curlicue large Castle Hotels of Ireland curlicue large

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Jump to a list of all Irish castle hotels here, or click on a region.

 

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Castles by the hundreds dominate the Irish landscape. And because there are so many, it is not surprising that the castle hotels of Ireland offer a range of accommodations to suit every taste. You can experience both exclusive surroundings and a very intimate slice of Irish life in these wonderful architectural treasures

Ireland has been invaded since the time of the Vikings and Danes, but it was the fateful Norman invasion that permanently changed the face of the countryside and established its devastating link with Britain.

As the Normans captured a new district in Ireland, they built fortresses known as motte and baileys to protect it. These forerunners of stone castles were made of wood on mounds of earth with a fortified enclosure at the base of each mound.

During the next four centuries the Normans built castles throughout Ireland, including 900 around the Shannon area and 235 stone castles in County Wexford alone.

Today many castles are open for exploration, hotel accommodation, private rental, and even medieval banquets.

Some great reasons to visit

Every region of Ireland is enchanting!

curlicue Connaught With a low population, this ancient Celtic province has inspired poets and writers with its lush landscape, rugged coastline, and lonely valleys.

curlicue Leinster Home to some of Ireland’s most sacred sites and grand castles, this region is marked by rolling hills, lakes, bogs, and farmland.

curlicue Munster Dramatic coastal scenery, wild terrain, glassy lakes, and rolling farmland make traveling in this region of Ireland an utter delight. Castles dotting the landscape give testimony to the Anglo-Norman invasions.