Castle Hopping – A Unique Way to Explore Ireland's Rich Heritage

When visiting a different country, travelers often go mountain hiking, beer and wine tastings, coffee crawls, or bar hopping. But have you tried exploring a country’s heritage by going castle hopping? The best place to do that is in Ireland. Aside from St. Patrick’s Day and Guinness, Ireland is known for its castles. There are more than 30,000 castles in the country. In this post, we will share with you five castles that you can visit when you rent a car in Ireland with Auto Europe.

1. Trim Castle, County Meath

Located in County Meath, Trim Castle is known as the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. It was built 30 years ago by Hugh de Lacy and his successors. You have probably seen the castle on the big screen, because it is where Mel Gibson’s movie Braveheart was filmed. It takes about 40-50 minutes to get to Trim Castle from Dublin.

2. Ross Castle, County Kerry

One of the castles in Ireland that is along the beautiful shore, Ross Castle is a must-visit if you’re in Killarney. Known for its mysterious myths, this 15th-century citadel has a lot of scenic views, perfect for photo opportunities. Take note that this castle is open only from March through November. Ross Castle is just a 6-minute drive from Killarney town.

3. Blarney Castle, County Cork

Located in the Village of Blarney, 8 kilometers away from Cork City in the South of Ireland, Blarney Castle is considered one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. The castle is most famous for being the home of the Blarney Stone, and according to Irish folklore, the stone will give you a gift of eloquence and persuasiveness when you kiss it.

4. Kilkenny Castle, County Kilkenny

Another castle that is a must-visit when you’re in Dublin is Kilkenny Castle. Abundant with wildlife and greeneries, this castle is known to have the best scenery in Ireland. Furthermore, the castle is also known for its Victorian architecture and style. Aside from the castle’s exterior’s popularity, Kilkenny Castle is also known for its collected treasures in its interiors.

5. Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus in County Antrim

If you love history, specifically viewing cannon displays, Carrickfergus Castle houses cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Located in Northern Ireland, the castle is known as one of the best-preserved medieval structures. Another fun fact about this castle is that it served as one of the backdrops in Game of Thrones!

From familiar places on your TV or movie screens to structures and history, Ireland is the best place to go Castle hopping. The best and most convenient way to do that is by booking an Ireland car rental from Auto Europe. The five castles that we showcased are not the only castles you can visit, there are more than 30,000 castles in Ireland. We encourage you to visit them and see why Ireland is one of the best places to visit if you’re interested in architecture, history, and sceneries.