There are more than 30,000 castles and ruins left in Ireland today, most dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. Visiting a few (or many) of them will allow you to learn about Irish history right from the source.
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In fact, there are over 1400 ruins (of castles, abbeys, churches, ancient sites, houses, mills, etc.) spread around the country (including Northern Ireland).
Additionally, many castles in Ireland have been destroyed or fallen into ruin over the centuries. However, it is estimated that there are over 30,000 castle ruins in Ireland, with some of the most famous examples being Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, Kilkenny Castle, Bunratty Castle, and Ashford Castle.
What You Can Expect To See. Many castles found their demise after the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland. Cromwell's policy was to destroy the battlements of castles which of course were crucial to their defence, as well as the spiral staircases. With both of those actions, the castle was rendered useless.
This is a little known fact; Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe. Wales' history has left a landscape scattered with Iron Age hill forts, Roman ruins and castles from Medieval Welsh princes and English kings.
A massive surplus of housing, combined with the late-2000s recession, resulted in a large number of estates being abandoned, unoccupied or uncompleted.
Due to Ireland being a place that was constantly war torn for centuries castles were constantly built, destroyed and then rebuilt. Ireland is also slightly less mountainous than Scotland so there was more land suitable for castle building.
Whilst the exact number is not known, experts have estimated that Germany is home to over 20.000 castles. From castles that look like they come straight out of a fairy tale to medieval fortresses with moats, Germany features some of Europe's most impressive castles and palaces.
From fairytale castles to mighty fortresses, the Dordogne Valley is the proud owner of a stunning cultural heritage and some of the prettiest sites in France.
Dunguaire Castle has the most picturesque location at the shores of Galway Bay near Kinvara in County Galway. The castle comprises of a 75 foot tower and defensive wall against a stunning backdrop making this castle – the most photographed castle in Ireland!