castles historical ireland

A fine 16th century tower, built in two sections, situated among trees on a hillock. the tower has five storeys, with vaults over the ground floor and third storey, that on the ground floor preserving well-preserved traces of the wicker-work which kept the plaster in place. The north window on the top floor bears carvings of floral motifs. The two mullioned windows on the top floor bears carvings of floral motifs.

The two mullioned windows in the west wall on the first and second flo...

The 'Royal County' of Meath boasts a dramatic history and proud heritage that no other country can match. Man has settled here for over 8,000 years and everywhere one turns one can see surviving monuments and relics scattered profusely beside the rolling rivers and on the lush plains.

Formerly one of the five historic provinces of Ireland, it was from here that the ancient roads of Ireland radiated, spreading Royal Meath's influence and affluence to all the corners of Ireland....

Beside the small and appealing village of Clonegal is 17th Century Huntington Castle. Famed Yew tree avenue....

Marino Crescent where Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, was born in 1847.
Clontarf, a short distance down the road, was the scene of the famous battle of Good Friday, 1014, when Brian Boru broke the power of the Danes over Ireland.

Brian himself was slain during the battle while praying in his tent. Clontarf Castle (1835) was built on the site of an ancient Pale fortification which had belonged successively to the Templars and to the Knights of St John....

Located on the River Lee, it has a long history associated with it.
Dating originally to the reign of JamesI, the castle was destroyed by the fire in 1827 and rebuilt by the Pain Brothers in 1830.

The coat of arms of the castle depicts the castle as one of the strongholds protecting the harbour. The area is the host of some fine views, and the area has a nice riverside walk from the Atlantic pond eastwards....

Dunseverick Castle is now only one massive wall on the very edge of a cliff. Dunserverick was the north end of the oldest road in Ireland, where the Celts in prehistoric times crossed to and from Scotland....

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....

Buncrana Castle dates from the early 17th century but has not survived the test of time very well. It now stands in ruin, a mere shadow of its once magniciant self. It still gives an excellent impression of what it was once like....

Derry Island Castle (17th Century) sited on the left bank down river, is visible. It is known locally as 'Ireton's Castle', but without any hard evidence that Cromwell's son-in-law General passed this way.

As you swing left for Birr there's an old windmill prominent on the hill above Bell Isle House....

King John’s Castle, also referred to as Limerick Castle is so called because it was built for King John in 1210 and was the centre of Norman authority in the area. This fine example of Norman Architecture now holds an interpretive centre that includes audiovisuals, models, and an exposed archaeological dig, showing how the information used was gained....