Castles & Fortifications

Explore the architectural evolution of Munster's defenses, from the ancient stone ringfort of Staigue to the 17th-century star-shaped Charles Fort. This collection includes the Rock of Cashel, the former seat of the Kings of Munster, and the well-preserved 15th-century Bunratty tower house. Discover military strongholds like King John’s Castle in Limerick and the coastal defenses of Spike Island. The list also features residential marvels such as the Victorian Muckross House and the iconic Blarney Castle, known for its significant medieval keep and historic MacCarthy dynasty heritage.

Blarney Castle

Located 8 km from Cork, this impressive medieval fortress was built around 1446 by the MacCarthy dynasty.

Rock of Cashel

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

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland.

Muckross House

Muckross House is located on the small Muckross Peninsula between Muckross Lake and Lough Leane, two of the lakes of Killarney, 6…

Charles Fort

Charles Fort is a trace italienne fortification, a bastion fort with one section of the outer wall built in star fashion.

King John's Castle

King John's Castle also known as Limerick Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King's Island in Limerick, Ireland, next to the River…

Cahir Castle

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

Lismore Castle

Lismore Castle is a castle located in the town of Lismore, County Waterford in the Republic of Ireland.

Birr Castle

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

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.

Fort Mitchell

Spike Island is an island of 103 acres in Cork Harbour, Ireland. Originally the site of a monastic settlement, the island is dominated by an…

Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a 15th-century tower house and keep on the edge of Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland.

Staigue Fort

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

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…

Ballycarbery Castle

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

Doonagore Castle

Doonagore Castle is a round 16th-century tower house with a small walled enclosure located about 1 km south of the coastal village of…

O'Brien's Tower

O'Brien's Tower marks the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland.