Which part of Ireland is best for castles in a short trip?
The east and the Boyne to Kilkenny corridor, because the castles sit close together and the driving stays short. From a Dublin or Kilkenny base you can work through Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland, on the Boyne, Kilkenny Castle, held by the Butlers for centuries above the River Nore, and the Rock of Cashel just beyond in Tipperary, with Cahir Castle on its island in the Suir. Add Blarney near Cork city only if the route already runs south. OPW Heritage Ireland cares for many of these sites, so check opening arrangements there before you set the day's order.
Useful pages: Where to go · Ready-made itineraries · The Wild Atlantic Way road trip · Dublin · County Cork · County Kerry · County Galway · Northern Ireland · Portrush · Visiting Irish castles · Plan your journey · Heritage · Golf in Ireland · Ireland's cities · Ireland in the movies · Best hiking trails in Ireland · The Southwest in 5 Days · The Great Links golf itinerary · Quieter places
Sources
- Irish Escapes guides and articles: shared/guides.json and shared/articles.json, including Golf in Ireland, Ireland in the Movies and Visiting Irish Castles
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