Dunguaire Castle – County Galway, Ireland Dunguaire Castle stands on a rocky promontory overlooking Galway Bay near the village of Kinvara in County Galway. Built in the 16th century by the O’Hynes clan, the castle is a classic example of a medieval Irish tower house. The castle’s dramatic location beside the water has made it […]
Mellifont Abbey – County Louth, Ireland Mellifont Abbey lies along the banks of the River Mattock in County Louth, north of the Boyne Valley. Founded in 1142, Mellifont was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland and played a major role in introducing continental monastic traditions to the Irish church. The abbey once formed a large […]
Trim Castle – County Meath, Ireland Trim Castle stands along the River Boyne in County Meath and is the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Construction began in the late 12th century under the leadership of Hugh de Lacy, a powerful Norman lord granted lands in the region. The castle’s enormous stone keep dominates the surrounding […]
Rock of Cashel – County Tipperary, Ireland The Rock of Cashel rises dramatically above the surrounding countryside in County Tipperary and is one of Ireland’s most iconic historic landmarks. The site served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster before being granted to the church in the 12th century. The complex includes several […]
Cahir Castle – County Tipperary, Ireland Cahir Castle stands on a rocky island in the River Suir in the town of Cahir in County Tipperary. Built in the 13th century by the powerful Butler family, the castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Ireland. Massive stone walls, towers, and defensive battlements surround the […]