I can certainly offer a list of 20 notable castles in Ireland with brief bios. If you're interested in more, feel free to ask for additional recommendations!
- Blarney Castle (County Cork): Built in 1446, it's famous for the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the "gift of gab" on those who kiss it.
- Ashford Castle (County Mayo): Originally built in 1228, it's now a luxury hotel set on the shores of Lough Corrib.
- Bunratty Castle (County Clare): Dating to the 15th century, it hosts medieval banquets and sits beside the Bunratty Folk Park.
- Trim Castle (County Meath): One of the largest Norman castles in Ireland, dating back to the 12th century.
- Kylemore Abbey (County Galway): Originally built as a castle in 1867, it's now home to a Benedictine community of nuns.
- Malahide Castle (County Dublin): Dating back to the 12th century, it's surrounded by beautiful gardens and a butterfly house.
- Kilkenny Castle (County Kilkenny): A symbol of Norman strength, dating back to the 12th century, it's open to the public.
- Doe Castle (County Donegal): Built in the early 16th century, it's situated on the shores of Sheephaven Bay.
- Dromoland Castle (County Clare): Dating back to the 16th century, it's now a luxury hotel with stunning gardens and a golf course.
- Cahir Castle (County Tipperary): One of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles, dating to the 13th century.
- Rock of Cashel (County Tipperary): An ancient fortress with buildings dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
- Dunluce Castle (County Antrim): A dramatic cliffside castle dating back to the 13th century.
- Glenveagh Castle (County Donegal): Built in the 19th century, surrounded by beautiful gardens and set in Glenveagh National Park.
- Dunguaire Castle (County Galway): A 16th-century tower house on the shores of Galway Bay.
- Ballynahinch Castle (County Galway): Originally built in the 18th century, it's now a luxury hotel set in a stunning estate.
- Bective Abbey (County Meath): While not a castle, this well-preserved Cistercian abbey dates back to the 12th century.
- Donegal Castle (County Donegal): Built in the 15th century, it's situated on the River Eske in Donegal Town.
- Ross Castle (County Kerry): A 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane.
- Waterford Castle (County Waterford): Situated on a private island, it dates back to the 16th century.
- Lismore Castle (County Waterford): Dating back to the 12th century, it's set in picturesque gardens overlooking the River Blackwater.
These castles represent just a fraction of the rich historical and architectural heritage found throughout Ireland. Each castle has its own unique story and contributes to the fascinating tapestry of Irish history.
