Author | Dayane Cristina Torres
A medieval journey through time: Iconic Castles in Ireland
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| Image Source: Isle Inn Tours |
It's hard to travel across Europe and not come across a castle along the way. The grandeur that a castle represents is undeniable, whether due to its history, culture or architecture, visiting a castle is like travelling back in time, letting your imagination run and asking yourself: what was it like to live at that time?
Ireland stands out for those who like stories and movies from the medieval era, or not, for having approximately 30,000 castles including any type of fortification ruins, functioning and/or restored castles of any kind according to Youirishadventure . While travelling around the emerald island, it is possible to observe the presence of many millenary buildings that stands out for the richness of details and the perfect harmony with the landscapes. From abandoned castles in Ireland to the one that serves as luxurious hotels nowadays, from small to gigantic ones, some in ruins and others so modern that doesn't even look like were built hundreds of years ago, each one has a unique charm and history that invites you to discover its stories.
Knowing a little bit of medieval history so closely is also knowing the history of the world. That's why we've separated a list of 3 castles in Ireland and their respective stories for you to include in your travel itinerary. Let your imagination run wild and come with us on this medieval adventure.
1. Blarney Castle & Gardens
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| Image Source: HistoryHit |
Location
Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork
Price
Tickets are available from €20
About the Castle
Originally built on a wooden structure in the 10th century, the Blarney Castle was replaced by a stone one around AD 1210 but later demolished again. Only in 1446 the third castle, with some parts remaining to this day, was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster.
In addition to the iconic scene, with some from which the castle appears more magical and others more medieval, you can contemplate a stunning view of more than 60 hectares of parks that include gardens, avenues, bushes and canals.
If Blarney Castle is already a fantastic visit for being one of the oldest castles in Ireland, the Blarney Stone is a special attraction for its enchanting legend. A stone that has been flipped upside down is said to grant the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it. There are numerous tales concerning the stone's potency, most of them on religious figures.
2. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
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| Image Source: Limerick.ie |
Location
Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare
Price
Tickets available from €10
About the Castle
Located on a massive 26 hectares, Bunratty Castle is known for its impressive structure and it was first used as a Viking trading post in 970.
The current building is the fourth and final castle to be constructed there. The earliest defensive fortress—a robust wooden structure—was constructed in 1250 by the Norman Robert De Muscegros. Thereafter, Thomas De Clare received his properties where he constructed the first stone castle and Bunratty grew to be a sizable community with 1,000 residents. Richard De Clare, Thomas's son, was killed in a battle between the Irish and the Normans in 1318 and the town and fortress were destroyed. The castle was rebuilt for the King of England, but the Irish Chieftains of Thomond, led by the O'Briens and MacNamaras, destroyed it in 1332. Despite remaining in ruins for 21 years, Sir Thomas Rokeby rebuilt it, but the Irish attacked it all over again and took control of the fortress ever after.
An unmissable part of your tour is visiting Folk Park. With more than 30 buildings in a "living" village, walking through the rural farmhouses, and village shops that are rebuilt and decorated as they would have looked at that period is a trip back in time.
3. Dublin Castle
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| Image Source: BigBusTours |
Location
Dame St, Dublin, Co. Dublin
Price
Tickets available from €8
About the Castle
This castle could not be missing from our list, not only because of its ease of access but also because It is one of the most important buildings in Irish history.
Originally built as a defensive fortress in 1204, Dublin Castle was the center of the English and then British government in Ireland for 700 years. As you walk through the castle, you'll be led on a trip to the Viking and medieval archaeological sites, the ancient viceregal Palace Apartments, and the Gothic Chapel Royal, known for its galleries and vaulting.
As Ireland gained independence in 1922, the castle was given to the new Irish government which nowadays serves as a convention center, a government complex, and an exhibition for Ireland's finest castles.
Since the 17th century, Dublin Castle's stunning gardens have been preserved. The attractive memorial monuments and statues located in the gardens make them an important component of the castle.
Once upon a time!
Now that you know some of the most beautiful castles in Europe, include them in your vacation itinerary ad book your spot on a tour with Wonderfinders and start your magical journey. , grab a good camera, with your eyes sharp and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of history and adventure that feels like history in comics.
#oldestcastleinireland #listofcastlesinireland #abandonedcastlesinireland #medievalarchaelogicalsites
References
Haven't visited any of these yet but definitely on my bucket list. Ireland is a place full of old buildings and thinking that each one of them has its own unique story makes me wonder how life was back then. Kylemore Castle is one that I went to, and you're free to roam the property and the gardens if u want to! Had a lovely time there and took many pictures - Julio Costa
ReplyDeleteGoing to post this to an Irish facebook group, thanks for the links too!
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