Nobody knows exactly how many castles there are on the island of Ireland. That said, the estimate is around an astonishing 30,000!

On your travels you’ll be able to explore plenty of lovingly restored castles that are now open to visitors. Soak up their history on your own or by joining a guided tour. Either way, discover the stories behind the fine manor houses, imposing towers, and noble castles dotted around Ireland.

While touring the countryside on an Irish self-drive trip you’ll also come across a number of picturesque ruined castles. Make sure to pause at the most atmospheric, and add to your collection of dreamy vacation snaps.

There are around 40 castles in Northern Ireland that are either relatively intact ruins or restored castles that are open to visitors. Although, the exact number is unknown.

When you are touring Northern Ireland, make sure you don’t miss out on visiting these notable sites:

• Carrickfergus Castle – Perhaps Northern Ireland’s most popular castle, and one of the largest, it is well worth a visit.
• Dunluce Castle – Another of Ireland’s most famous castles, its vast ruins stand proudly on a scenic clifftop.
• Belfast Castle – Rebuilt in the 1700s, it is now located in Cave Hill Country Park, known for being rich in local wildlife.
   

Discover more attractions and places to visit in Northern Ireland.

This is a good question, as castles often go hand-in-hand with royalty. However, despite having no royal family at the time when most of them were built, Ireland still has lots of castles. Why is this?

Many of Ireland’s castles date from the 11th to 15th centuries, when Irish clan chiefs were defending their lands against Anglo-Norman invaders. Before this time defensive structures tended to be stone and earthen forts. That said, much sturdier structures were soon required by both sides as their battles intensified.

Towards the end of the 1400s, many clan chiefs were building their own defences in the same Anglo-Norman style of their invaders.

A couple of centuries later, powerful families began constructing large manor houses, resembling castles, as a show of wealth. So today you’ll also find castles, or manor houses, in the Gothic, Victorian and Scottish Baronial style dotted across the country.

Find out what else Ireland has to offer in this blog: 10 reasons why you should visit Ireland.

Yes, you can go inside many of Ireland’s castles. At most of the well-known castles, it’s possible for you to opt for a guided tour, giving you a more in-depth visitor experience. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy exploring at your own pace.

If you plan to join a guided tour, we always recommend booking ahead of your visit to avoid any disappointment.

For a taste of luxury, why not visit a castle hotel in Ireland for afternoon tea in decadent surroundings? Or treat yourself and opt for an overnight stay, perfect for a romantic retreat. For more extra special trip ideas with your loved one, check out this blog on adventurous honeymoons in Europe.

Happily, there are castles in most counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Castles were normally built as defensive structures, so you will tend to find them in strategic natural locations. This means you’ll be able to enjoy excellent views from their clifftop, seaside, riverbank or hilltop positions.

Ireland is also home to many manor houses and stately homes. These are often surrounded by rambling country estates and manicured gardens.

Neighbouring Scotland is also home to a number of iconic castles. Why not combine your Irish adventure with a trip to Scotland and go on a self-drive holiday to Ireland and Scotland? Check out this guide to the 12 best Scottish castles for inspiration.

Absolutely! Add a touch of opulence to your trip and stay in a castle. Ireland is dotted with a number of castles and manor houses that have been beautifully converted into hotels.

A castle stay in Ireland is an experience you will never forget. Many of Ireland’s luxurious castle hotels have spa and wellness facilities where you can relax in lavish surroundings. Alternatively, you could take a stroll through lush grounds or book onto an outdoor excursion.

As for the rooms, think sumptuous suites with four-poster beds, roll-top baths and glittering chandeliers.

Get in touch with us to discuss including a castle stay in your itinerary. One of our knowledgeable travel experts will help you choose the right one for you.

Wondering how to decide where to go on your Irish adventure? Let this blog on the best places to visit in Ireland inspire your trip.

With around 30,000 historical castles in Ireland, it’s difficult to know where to start.

