 1.5km east of Clonbur village....

A 17th century fortified manor house which has recently been restored using Irish oak and traditional craftsmenship. The courtyard contains the foundations and features of an earlier defensive structure....