41 AUTUMN / WINTER 21 DESTINATION IRELAND
Ireland ’ s unmissable castles
For the sheer diversity and quantity of castles , nowhere can top the
island of Ireland .
Frequented by showbiz royalty and actual royalty alike , Irish castles have long been famous for their ancient history and heritage , their beauty and romance , and with many also offering the ultimate in fivestar luxury . include a grotto , a walled flower garden , two ornamental lakes and a llama paddock .
As we all stay confined to home , imagine yourself as the lord or lady at one of these six unmissable strongholds around the country .
Dunluce Castle , County Antrim
The sprawling ruins of the medieval castle sitting at a cliff edge are all that is left of the fortress that was once the seat of the earls of Antrim . Dunluce Castle was home to rebellion and intrigue over centuries and is said to have inspired CS Lewis to create Cair Paravel , capital of Narnia . Here you might have to share the space with banshees ( fairy ghosts ) that are said to haunt the ruins .
Birr Castle , County Offaly
Indoors and outdoors you ’ d be surrounded by splendour at Birr Castle . The opulent interior rooms include a Victorian dining room and octagonal Gothic saloon . The gardens are some of the most stunning in Ireland with exotic flowers , waterfalls and lakes and in the grounds sits the fascinating Leviathan telescope , once the largest in existence .
Blackrock Castle , County Cork
Originally built to protect Cork harbour , imposing Blackrock Castle with its towers and turrets is today home to the astronomical research centre of the Cork Institute of Technology . The castle offers splendid views over the water and you could amuse yourself by spending time at the award-winning interactive astronomy exhibition , Cosmos at the Castle .
Glenarm Castle , County Antrim
Since 1636 Glenarm Castle has been an important centre along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland . Here you could relax in the sumptuously decorated lounge while viewing portraits that date from the early 17th century . Imagine strolling through the walled garden and then ending the day with a restful sleep in a four poster bed dating from 1754 .
Tullynally Castle , County Westmeath
Overlooking the lake where the legendary Children of Lir were said to swim when they were turned into swans , Tullynally is a beautiful gothic-style castle . With over 120 rooms including the magnificent Great Hall , you would have plenty of space to roam . Outdoors the grounds
Ballynahinch Castle , County Galway
This fairytale castle set against the gorgeous backdrop of Connemara ’ s Twelve Bens mountain range has been home to some of the most infamous figures of Irish history , among them the pirate queen and chieftain , Grace O ’ Malley , and the ‘ Ferocious O ’ Flaherty Clan ’. The extensive grounds provide an ideal walking area and the evening could be spent curled up in front of an open fire .
www . ireland . com