32 Best Irish Castles and Manor Houses (Photos A to Z)

There are many great reasons to visit Ireland, one of them being famous castles to tour and visit. Ireland has its fair share is incredible castles and manor houses. It also has many very old castle ruins if you prefer the ruins variety.

Below is a collection of the finest manor houses and castles in Ireland. We don’t include many ruins, instead opting to showcase structures still in use. Some are still private residences while others are luxury accommodations. After all, not many people can afford the upkeep of a huge castle these days unless fortunes remained in tact through the generations. Check out Ashford Castle above and below; the heating bill alone is not affordable for most people… but it sure is a spectacular castle rivalling any in Europe in size and grandiosity.

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software. Also, assume links that take you off the site are affiliate links such as links to Amazon. this means we may earn a commission if you buy something.

1. Adare Manor

The Adare Manor was the former seat of the Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl. Located in the village of Adare, the Manor was completed in 1862 by Valentine Quin, grandfather of the 1st Earl of Dunraven. Currently, the manor serves as a luxury hotel with a golf course inside.

About the Adare Manor

Where: Adare, Ireland
When: 19th century
Who built it: Sir Valentine Quin
Style: Tudor revival style
What is it now? Luxury Hotel
Current owner: Private owner

2. Ashford Castle

A medieval and Victorian castle that has been expanded over the centuries, the Ashford Castle was built on the site of the Anglo-Norman House of Burke that was built in 1228. In 1852, the estate was purchased by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness from the Encumbered Estates’ Court. His son added modifications to the castle and in 1939, the property was bought by Noel Huggard, who opened the castle as a hotel. Today, it serves as a five-star luxury hotel and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World organization.

About the Ashford Castle

Where: Mayo, Ireland
When: 13th century
Who built it: House of Burke
Style: Victorian style / Neo-gothic style
What is it now? Luxury Hotel
Current owner: Red Carnation Hotels

3. Ballynahinch Castle

An Irish country house now used as a hotel, the Ballynahinch Castle was the former residence of Richard Martin, founder of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Member of Parliament for County Galway. It was built in 1754 and was modified throughout the years.

About the Ballynahinch Castle

Where: Recess, Ireland
When: 1754
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Baroque architecture
What is it now? Hotel
Current owner: Private owner

4. Belfast Castle

Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Normans built the original Belfast Castle in the 12th century. The second castle was built by Sir Arthur Chichester, The 1st Baron Chichester and made it his official residence. However, Sir Arthur’s castle was burned to the ground, along with the original building. Rather than rebuilding the property, the Chichester decided to construct a new residence, resulting in the birth of the current Belfast Castle. Built between 1811 and 1870 by George Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall, he commissioned architect Charles Lanyon, and his son, of the architectural firm Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon. Together they followed the Scottish baronial style and was completed during the reign of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 8th Earl of Shaftesbury. His son, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 9th Earl of Shaftesbury gave the castle to the City of Belfast and was opened to the public in 1988.

About the Belfast Castle

Where: Belfast, Ireland
When: 1811-1870
Who built it: George Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall
Style: Scottish baronial style
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: City of Belfast

4. Belvedere Estate

The Belvedere House and Gardens were built in 1740 to serve as a hunting lodge for Robert Rochfort, 1st Earl of Belvedere. He commissioned architect Richard Cassels, one of Ireland’s foremost Palladian architects to do the job. The house, later on, turned to be Robert’s principal residence, after he found out that his wife and his brother Arthur were having an affair. Robert put both of them to jail, but he couldn’t live in his former home where memories with his wife are all over the place so he left his original residence. He also founded The Jealous Wall, the largest folly in Ireland to block off the view of his estranged brother’s house nearby.

About the Belvedere Estate

Where: Belvidere, Ireland
When: 1740
Who built it: Robert Rochfort, 1st Earl of Belvedere
Style: Palladian architecture
What is it now? Tourist attraction / Events venue
Current owner: Mullingar Municipal District

5. Birr Castle

A large castle in the town of Birr, Birr Castle is the private home of The 7th Earl of Rosse. It was built on the site of a former castle from the 12th century. Sir Laurence Parsons commissioned the construction of the Birr Castle 1620. It was then remodeled into a Gothic style building in the early 19th century.

