Dublin Area Castles

We’ll see Dublin Castle on Day 2 of our tour, but if you’re looking for some other local castles to visit during free time on Day 2 and Day 3, the Dublin area has many to choose from.  With two free afternoons in Dublin, a half-day trip to a nearby castle is quite possible.

To the North:

1.  Less than an hour from the city center by bus, Malahide Castle boasts an impressive art collection.  The gardens are also quite impressive on the 260 acre estate and parkland.

2.  The fishing village of Howth boasts two lighthouses and also a castle.  Howth Castle is only open for guided tours in the summer and is still used as a private residence.  While the interior of the castle is only accessible by guided tour, you can still enjoy much of the grounds and a nice view of the castle if you happen to be visiting Howth.

3.  Slane Castle on the banks of the River Boyne is less than an hour by car from Dublin (though longer by bus) and has guided tours of both the castle and of their distillery. 

4.  If you’re willing to try to venture a bit further from town one afternoon, Trim Castle is less than an hour and a half northwest of Dublin by bus.  This 12^th century castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and was used during the filming of the movie Braveheart.

5.  About a half hour north by car (though longer by bus), Ardgillan Castle has gardens and sea views plus period antiques to enjoy during guided tours.

6.  There is frequent bus service from Dublin to Swords Castle, which was originally built as the residence of the first Anglo-Norman Archbishop of Dublin.  The castle dates from the beginning of the 13^th century and is open to visitors.

Other nearby castles and castle ruins include Dunsoghly Castle and Dunmoe Castle near Navan.

To the South:

1.  If you’re headed to the village of Dalkey for an afternoon, the main tourist attraction in town is Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center, which offers tours and theater performances.  Originally called Goat Castle, Dalkey Castle was recently restored.

2.  Drimnagh Castle is the only remaining castle in Ireland surrounded by a flooded moat.  The castle is open to tours during the week.

3.  Rathfarnham Castle is an Elizabethan fortified house with 4 flanker towers.  Along with a collection of portraits, the castle also has a collection of 18^th and 19^th century costumes and toys. 

4.  Not technically a castle but a manor house, Powerscourt Estate has beautiful gardens, an impressive fountain and even a waterfall on its grounds.  In fact, Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall.