Hidden Castles in Ireland for Offbeat Exploration

Ireland is a country where myths, legends and history go hand in hand. Whereas most travelers visit the main attractions of iconic fortresses such as Blarney Castle and Dublin Castle, it is the unknown strongholds between emerald hills and distant coastline that are the true magic. These are the forgotten castles in Ireland with stories about Knights, chieftains, and battles that have shaped the history of Ireland.

A visit to these mysterious ruins and restored marvels is an insight into the more genuine Ireland. These places attract people who prefer to find tranquility, enigma, and pure splendor, not at locations heavily populated with tourists. In self-drive tours around the castles of Ireland or in exploring heritage trails, you can find forgotten gems that need to be rediscovered as mentioned in this list. This guide is an essential supplement to a comprehensive part of traveling to Ireland and a wonderful source of motivation when booking your next vacation packages to Ireland.

Ballycarbery Castle: Overlooking the Wild Atlantic

Ballycarbery Castle is a fantastic ruin, high-dramatized and perched almost on top of Cahersiveen in the Ring of Kerry, which seems to have sprouted directly out of the ground. It is one of the most evocative castles in Ireland because wreathing with ivy and located in the scenery of the Atlantic Ocean. The structure was constructed in the 16th century and it was used to house the MacCarthy Mor clan who used to control a large percentage of southwest Ireland.

The isolation of Ballycarbery makes her so enticing. This is in contrast to many other Ireland castles where the building is highly visited including the presence of ticket offices and large crowds. The crumbling walls and arched windows provide limitless photo possibilities, particularly during sunset when the stone is x-rayed to gold by the sea wind.

To those able to travel and find the best things to do in Ireland, going to Ireland castles like Ballycarbery Castle will help to be away from overcrowded attractions. Take good, strong shoes, wonder and adventure– this is barebones history.

Minard Castle: The Survivor of Storms

Minard Castle is situated on a hillock of rock, almost at the top of the west coast of Ireland, near Dingle. It was constructed by the Fitzgeralds during the 16th century and luckily, it is one of the few castles in Ireland that has withstood the storms and invasions of the centuries. The ruins were in part falling, but they remain very high against the elements, a representation of patience and greatness.

The beauty of Minard Castle is in the dramatic background. The pebble beach at the bottom of it, called the Minard Beach, is strewn with large boulders rolled into shore by Atlantic tides. During low tide, the castle view on the shore is miraculous and it is one of the most beautiful Ireland castles, a dream of both photographers and history lovers.

Minard has uninterrupted tranquility, in contrast to the castles in Ireland, which are highly commercialized. It is the best destination where a traveler would like to get to know the real coastal settings and discover the nearby legends. The local town of Dingle has quaint pubs, seafood restaurants and local residents who are keen to talk about the locality.

When booking vacation packages to Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula should be included and it will be a glimpse of the pristine Irish landscapes and this spectacular piece of medieval history.

Doe Castle: The Fortress by the Fjord

The Doe Castle is located in County Donegal, on an adjacent water-bound peninsula along a three-clam natural moat. This fort was constructed during the 15th century and housed the MacSweeney clan, a family of Scottish origin that would have played a significant role in the aggressive history of Gaelic Ireland. The Doe Castle is one of the most photogenic castles in Ireland today and is full of mystery and charm.

The tower house, courtyard and adjacent grounds of the house are free to be explored by visitors. The kaleidoscopic image of the castle in the Sheephaven Bay is fascinating on sunny days. It is a low-profile location that is hardly featured in the general Ireland travel guide itinerary tours, yet is a favorite of both locals and travelers who want to experience a little quiet.

To the explorers who longed to explore the less-known castles of Ireland, Doe can alleviate both calmness and narration and help one realize that the less visited parts of the country are well-zoned in terms of their most significant attributes.

Kells Priory: The Fortress Monastery

Kells Priory in County Kilkenny is no conventional castle, rather it is a huge complex of fortified monasteries which easily outshines many Ireland castles in grandeur. The priory was established in the 12th century by Augustinian monks and surrounded by strong defensive walls and towers in case of raiders, thus it was called Seven Castles.

It is like walking into another world in its ruins. Massive courtyards, vaulted cloisters and elaborate masonry indicate the ways in which religion and fortification were once joint. However, Kells Priory is not overwhelmed by the number of visitors because its historical attraction is not as popular as other Ireland castles and, thus, it is not fully crowded.

The reason why it stands out among other castles in Ireland is its dual identity as a monastery and a fortress. It is a popular one among those who like the fusion of spiritual history with architecture. Drivers will find the location of the artists in Kilkenny easily approachable, thus it makes the artiste a great place to be on a day trip.

When you are booking vacation packages to Ireland, ensure that they include the area of Kilkenny. In the vicinity of Kells Priory, and close by Jerpoint Abbey, may be seen the richness and variety of the castles of Ireland– one battle-scarred keep, and another peaceful abbey.

Conclusion

Scattered all around Ireland are the remains of her rich history – of grand ruins of old castles of Ireland and fortified abbeys and crumbling towers which still perplex the mind. Although familiar attractions are the ones attended by people, the unknown castles of Ireland provide much more than that, a more personal experience. These let the reader see the history of Ireland in pure form, as dear as the wild beauty of Ballycarbery and Minard, as the silent strength of Doe, and the spiritual peace of Kells Priory.

Visiting these unwanted castles in Ireland enables tourists to identify with the Irish people and their history as well as read about locations where mythology is perceived to exist. Whether you take a quick vacation or plan your Ireland vacations, it is important to visit these places that are not so commonly known, as you will not get to know everything about Ireland. To ensure your trip is smooth sailing, Travelodeal is selling customized vacation packages to Ireland including sightseeing, culture, and natural beauty, that will leave your trip very memorable and unique to every tourist visiting the Emerald Isle.