About the Birr Castle

Where: Birr, Ireland
When: 1620
Who built it: Sir Laurence Parsons
Style: Gothic style
What is it now? The private residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse
Current owner: Brendan Parsons, 7th Earl of Rosse

6. Blackrock Castle

Blackrock Castle is a castellated fortification by Queen Elizabeth I, granting the request of the citizens of Cork to construct a fort at Blackrock to defend the area against pirates and other invaders. The fortification was built in 1582, then it was given to the City of Cork. It was destroyed multiple times and was rebuilt every time it suffered damages. In the 20th century, castle entered private hands and was used as a private residence, offices, rowing club headquarters, and restaurant until it was reacquired by Cork City Council making it a museum open to the public.

About the Blackrock Castle

Where: Cork, Ireland
When: 1582
Who built it: Queen Elizabeth I
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Museum / Open to the public
Current owner: Cork City Council

7. Blarney House

A medieval stronghold in Blarney, Blarney Castle was built on the exact spot where the former 10th-century timber house was erected. This timber house was replaced by a stone fort in 1210 that was destroyed in 1446. The Lord of Muscry, Cormac Laidir MacCarthy then constructed the current Blarney Castle, which is open to visitors and tourists controlled by the Colthurst family.

About the Blarney Castle

Where: Blarney, Ireland
When: 1446
Who built it: Lord of Muscry, Cormac Laidir MacCarthy
Style: Medieval architecture / Gothic style
What is it now? Open to visitors / Tourist attraction
Current owner: Colthurst family

8. Brownlow House

Brownlow House, otherwise known as Brownlow Castle and Lurgan Castle was commissioned by Charles Brownlow, 1st Baron Lurgan to Scottish architect William Henry Playfair to serve as his family residence. Currently, the Lurgan Loyal Orange District Lodge owns the property, which they bought from Lurgan Real Property Company Ltd. After serving as a military headquarters in both world wars, the Brownlow Castle now serves as a museum.

About the Brownlow House

Where: Lurgan, Ireland
When: 1883
Who built it: Charles Brownlow, 1st Baron Lurgan
Style: Renaissance style
What is it now? Museum / Open to the public
Current owner: Lurgan Loyal Orange District Lodge

9. Butler House

🔥 Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Located in Kilkenny, Ireland, Butler House is an 18th-century Georgian Dower house that is currently serving as a 4-star hotel and conference center. It was completed by 1786 to serve as the Dower house for Kilkenny Castle. The Butler House was commissioned by Walter Butler, 16th Earl of Ormonde for his wife to live in when their son John Butler, 17th Earl of Ormonde inherited the title. Currently, it is owned and managed by the Kilkenny Civic Trust.

About the Butler House

Where: Kilkenny, Ireland
When: 1786
Who built it: Walter Butler, 16th Earl of Ormonde
Style: –
What is it now? 4-Star Hotel / Conference center
Current owner: Kilkenny Civic Trust

10. Kilkenny Castle

Castle of Butlers, also known as Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195-1213 just after the Norman conquest of Ireland. After the property was transferred to the people of Kilkenny in 1967, it was opened to the public and is being maintained by the Office of Public Works.

About the Kilkenny Castle

Where: Kilkenny, Ireland
When: 1195-1213
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Victorian architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Office of Public Works

11. Castle Saunderson

Castle Saunderson was the former family seat of the Saunderson family. It was formerly known as Breffni Castle and was inhabited by the O’Reillys of Breffni since the 14th century. It was then inherited by Robert Sanderson from his father in 1676. It was destroyed a few times but was renovated. The estate was then sold to a private owner by Captain Alexander “Sandy” Saunderson, the last Saunderson who owned the property. It was abandoned and left in ruins soon after.

