What are the oldest castles in Ireland

I walked up to Trim Castle. My jaw dropped. The huge stone walls rose up like giants. That day changed me forever.

I fell in love with Irish castles. Now I hunt for them all over Ireland. Each one tells a story. Each one holds secrets from long ago.

Ireland has over 30,000 castles. Some are big. Some are small. Many are just ruins now. What are the oldest castles in Ireland? This question sent me on the best trips of my life.

These old castles matter a lot. They show our past. They bring in tourists. Best of all, they keep old stories alive.

How Irish Castles Began

When were the first castles built in Ireland? The answer is the 1170s. That’s when the Normans came to Ireland. They brought new ways to build.

Before castles, Irish people built ring forts. These were made of earth and wood. The Normans used stone instead. Their castles lasted much longer.

The oldest structure in Ireland is not a castle. It’s Newgrange. That’s from 3200 BC. But for real castles, we start in the 1100s and 1200s.

The Normans changed everything. They built tall towers. They made thick walls. Their castles could stop any attack.

Top 10 Oldest Castles in Ireland

I’ve been to all these castles. Some blew my mind. Others made me cry. All of them are special. Here’s my list of the best old Irish castles.

1. Trim Castle, Meath (1170s)

Trim Castle is huge. It’s the biggest castle in Ireland from Norman times. Hugh de Lacy built it in the 1170s.

The castle covers three acres. That’s like three football fields! The main tower is 75 feet tall. I spent a whole day there and still didn’t see it all.

Walking through Trim feels like time travel. The thick walls still stand strong. The rooms echo with old voices.

2. Dublin Castle, Dublin (1204)

Dublin Castle started in 1204. King John wanted a strong fort in Dublin. He built it where Vikings used to live.

This castle runs Ireland’s government now. But you can still see the old walls. The State Rooms are fancy beyond words.

I love how this castle mixes old and new. Medieval stones meet modern offices. It shows how Ireland grew and changed.

3. Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny (1195)

The Butler family built this castle in 1195. It sits by the River Nore. The views are stunning from every window.

Inside, the art collection amazed me. Old paintings hang on stone walls. Fancy furniture fills each room. The gardens are perfect for walks.

This castle got a Victorian makeover. But it kept its medieval heart. The blend works perfectly.

4. Carrickfergus Castle, Antrim (1177)

John de Courcy built this castle in 1177. It guards Belfast Lough like a stone soldier. Ships had to pass right by its walls.

This castle saw 800 years of war. Vikings fought here. So did Normans, Scots, and English. The walls have many battle scars.

Standing on the walls, I felt the history. I could almost hear old battles. The sea wind carries whispers from the past.

5. King John’s Castle, Limerick (1210)

This castle towers over Limerick since 1210. It controlled the Shannon River. No one could cross without permission.

The five towers still look scary. The museum inside brings history to life. You can see how knights lived and fought.

I loved the digs under the castle. They found Viking houses and Norman foundations. Layer after layer of Irish history.

6. Cahir Castle, Tipperary (1300s)

Cahir Castle is one of the biggest castles in Ireland. The Butlers expanded it over many years. It sits on a small island for safety.

This castle is amazingly complete. Most rooms still have their roofs. The Great Hall hosts parties even now.

I was shocked by how well it’s kept. You can see how rich nobles lived. They had comfort and style, even in the 1300s.

7. Donegal Castle, Donegal (1474)

Red Hugh O’Donnell built this castle in 1474. It looks out over Donegal Bay. The O’Donnells ruled Ulster from here.

This castle mixes Irish and English styles. The tower is pure Irish. The house part is English. The mix tells Ireland’s story.

I found this blend fascinating. You can see how cultures mixed and clashed. Architecture tells the truth about history.

8. Bunratty Castle, Clare (1425)

Bunratty Castle gives the best medieval experience in Ireland. They built it in 1425. Now it hosts medieval dinners.

The castle has four floors of medieval life. Period furniture fills every room. The Folk Park shows how Irish people lived later.

I went to a medieval banquet here. We ate with our hands. We drank from horns. It felt like real time travel.

