Buckle up! Unmissable castles for your Irish road trip
Dreaming of an epic adventure to visit the best castles in Ireland? Hop in and get ready to see just how many beautiful fortresses stud our landscape.
Fly into Belfast City or Dublin, leave via Knock, Shannon or Cork and don’t forget to book car hire with your flights. Then hit the road for your unforgettable trip!
Stop 1: Glenarm Castle, Antrim
Glenarm Castle is a seaside retreat on the east coast of Ulster. Learn the history of the Earls of Ulster in the heritage centre, see incredible vintage cars in the coach house and stretch your legs on a woodland walk. For an extra treat, you can even stay on the estate in a range of accommodation, from the historic Barbican Gate to the quirky ocean view pods. And if you book ahead, you can take a tour of the castle at limited times throughout the year.
- Drive from Belfast City Airport: 45 minutes
- Drive from Dublin Airport: 2 hours 20 minutes
Extra stop
Fancy a stop en route? Have a bracing cliff-side walk over the bridges and through the caves of The Gobbins. The paths originally opened in 1901, but have since been reimagined with 15 new bridges and six elevated paths.
Stop 2: Malahide Castle, Dublin
Steeped in 800 years of history and just outside Dublin’s City Centre, Malahide Castle is perfect for an easy Irish castle day trip or as part of an epic road trip. Wander around the grounds for free and admire from a distance, or get up close and personal with a guided tour. It’s also well suited for family outings – the legendary playground, Butterfly House and Fairy Trail are all big hits with kids. If you’re feeling peckish, the onsite Avoca serves up wholesome lunch fare and generous slices of cake. We find it hard to say no to their chocolate and raspberry roulade!
- Drive from Dublin Airport: 20 minutes
- Drive from Glenarm Castle: 2 hours 25 minutes
Extra stop
For a little extra history, visit the Casino Model Railway Museum. It’s right beside Malahide Castle and as well as having an amazing collection of model trains, there are plenty of fun interactive displays.
From hidden gems to iconic structures, Ireland is full of historically significant castles
Stop 3: Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny
Built just after the Norman conquest and remodelled in the Victorian era, Kilkenny Castle is both enchanting and elegant. It’s an art lover’s dream with an extensive collection of paintings, objets d’art and sumptuous furnishings. Finish off your visit with a wander around formal rose gardens and some refreshments in the tea room. As it’s in the heart of lively Kilkenny City, there’s plenty of accommodation and great restaurants nearby. Plus it’s pretty much at the midpoint between Cork and Dublin, also making it one of the best Irish castle day trips.
- Drive from Malahide Castle: 1 hours 35 minutes
Extra stop
Also known as the Marble City, Kilkenny stands apart from other Irish cities for its incredible medieval architecture. Dating from 1594, the Rothe House and Garden is a great example of this. Come for the history, stay for the suburb Renaissance-style garden.
Stop 4: Blarney Castle, Cork
Have you heard the legend of the Blarney Stone? Well then we’re guessing Blarney Castle is on your must visit list. It’s hands down one of the best castles in Ireland, with a real sense of magic. Kiss the stone and then explore the beautiful grounds of this medieval stronghold. Stroll on one of the designated trails and see if you can spot otters, kingfishers, swans or our native red squirrels. After you check out the castle, explore a little more of Cork while you’re in the neighbourhood.
- Drive from Kilkenny Castle: 2 hours
Extra stop
Take a walk on the wild side in Kilcolman Bog Nature Reserve. This peaceful place is an important place for overwintering birds and has an incredible range of rare plant species. Especially magical at dawn or dusk.
Stop 5: Bunratty Castle, Clare
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is one of the most fun entries in our Ireland castle guide. This 600-year-old structure stands proud on the edge of the River Shannon. There are lots of inventive interactive elements here, including the 19th century village street complete with actors who play the roles of the village inhabitants. And if you fancy a meal with a difference, book in advance for the Medieval Banquet where you’ll be entertained by the Earl of Thomond and feast like it’s the 1400s. And if you’re vegan or veggie, you can request a special menu.
- Drive from Blarney Castle: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Drive to Cork Airport: 30 minutes
Extra stop
Peckish after all that sightseeing? Take a little detour and head to The Cheese Press Ennistymon. This local cafe is packed with treats, as well as gluten free and vegan options. It also claims to have Ireland’s best cheese toastie. You can be the judge of that!
Stop 6: Kylemore Abbey, Galway
Set in 1,000 acres of Connemara mountainside, a trip to Kylemore Abbey is one of the most breathtaking day trips to Irish castles you could ask for. Originally built by a wealthy family in the 1860s, this Galway Abbey has been home to a community of Benedictine nuns since 1920. Explore the history of the Abbey in a self-guided tour, stroll through Ireland’s largest Walled Garden and treat yourself to some home-baked cakes in the tea house. Afterwards pick up unique souvenirs handmade by the nuns, including soaps, chocolates, marmalade and even Irish cream liqueur.
- Drive from Bunratty Castle: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Drive to Knock Airport: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Drive to Shannon Airport: 2 hours 20 minutes
Extra stop
As the sun sets on your adventure to see Ireland’s best castles, it’s only apt to see a beautiful sunset at the end of your journey. Head to Galway City to soak up the arty atmosphere and head out for a walk on Nimmo’s Pier as dusk settles in.
