Must-Visit Castles In Cork Ireland

Rising from the green hilltops of Cork, ancient castles overlook rolling meadows and miles of coastal scenery. Shrouded in Gaelic history and Celtic legend, castles are a unique feature of Cork’s spectacular landscapes. To guide you through the best, we’ve put together this list of must-visit castles in and around Ireland’s County Cork.

1. Blarney Castle

Historical Landmark

Blarney Castle enjoys a reputation as one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks. According to ancient superstition, kissing the Blarney Stone, embedded within the castle walls, bequeaths the kisser with the ‘gift of the gab’ – or a sublime way with words. A medieval stronghold built 600 years ago by the legendary Irish chieftain Cormac MacCarthy, it represents a stunning moment in history. Located just 8km (5mi) from Cork, Blarney Castle sits handsomely among 60 acres (24ha) of verdant gardens and trickling valleys.

2. Blackrock Castle

Museum, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

First constructed as a defence against pirates and invaders, the castellated fortifications of Blackrock stand proudly over the River Lee, with a tower that spirals several feet above the castle. Razed by fire in 1722, the original building no longer stands here. Architects reproduced it in 1829, adding three new stories to its height. Situated within Cork city itself, only 2km (1.2mi) from the centre, the castle has recently been restored as a functional observatory, operated by the Cork Institute of Technology. The lovely on-site café offers scenic views and a Mediterranean-influenced menu.

3. Kanturk Castle

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

The crumbling remains of Kanturk Castle, a ruined 17th-century mansion, are stunningly atmospheric. Influenced by Tudor and Renaissance styles, with a traditional Irish castellated eastern entrance, Kanturk once provided a defence against English settlers. Now, it stands bleakly empty, surrounded by forest. Located 1.5km (0.9mi) from the pretty market town of Kanturk, and 50km (31mi) from Cork’s capital, it’s an easy day trip from the city. Set aside an hour or so to explore the castle ruins and the bucolic surroundings, and stop off in Kanturk for cosy pubs and friendly restaurants.

5. Barryscourt Castle

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

A stunning example of a 15th-century tower house, the Norman-influenced Barryscourt Castle provided a home to the noble family of Norman de Barry for centuries. The well-maintained fortress features original towers, with antique interiors, and a fragrant herb garden. Request a tour of the site to get your bearings on the beauty of this modestly sized ‘domestic’ castle. Situated in the east of Cork, near the pint-sized town of Carrigtwohill, Barryscourt Castle takes around an hour to explore – located roughly 14km (9mi) from Cork’s capital.

6. Bantry House and Gardens

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark, Botanical Garden

Bantry House and Gardens Bantry West Cork, Ireland

A stately home located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Bantry House provides a dose of transportive antiquity. The historic mansion, surrounded by impeccably manicured gardens, overlooks Bantry Bay – 35km (22mi) of rugged coastline. Bantry House offers immersive events and individual ‘sound tours’, replicating the music that would have drifted through the mansion walls in 1796. Located an hour and a half from the centre of Cork, Bantry House and its rolling coast are best experienced as part of a long day trip.

For options on where to stay, discover our guide to the best hotels in Cork and book now on Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.