9. Blarney Castle, Cork (1446)

Blarney Castle is the most famous castle in Ireland. Everyone knows about the Blarney Stone. Built in 1446, it draws millions of visitors.

The stone sits at the top of the tower. You hang backwards to kiss it. Local legend says it gives you the gift of smooth talking.

I kissed it twice – just to be sure! The castle ruins are romantic. The gardens below are magical.

10. Ashford Castle, Mayo (1200s)

Ashford Castle started as a fortress in the 1200s. Now it’s Ireland’s fanciest castle hotel. The de Burgo family built the first tower.

This is the ultimate in castles in Ireland to stay. Five-star luxury meets medieval walls. I saved up for one night here.

It was worth every penny. I slept in a room where kings once stayed. The service was fit for royalty.

How Many Castles Does Ireland Have?

How many old castles are there in Ireland? Over 30,000! That includes everything from complete castles to tiny ruins.

Many abandoned castles in Ireland sit empty. These forgotten ruins offer the best adventures. No crowds. No gift shops. Just you and history.

I love exploring ruined castles. They feel more real than tourist spots. Your imagination can run wild in these forgotten places.

Preserved castles teach official history. Ruined castles let you dream. Both types deserve our care and respect.

Irish Castles Today

Irish castles serve many purposes now. Some are hotels. Others are museums. Many host weddings and parties.

What is the most famous castle in Ireland? Blarney Castle wins easily. The Blarney Stone makes it world famous. People come from everywhere to kiss it.

What is the most beautiful castle in Ireland? I think Kilkenny Castle is the prettiest. Its riverside location is perfect. The Victorian additions are stunning.

But beauty is personal. Every castle has its own charm. Some prefer rugged ruins. Others like restored grandeur.

Ireland’s Place in Castle History

What is the oldest castle in the world? Chepstow Castle in Wales claims this title. It was built around 1067.

Irish castles came soon after. The Norman invasion of 1169 brought castle building to Ireland. Our castles follow the same European patterns.

But Irish castles have their own style. They mix Norman engineering with Irish traditions. The result is uniquely Irish.

Your Questions Answered

What are the oldest castles in Ireland?

The oldest castles in Ireland date from the 1170s. Trim Castle and Carrickfergus Castle are the oldest survivors.

What is the top 10 oldest castle in Ireland?

My top 10 list includes Trim, Dublin, Kilkenny, Carrickfergus, King John’s, Cahir, Donegal, Bunratty, Blarney, and Ashford castles.

How many old castles are there in Ireland?

Ireland has over 30,000 castles and castle ruins. They range from complete fortresses to foundation stones.

What is the biggest castle in Ireland?

Trim Castle in Meath is Ireland’s largest Norman castle. It covers three acres with a 75-foot tower.

What is the most famous castle in Ireland?

Blarney Castle in Cork is Ireland’s most famous castle. The Blarney Stone makes it known worldwide.

What is the most beautiful castle in Ireland?

Beauty is personal, but Kilkenny Castle often wins beauty contests. Its riverside setting is stunning.

What is the oldest structure in Ireland?

Newgrange is Ireland’s oldest structure. It was built around 3200 BC, thousands of years before castles.

When were the first castles built in Ireland?

The first castles in Ireland were built in the 1170s. This followed the Norman invasion of 1169.

Start Your Castle Adventure

Ireland’s oldest castles are windows to our past. Each stone has a story. Each room holds memories. These ancient forts connect us to people who lived centuries ago.

Visiting these castles changed how I see Irish history. Standing where kings made decisions feels powerful. Walking where knights prepared for battle brings books to life.

Start planning your castle trip today. Pick famous tourist spots or hidden ruins. Both will create memories that last forever.

Ireland’s castle heritage belongs to everyone. Let’s explore it. Let’s protect it. Let’s keep these stories alive for our kids and grandkids.

These ancient stones have waited centuries for your visit. They have stories to tell. All you have to do is listen.

Seán O’Connor

Hello, I’m Seán O’Connor from Dublin, Ireland. I recently graduated in Tourism and love traveling. I’ve explored much of Ireland and enjoy sharing our culture, history, food, and daily life with the world through Irish Life Diaries.