10 Castles in Wild Atlantic Way That You Shouldn't Miss

October 24, 2021 Cedrick Jardin

Discover the best top things to do in Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland including Glin Castle, Three Castle Head, Ballinacarriga Castle, Belleek Castle Museum, King John's Castle, Adare Castle, Dysert O'Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Blarney Castle & Gardens, Ross Castle.
Restaurants in Wild Atlantic Way

1. Glin Castle

Glin Ireland +353 68 34173 [email protected]
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Glin Castle

2. Three Castle Head

Dunlough Ireland +353 28 71766 http://www.threecastlehead.ie
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 120 reviews

Three Castle Head

Reviewed By Slainte1969 - Seattle, United States

Family roots took me to this location and the historic castle, and it was a highlight of my life. The path in was somewhat confusing to me - just know when you park in the area overlooking the ocean, you’ll follow the signs that lead you away from the private property. The walk to the caste was grand, not too hard, but wet during rainy periods. The views of the ocean are spectacular and then when you crest the last hill before the castle, what an amazing site to see! It was breathtaking and I spent a lot of time here before continuing further along the path to the highest point where you can see all the coastal area in that part of Ireland. Walking further (with the extreme wind!), you see amazing views, lush grasses, because fauna and lots of rocks. It’s an amazing hike/walk and I will never forget this experience. Could not more highly recommend it!

3. Ballinacarriga Castle

Manch Bridge Ballineen Ireland +353 21 427 3251
Excellent
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Ballinacarriga Castle

4. Belleek Castle Museum

Belleek House Garrankeel, Ballina Ireland +353 96 22400 [email protected] http://www.belleekcastle.com/history.html
Excellent
82%
Good
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5.0 based on 231 reviews

Belleek Castle Museum

Learn about the history of Belleek Castle & the story of its inhabitants the Knox-Gore family. Lean about the exciting life of Marshall Doran a sailor who made his fortune from smuggling & antique dealing who later became hotelier & restored Belleek Castle in the 1960's. Visitors will see the original Castle & Marshalls additions to the house such as the Spanish Armada Bar (built from salvaged wood from Spanish Armada shipwrecks) and the Medieval Banquet Hall,. The highlight of the tour will be the Marshall Doran Collection! One of the finest collections of antiques, Jurassic Fossils, Medieval weapons and Medieval Armour in Ireland! Other curiosities include the last wolf shot in Connaught & the bed of Grace O'Malley, Ireland's Pirate Queen.

Reviewed By sandramK8378SD

Went Nov. 2019, great tour, guide fantastically knowledgeable. Would be great for kids as well. Very interesting history. ????

5. King John's Castle

Nicholas Street King's Island, Limerick Ireland +353 61 360 788 http://www.shannonheritage.com/KingJohnsCastle/
Excellent
52%
Good
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Satisfactory
10%
Poor
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4.5 based on 2,522 reviews

King John's Castle

This newly renovated 13th-century castle is open for tours.

Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland

Fantastic castle, a wonderful museum that really brings the history of Limerick to life with a combination of audio visual displays, interactive exhibits, artefacts and really interesting story-boards. The first half of the self-guided tour deals mostly with medieval history, the sieges, treaties and battles for power and what life was like for the people of the city then. There are superb models of the city at its various stages of growth. Then you can go down to the medieval foundations before ascending the towers and waking the battlements. Fantastic place, I was there well over 2 hours and just loved every minute. The staff were so, so helpful as well, it's important for me to mention that.

6. Adare Castle

Ireland
Excellent
72%
Good
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4.5 based on 60 reviews

Adare Castle

This famous medieval castle is known for its storied history as well as its imposing architectural presence.

7. Dysert O'Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre

Ireland +353 65 683 7401 http://www.dysertcastle.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
7%
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4.5 based on 72 reviews

Dysert O'Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre

8. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty West, Bunratty Ireland +353 61 360 788 [email protected] http://www.bunrattycastle.ie/folk-park/
Excellent
61%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 4,347 reviews

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. Bunratty Castle Welcome to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Bunratty Folk Park Enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents, of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McNamara’s pub! meet the village characters, sample some freshly baked bread by our resident Bean an Ti's (woman of the house) and for little visitors explore of quaint fairy village and pirate adventure playground

Reviewed By Ecowoman

Spent about 2 hours here exploring the past through their various buildings and re-creations. Very well done heritage park, showcasing dwellings from different regions (coast, mountain farm, strong farmer, labourer, stable, and up to the Bunratty House and the (ice cream) Brother’s home). There are animals (petting area, 2 Irish wolfhounds, donkeys, miniature ponies, fallow deer in the field, pigs, chickens, turkeys, etc), a playground for the younger kids, a tea room and pub, along with several gift shops in the village and at the entrance. The castle is more of the utilitarian style rather than one that was lived in. Functional rooms, and none made for comfort! There are lots of tight, steep and winding staircases, which may be challenging for some folks. You can get to the top of one of the towers, with a view over the River, and surrounding area. There is free parking across from the entrance, and more on the highway before turning off. If you’re interested in Mead and Poteen tasting, travel the Low Road past the park, look for the signs and turn left. Called the Bunratty Winery, and the products are made on site. Highly Recommended on a pleasant weather day, as most of the park is accessible outside. €17 pp entry.

9. Blarney Castle & Gardens

Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork T23 Y598 Ireland +353 21 438 5252 [email protected] http://www.blarneycastle.ie/
Excellent
65%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,308 reviews

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. LAST ADMISSION IS 60 MINS BEFORE CLOSING TIME/Dogs Not Permitted/Drone Photography Prohibited

Reviewed By rulesnations - Tuscaloosa, United States

Our family had a great trip to Blarney, perfect weather and beautiful grounds are beyond what I expected. I imagine the busy travel season might be tougher on kissing the stone but we only waited 20-30 mins and the walk up is interesting as you read each plaque. The Stone was fine but I never expected the amount of other opportunities to be so good. Kids absolutely loved it, would highly recommend a full day there.

10. Ross Castle

Ross Castle Ross Road, Killarney Ireland +353 64 663 5851 http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/visit/ross-castle
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
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4.5 based on 2,878 reviews

Ross Castle

This 15th-century castle is the subject of numerous historical myths, including that of a ghost who still makes appearances at the castle.

Reviewed By Z2388XEtanyam - Wexford, Ireland

Had a beautiful day trip here to visit this castle. Stunning location and a beautiful park. All the staff and our tour guide were very friendly and full of information about the history etc. Definitely a beautiful place to visit and a must see if you love your castles ????

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