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If you’re a fan of whimsical, ethereal, and medieval lore, you’ll definitely want to explore the best castles in the UK and Ireland. These castles feature structures built thousands of years ago that housed kings and queens during the height of the British Empire.
Follow along to find the best castles you can visit and tour today in the UK and Ireland to live out your Renaissance fantasy.
Kilkenny Castle
Built in 1260 in Kilkenny, Ireland, this massive fortress was an access point and battleground on the River Nore. The castle was built specifically to control several waterways in Ireland.
The castle has been beautifully maintained throughout the centuries. Many people refer to it as the “best Medieval castle in Ireland. So book a guided tour of the castle to learn more about the royalty who lived here and the battles that took place.
Alnwick Castle
Sitting on the lush English countryside sits the Alnwick Castle. Constructed in 1309, Alnwick Castle is currently the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. This means that a family currently resides inside the castle as its owners.
The castle is a marvel of 12th-century architecture. All of the castle’s original walls still stand today as a testament to its builders. The family hosts tours and events on the castle grounds to help educate the public.
Ashford Castle
Built during both the Medieval and Victorian eras, Ashford Castle has been expanded and built on by many of its owners.
Part of the castle in Ireland serves as a five-star hotel. Previously owned and operated by the Guinness family, this castle is the best place to stay in Ireland to experience an average day for a royal family in the 13th century.
Dunluce Castle
Although this castle sits in ruins on a craggy cliff in Ireland, it was once home to the seat of Clan Macdonnell. The castle played host to many battles and wars through the years and clearly shows the wear and tear of constant conflicts.
Today, you can visit the castle on your own to read the maps and plaques put up around the property.
Birr Castle
Birr Castle is home to the 7th Early of Rosse; the family currently resides in the castle. However, tours are open to the public sections of the castle.
Built in 1170, this castle has withstood the test of time and still looks stunning today. Many locals regard Birr as the best castle in Ireland.
Rock of Cashel
Also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, this historic site has played host to many famous royals and saints of Ireland.
Many people just refer to it as “Saint Patrick’s Rock” to denote its important religious connections. The grounds are a stunning place to visit while in Ireland.
Belfast Castle
The dreamy Belfast Castle in Northern Ireland sits well above sea level on the side of a mountain. It’s one of the most famous castles in the UK to hold a wedding reception or ceremony.
Constructed by the Normans in the 12th century, it has played host to some of the most prominent royal families throughout history.
Conwy Castle
Although Wales is a less popular tourist destination in the UK, it has all of the charm and stunning castles of the rest of the country.
Many Welshmen will tell you to visit this castle at night as it lights up and sparkles over the waterway it sits on over a drawbridge.
Herlach Castle
Located in Gwynedd, Wales, it is classified as a Grade 1 medieval fortification. It’s built into the side of a rocky knoll close to the Irish Sea.
It was built by King Edward 1 during his invasion of Wales in 1283. Wales is sometimes called the “castle capital of the world” because of the massive castles built here that remain mostly untouched by battle or warfare.
Caernarfon Castle
Also built by King Edward 1, this Welsh Castle is exceptional because an entire modern town is built around the castle, making it an everyday sight for many people.
It’s hard to imagine the grounds of such a massive castle sitting empty. In the 13th century, the interior of the court would be packed with people working, taking walks, and even training their sword skills.
Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle once served as a large prison in Lancashire, England. Although its history is mostly unclear, it was probably built in the 11th century.
However, the base of the castle suggests that the site was used once as a Roman fortress during the Great Roman Empire. You can take a tour of the grounds and the interior to see the majestic gold ballrooms and the prisons underneath the castle.
Rochester Castle
The 12th-century keep at Rochester Castle is one of the best preserved in all of England. The prominent stone towers exemplify the style of architecture prevalent in medieval secular power.
You can tour this castle when visiting Kent in South East England. The castle is incredibly well-preserved to maintain a quality stronghold.
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