|
Ireland is well known for its ruins and its castles.
Most people have heard of Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney
Stone in County Cork, and the historic Rock and Castle of Cashel
just over the border in County Tipperary, but Ireland has a lot more
historic sites to offer.
Just a short drive from the town of Cashel is one of
Ireland’s best kept fortresses - Cahir Castle. The building of the
castle took place between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. It
is one of the most complete of Ireland’s castles and it still has
its tower, keep, and defence structures. The castle was considered
almost invincible until the invention of heavy canon fire. The
castle is now fully restored and open to visitors all the year
round.
Desmond Castle in Kinsale, Cork is actually a customs
house that was built in the fifteenth century by the Fitzgerald
family. Kinsale was a wine port that had supplied the ships which
were the forerunners of the modern British Navy, from the early
fifteenth century.
Probably the most popular castle in Ireland next to
Blarney Castle is Bunratty castle, which was built around 1425 by
the Normans and inhabited by the Kings of Munster, the O’Brien
clan. The castle is situated near Limerick, close to the River
Shannon and during its time has seen many battles. It was rebuilt
seven or eight times before its current restoration. The castle
underwent extensive restoration in the mid nineteen fifties and
filled with objects and furnishings that date back to the fifteenth
and sixteenth centuries The building is actually a mix of Norman
castle and Gaelic tower houses of a later period with its main
tower, four floors and four corner turrets. It is one of the most
popular attractions in Ireland, outside of Dublin.
Bantry House in Cork is not really a castle but it was
the family seat of the Earls of Bantry. The family were known for
travelling around Europe and bringing back art, furniture and other
treasures to decorate the house. The treasures include four pieces
of the Aubusson Tapestry, which was a wedding present for Marie
Antoinette when she married the Dauphin.
For Car
Rental and Van
Hire Deals please check out the Sixt.ie website.
|