About the Castle Saunderson

Where: Belturbet, Ireland
When: Unknown
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Scouting Ireland facility
Current owner: The Castle Saunderson International Scouting Centre

12. Classiebawn Castle

A country house built for The 3rd Viscount Palmerston, Classiebawn Castle was designed by J. Rawson Carrol, a Dublin-based architect in the Baronial style in the 19th century. It is currently a popular tourist attraction in the village of Mullaghmore owned by a private owner.

About the Classiebawn Castle

Where: Belturbet, Ireland
When: 19th century
Who built it: 3rd Viscount Palmerston
Style: Baronial style
What is it now? Tourist attraction
Current owner: Private owner

13. Coolmain Castle

Originally built by the de Courcey family in the early 15th century, Coolmaine was later on acquired by MacCarthy Reaghs, the Princes of Desmond in the following century. It was then owned by Roy Disney from Hollywood photographer Bob Willoughby. After Roy Disney passed away, he left the castle to his family.

About the Coolmaine Castle

Where: Coolmain, Ireland
When: 15th century
Who built it: de Courcey family
Style: –
What is it now? Private property
Current owner: Disney family

14. Donegal Castle

Situated in the center of Donegal Town, Donegal Castle was by the O’Donnell chieftain in the 15th century. It was rebuilt in Jacobean style by Sir Basil Brooke in the 16th Century after Hugh O’Donnell, the owner of the castle that time burnt it to the ground rather than let it fall into enemy hands. After that, the castle never came back to its former glory. It was restored in the early 1990s by The Office of Public Works and opened it to the public.

About the Donegal Castle

Where: Donegal, Ireland
When: 15th century
Who built it: O’Donnell chieftain
Style: Jacobean style
What is it now? Open to the public / Events venue
Current owner: The Office of Public Works

15. Doneraile Court Manor House

A late-17th-century country house in the Republic of Ireland, Doneraile Court was originally built as the Doneraile Castle in the 13th century. It was abandoned in the 17th century after suffering from heavy damages. The reconstructed building was completed in the late 17th century. The Doneraile once became the residence of Lord Castletown, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr until he passed away. The Doneraile Court was then passed onto the care of the Republic of Ireland, which opened its park for free.

About the Doneraile Court

Where: Doneraile, Ireland
When: 17th century
Who built it: St Leger family
Style: Renaissance style
What is it now? Park, open to the public
Current owner: Republic of Ireland

16. Drishane Castle

Drishane Castle is a MacCarthy tower house and National Monument located in County Cork, Ireland built in the mid 15th century by Dermot McCarthy, the Lord of Munster. It fell to the hands of Charles 1, turning it into a garrison for his supporters. Then in 1728, the Wallis family acquired the estate and lived there until the 19th century. After the rule of the Wallis family, Patrick Stack bought the castle and then passed on the ownership to the Sisters of the Infant Jesus who turned it into a secondary school for girls until 1992 when it was purchased by the Duggan family and became a center for asylum seekers.

About the Drishane Castle

Where: Cork, Ireland
When: 15th century
Who built it: St Leger family
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? National Monument of Ireland
Current owner: Duggan family

17. Dromoland Castle

Originally built in the late 15th century, Dromoland Castle currently operates as a luxury hotel with a well-known restaurant inside. The current building of the estate was built in 1835, replacing the original building, which was damaged by a few battles in the past centuries. The Dromoland Castle served many nobles and royalties over the centuries before it became a luxury hotel. Its restaurant, the Earl of Thomond was awarded a Michelin star in 1995, under head chef Jean Baptiste Molinari.