However, these are some of the top recommended castles that you can visit throughout Ireland:

• Bunratty Castle - Known for being the most complete castle in Ireland, it was carefully restored by the 1960s.
• Rock of Cashel - The castle’s existing structure dates from the 12th century, but the history here goes back to the time of St Patrick.
• Dunluce Castle - Featured in Game of Thrones, the castle's atmospheric ruins teeter on the rugged coastline.
• Blarney Castle - Here you can enjoy woodland walks, see the famous Blarney Stone, and visit a gothic mansion nearby.
• Ross Castle - A largely intact 15th-century fortress surrounded by the beauty of Killarney National Park.
• Malahide Castle - Just a short drive from Dublin city, the castle houses the National Portrait Gallery and has beautiful gardens.
• Trim Castle - The largest Anglo-Roman castle in Ireland, built on the site of a 5th-century monastery in the quaint town of Trim.
• Dunguaire Castle - A restored 16th-century tower house with literary ties, located nearby the charming fishing town of Kinvarra.
   

Wherever you visit you’ll love learning about the tumultuous histories attached to Ireland’s fortified castles, crumbling ruins, and elegant baronial mansions.

For more inspiration, check out the best castles to visit in Ireland on our experts' blog.

To get the most out of your castle tour, we recommend an Ireland self-drive package. This will allow you to explore at your own pace, while choosing the castles and attractions that you would like to visit along the way.

For instance, you could follow the Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland's west coast, and combine castle visits with soaking up breathtaking views. 

All of our self-drive itineraries are curated by experts to take in the most scenic driving routes. You can also choose from a variety of tour durations. Whether you are looking for a short break or a longer adventure, we have something for you.

To get the inside scoop on your castle visits, we suggest opting for a guided tour at those you are most fascinated by. Many of Ireland’s restored castles offer group tours with an experienced local guide or historian. Where possible, it’s best to book guided tours in advance online to avoid disappointment.

Check out this blog on the best road trips in Ireland for more self-drive trip ideas.

Yes, we provide you with everything you need for a hassle-free trip. This is why car rental and CDW insurance with a reliable local partner are included in the price of your tour.

Your Nordic Visitor car rental and insurance package includes the following as standard:

• Unlimited mileage
• GPS navigation system
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Third party liability
• Road fund licence
• Theft protection
• 24/7 emergency roadside assistance
   

Please check your individual tour details to see what is not covered in the car rental package. For example, the cost of fuel and optional ferry journeys are not included.

If you would like to upgrade your rental car category, you can do so easily when booking your tour online by choosing from the options listed.

Find out more about driving in Ireland in our helpful Ireland Travel Guide.

Yes, our self-drive Ireland castle tours are available from April to October. After choosing the right tour for you, simply select your preferred date on the tour’s online availability calendar.

Spring, summer and autumn are all great times to travel in Ireland. You can read this insider guide to the best time to visit Ireland to help you decide when to go.

Our Irish castle tours have been crafted to ensure you get the best out of your time in Ireland. That said, your self-drive package can easily be tailored to suit your needs.

Why not treat yourself to a hotel upgrade, or add exciting optional excursions to your days touring the Irish counties? You can choose from activities like a Guinness Storehouse tasting experience, and a “pony and trap” tour on the Aran Islands.

It’s also possible to tailor tours combining Scotland and Ireland. Speak to your dedicated travel consultant about extending your time in either country by adding extra nights.

Get in touch with us for personal recommendations and to ask about customising your trip.

Please note, it’s best to hold off on booking flights until your tour is confirmed. We advise checking flight availability for your preferred travel dates before selecting your arrival day and booking your trip.

You will normally hear from a travel expert 2 working days after booking your trip online. Once everything is ready to go, they will let you know so that you can go ahead and finalise your flights.

Due to its position alongside the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish weather is known for being changeable. This means it’s best to be prepared for rain and shine on your trip.

Our castle tours are available from spring through to autumn, so you’re likely to experience mild to warm, dry weather along with some wet and windy conditions. Thankfully the Gulf Stream means that even towards the end of autumn, you are unlikely to experience temperatures below freezing.

Don’t forget to pack these essentials for your trip to Ireland:

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Woollen jumper or fleece
• Lightweight base layers
• Quick-drying trousers or leggings
• Casual clothes
• Swimwear
• Rucksack
• Warm scarf, hat and gloves
• Warm socks
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses
   

Read this guide for more information on what to pack for Ireland depending on the season you are visiting in.