Clough Oughter Castle: Where legends float on water.”
Ireland is dotted with castles — more than 30,000, to be exact — but while tourists flock to Blarney, Bunratty, and Dublin Castle, there are lesser-known gems that offer a far more magical (and often peaceful) experience. These hidden castles, tucked into woodlands, perched on lake edges, or nestled in rolling hills, feel like they belong in a fairytale.
Here are 10 hidden Irish castles you’ve probably never heard of — but definitely should visit.
1. Glin Castle, Co. Limerick
Privately owned by the FitzGerald family for over 700 years, Glin Castle sits elegantly on the banks of the Shannon Estuary. It now serves as a luxury boutique stay hosted by the Knight of Glin’s descendants.
Glin Castle offers timeless elegance along the Shannon.
2. Clough Oughter Castle, Co. Cavan
Floating on a tiny island in Lough Oughter, this 13th-century Norman ruin is only accessible by boat or kayak. Misty mornings here feel like a movie set.
3. Dunsany Castle, Co. Meath
Still home to the same family that built it in the 1400s, Dunsany Castle is a Gothic fortress surrounded by ancient woodland. Occasional tours and events make it a hidden delight.
4. Castle Roche, Co. Louth
Dramatically perched on a limestone outcrop, Castle Roche is a ruined stronghold with a dark legend: the lady who built it supposedly pushed her new husband out the window.
5. Aughnanure Castle, Co. Galway
This tower house was once home to the ferocious O’Flahertys. Hidden in the shadow of the Maumturk Mountains near Oughterard, it remains beautifully preserved.
6. Carra Castle, Co. Mayo
A romantic ruin hidden on a hill overlooking Lough Carra. Off the tourist trail, it’s a favourite spot for local walkers and daydreamers.
7. Kilkea Castle, Co. Kildare
One of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Ireland, Kilkea now operates as a luxury hotel and golf resort. But its medieval towers and haunted legends remain.
8. Minard Castle, Co. Kerry
A coastal ruin battered by sea winds, Minard Castle near Dingle is a wild, windswept site ideal for photographers and solitude seekers.
9. Castle Donovan, Co. Cork
Restored from ruin, this lesser-known Cork tower house has deep ties to the ancient O’Donovan clan and sits in a dramatic West Cork valley.
10. McDermott’s Castle, Co. Roscommon
Located on an island in Lough Key, this enchanting castle ruin is only visible from the water — or drone. It’s steeped in folklore, including tales of star-crossed lovers and lost treasure.
“McDermott’s Castle, a storybook ruin hidden on Lough Key.”