About the Dromoland Castle

Where: Dromoland, Ireland
When: 15th century
Who built it: Architects James and George Richard Pain
Style: Gothic Revival style
What is it now? 5-Star Luxury Hotel and Restaurant
Current owner: Private owner

18. Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle was originally built in the 13th century as a defensive fortress commissioned by King John in 1204. It was rebuilt in the 18th century after the original building was damaged by a fire and later on demolished. Throughout its history, the castle served as an efficient defensive system and the seat of English, then later British, the government of Ireland under the Lordship of Ireland, the Kingdom of Ireland as well as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

About the Dublin Castle

Where: Dromoland, Ireland
When: 1204
Who built it: King John
Style: Gothic style / Neo-Gothic style
What is it now? Irish government complex / Conference center / Tourist attraction
Current owner: Irish Government

19. Huntington Castle / Clonegal Castle

Huntington Castle aka Clonegal — Huntington Castle / Clonegal Castle

Huntington Castle, also known as Clonegal Castle was built in 1625 for defensive purposes during the plantation of the area in the early 17th century. Today, it serves as a private house open to the public owned by Alexander and Claire Durdin Robertson.

About the Huntington Castle

Where: Clonegal, Ireland
When: 1625
Who built it: Unknown
Style: –
What is it now? Open to the public for guided tours
Current owner: Alexander and Claire Durdin Robertson

20. Johnstown Castle

🔥 Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

The first known owners of the Johnstown Castle were the Esmondes, a Norman family who settled in the county in the 12th century. It was acquired by John Grogan in 1692 and his successors made major changes and modifications to the castle, as it was rebuilt in a Victorian revival style in the 19th century. The Grogan-Morgan family, who owned the castle for centuries left the property in 1945, as the last owner presented it as a gift to the Irish Nation.

About the Johnstown Castle

Where: Murrintown, Ireland
When: 19th century
Who built it: Grogan-Morgan family
Style: Victorian Revival style
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Irish Government

21. Kilcoe Castle

Kilcoe Castle is situated on an islet in Roaringwater Bay the village of Ballydehob in County Cork, Ireland. It was built in the mid 15th century by the Clan of Dermod MacCarthy. After it was sieged in 1600, the castle started to fell into disrepair and slowly fell into ruin. However, in 1998, the ruin of Kilcoe Castle was purchased by the actor Jeremy Irons and started restoring it. The restoration work took 6 years to complete and became his family’s private home up to this date.

About the Kilcoe castle

Where: Ballydehob, Ireland
When: 15th century
Who built it: Clan of Dermod MacCarthy
Style: –
What is it now? Private property
Current owner: Private owner

22. Kilkenny Castle

About the Kilkenny Castle

Where: Kilkenny, Ireland
When: 1195-1213
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Victorian architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Office of Public Works

23. Knappogue Castle

A tower house located in the parish of Quin, County Clare, Ireland, Knappogue Castle was originally built in 1467 by Seán Mac MacNamara and became the seat of the MacNamara sept, the Earls of West Clancullen. After the MacNamara family, several other families ruled the castle for centuries and in the mid 19th century, the castle was remodeled by Dunboyne family commissioning architects James Pain and his brother George Richard Pain. After a few changes after the rule of the Dunboyne family, the castle was acquired by Mark Edwin Andrews, former Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy in 1966. Together with his wife, Lavonne, a prominent American architect, the couple made collaborations with then Shannon Free Airport Development Company, now Shannon Heritage and carried out extensive restoration. The castle was then opened to the public.

About the Knappogue Castle

Where: Quin, Ireland
When: 1467
Who built it: Seán Mac MacNamara
Style: Late Medieval architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Shannon Heritage

24. Lough Eske Castle

Lough Eske Castle is located in Donegal town is one of the top 10 hotels in Ireland. It was built in 1474 and was reconstructed in the mid 19th century. It was destroyed by a fire in 1939 before it became a World Luxury hotel awardee, a prestigious award for luxury hotels. It has been voted as World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel four years in a row already.

About the Lough Eske Castle

Where: Donegal, Ireland
When: 1474
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Elizabethan Tudor architecture
What is it now? 5-star luxury hotel
Current owner: Unclear

25. Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle was built by Richard Talbot in 1185 and became his family’s home for 791 years, from 1185 until 1976. The castle witnessed cruel bloodsheds and sadness throughout its long history, thus giving birth to the castle ghosts who roam the castle grounds. Many visitors have reported their encounters with a ghost court jester and a lady in white. It is believed that the ghosts are former residence of the castle. Currently, Malahide Castle is owned by the Irish State and is open to both local and international visitors all year long.

