Castles and fortifications in Ireland

Castles and Fortifications of Ireland

Ireland’s landscape is defined by its defensive architecture, ranging from Iron Age stone ringforts like Staigue and Grianan of Aileach to massive Anglo-Norman strongholds such as Trim Castle. This collection highlights diverse structures including the ecclesiastical ruins of the Rock of Cashel, the river-bound Cahir Castle, and the Gothic-style Charleville. These sites showcase 12th-century keeps, 16th-century tower houses, and ornate Victorian lodges like Ballysaggartmore Towers. Together, they offer a chronological journey through Ireland’s complex history of kingship, conquest, and architectural evolution.

Castles and Fortifications of Ireland — Map

Mike Searle / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Rock of Cashel

Before the Norman invasion, this complex served as the seat of the kings of Munster.

John5199 / CC BY 2.0

B

Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle, one of the largest castles in Ireland, is sited on an island in the river Suir.

Anders Hallin / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle, parts of which date to the 12th century, lies close to the village of Malahide, 14 km north of central Dublin in Ireland.

//www.eso.org/public/outreach/partnershi… / CC BY 4.0

D

Blackrock Castle

Blackrock Castle is a castellated fortification located at Blackrock, about 2 km from Cork city centre on the banks of the River Lee in…

Kwrecks / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Ballycarbery Castle

Ballycarbery Castle is a castle 3 kilometres from Cahersiveen, County Kerry, Ireland.

Takeshi316 / Public domain

F

Grianan of Aileach

The Grianan of Aileach, sometimes anglicised as Greenan Ely or Greenan Fort, is a hillfort atop the 244 metres high Greenan Mountain at…

Sharonlflynn / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Menlo Castle

Menlo Castle or Menlough Castle, also called Blake's Castle, is a 16th century castle situated on the bank of the River Corrib near Menlo…

Jury21 / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Trim Castle Keep

Trim Castle is a castle on the south bank of the River Boyne in Trim, County Meath, Ireland, with an area of 30,000 m2.

Liam Hughes / CC BY 2.0

I

Huntington Castle

Huntington Castle, also known as Clonegal Castle, is a castle in Clonegal, County Carlow, Ireland, built in 1625.

J

Staigue Fort

Staigue or Staig is a ruined stone ringfort three miles west of Sneem, on the Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland.

Alistair Cunningham / CC BY 3.0

K

Doe Castle

Doe Castle, or Caisleán na dTuath, near Creeslough, County Donegal, was the historical stronghold of Clan tSuibhne, with architectural…

The Speckled Bird / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Barryscourt Castle

Barryscourt Castle is a castle located in eastern County Cork in southern Ireland, close to the town of Carrigtwohill.

Christophe Krief / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Athlone Castle

Athlone Castle, sometimes known as Adamson Castle, is a castle located in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, dating from the 12th century.

Nmwalsh / CC BY-SA 4.0

N

Reginald's Tower

Reginald's Tower is a historic tower in Waterford, Munster, Ireland. It is located at the eastern end of the city quay.

Romeparis / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Slane Castle

Slane Castle is located in the village of Slane, within the Boyne Valley of County Meath, Ireland.

John Fahy / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Dalkey Castle

This castle is one of the few castles in the area that has been kept intact for several hundred years. Only guided visits are available.

Kevin King / CC BY 2.0

Q

Roscosmmon Castle

Roscommon is the county town and the largest town in County Roscommon in Ireland.

Krzysztof Krzysztof / CC BY-SA 4.0

R

Ballysaggartmore Towers

Ballysaggartmore Towers are two ornate entrance lodges that are situated on the former Ballysaggartmore Demesne approx 2.5 kilometres from…

sarah gallagher / CC BY-SA 2.0

S

Charleville Castle

Charleville Castle is a Gothic-style castle located in County Offaly, Ireland, bordering the town of Tullamore, near the River Clodiagh.

Ingrid helena / CC BY-SA 4.0

T

Birr Castle

Birr Castle is a large castle in the town of Birr in County Offaly, Ireland.

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