About the Malahide Castle

Where: Donegal, Ireland
When: 1185
Who built it: Richard Talbot
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Tourist attraction / Open to visitors
Current owner: Irish State

26. Muckross House

A mansion designed by the British architect, William Burn, Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the watercolorist Mary Balfour Herbert in 1843. Soon after it was built, the couple ordered extensive improvements in the 1850s to prepare for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. Due to these early improvements to the castle, Herbert family suffered financial difficulties in the following years resulting in the sale of the estate. It was bought by Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun in 1899. After Arthur Guinness, a few owners possessed the castle until it became a property of the Republic of Ireland as its first National Park.

About the Muckross House

Where: Killarney, Ireland
When: 1843
Who built it: Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Balfour Herbert
Style: Victorian style
What is it now? National Park
Current owner: Republic of Ireland

27. Plungė Manor

The Plungė Manor was originally built in the 16th century, however, the current and main mansion was ordered to be built by the Ogiński family in 1879, in a Neo-Renaissance style designed by Architect Karlas Lorencas. The property suffered damages from a fire during World War 2 and was renovated in 1961. Currently, the manor houses Samogitian Art Museum.

About the Plungė Manor

Where: Plungė, Lithuania
When: 16th century
Who built it: Ogiński family
Style: Neo-Renaissance style
What is it now? Samogitian Art Museum
Current owner: City of Plungė

28. Portumna Castle

🔥 Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Built in the early 17th century by the 4th Earl of Clanricarde, Richard Burke, Portumna Castle is a semi-fortified house located in Portumna. It was built in the Renaissance style, and its style, grandeur, and distinction were without equal in the whole of Ireland at that time. Today, it serves as a National Monument of Ireland and its grounds are open to the public.

About the Portumna Castle

Where: Portumna, Ireland
When: 17th century
Who built it: 4th Earl of Clanricarde, Richard Burke
Style: Renaissance style
What is it now? National Monument of Ireland
Current owner: Republic of Ireland

29. Powerscourt Estate

Located in Enniskerry, Powerscourt Estate is a large country estate originally built in the 13th century by a man named La Poer. The Powerscourt family acquired the house during the 16th century. As the family rose to power, they ordered the full renovation of the former house into the Palladian building that is known today. Architect Richard Cassels led the architectural plan that started in 1731 and was completed 10 years after. The estate would, later on, served the Viscounts of Powerscourt as their residence until it was sold by the 9th Viscount, Mervyn Patrick Wingfield in 1961. The buyer, the Slazenger family still owns the property up to this date.

About the Powerscourt Estate

Where: Enniskerry, Ireland
When: 16th century
Who built it: Powerscourt family
Style: Palladian architecture
What is it now? Tourist attraction
Current owner: Slazenger family

30. Russborough House

Situated near the Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow, Russborough House is a stately house designed by architect Richard Cassels in Palladian architecture. It was commissioned by Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown and was built between 1741 and 1755.

About the Russborough House

Where: Wicklow, Ireland
When: 1741-1755
Who built it: Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown
Style: Palladian architecture
What is it now? Tourist attraction / Open to visitors
Current owner: Beit family

31. Trim Castle

A Norman castle in Trim, County Meath, Ireland, Trim Castle was built by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter as the caput of the Lordship of Meath in the 12th century. It is the largest Norman castle in Ireland and is currently in ruin. It served several owners before it came to the possession of the Irish State. Today, it is a magnificent tourist attraction.

About the Trim Castle

Where: Trim, Ireland
When: 12th century
Who built it: Hugh de Lacy
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Tourist attraction / Open to visitors
Current owner: Irish State

32. Wilmont House

The original Wilmont House was built in 1740 and was replaced by Thomas Jackson’s Victorian-style building, which is the Wilmont House known today. The Belfast City Council acquired the property from Lady Dixon in 1959, who opened the Wilmont House to the public as the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.

About the Wilmont House