CASTLES in IRELAND: Vote for your favorite?
Aug 1st, 2005, 12:00 AM
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CASTLES in IRELAND: Vote for your favorite?
What is your favorite castle in Ireland? Please share your memories of your favorite castle. (No fair picking them all!)
We plan to visit Trim Castle on our first visit to Ireland next summer 2006. I'm not sure which other castles we will have time to include.
We plan to visit Trim Castle on our first visit to Ireland next summer 2006. I'm not sure which other castles we will have time to include.
Aug 1st, 2005, 06:18 AM
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Melissa!
This is such an unfair question because there are so many castles in Ireland and each one is unique with it's own reasons to love. I seriously don't think I could chose only one...
For an all round castle that everyone can find something enjoyable in I would have to go with Cahir Castle in Cahir Co. Tipperary. Practically untouched (though slightly altered over time) this castle has a tour with many interesting stories you can really only get from a tour guide, but it is also an open site so that you can wander around on your own - from battlements to dungeon. It has a working portcullis and has been in several movies (including the more recent Braveheart) and there's also an audio-visual show about it's history. It has a mote, you can visualize the draw bridge and it sits in the middle of a river in the middle of a town. What is not to love about this castle?
Kilkenny Castle is another favorite of mine but for a very different reason. This one is huge, imposing and really what you think of when you picture "castle" in your head. Except for the one missing curtain wall, it is a great Example of Castle. Added to this is that inside it is full of antiques and treasured art. Someone lived here and you can really feel intouch with them as you pass through. This may be more of the Hollywood version of a castle but you start to feel like a king or queen (or at least a paige) as you are escourted around its interior. The Long Hall, full of paintings, is a place I could spend a good bit more time in - and if you get the chance and aren't rushed out by the next tour group, then I highly suggest that you do take some time to look at the tapestries, the paintings and the woodwork all around it. I see something new each time we visit.
You are already going to Trim, another of my "favorites" so I won't have to convince you to go there. But I waited for years to be able to go inside this monster of a castle and maybe that is why I love it so. You can really see the bones of the castle at Trim and with the catwalks you get an unusual perpective that those who lived in it never got. You have to use your imagination to populate and dress up this castle but I think that that also gives you freedom to make it as cold and dank or as elaborate and festival as you like. The view from the top is breathtaking... and oh so Irish!
OK, I'll stifle it. I seriously love the castles in Ireland and there are so many I have yet to visit. Now I want to start planning my next trip already. Oh dear, the hubby won't be so happy about that. He wants to go to Vegas!
Wendy
This is such an unfair question because there are so many castles in Ireland and each one is unique with it's own reasons to love. I seriously don't think I could chose only one...
For an all round castle that everyone can find something enjoyable in I would have to go with Cahir Castle in Cahir Co. Tipperary. Practically untouched (though slightly altered over time) this castle has a tour with many interesting stories you can really only get from a tour guide, but it is also an open site so that you can wander around on your own - from battlements to dungeon. It has a working portcullis and has been in several movies (including the more recent Braveheart) and there's also an audio-visual show about it's history. It has a mote, you can visualize the draw bridge and it sits in the middle of a river in the middle of a town. What is not to love about this castle?
Kilkenny Castle is another favorite of mine but for a very different reason. This one is huge, imposing and really what you think of when you picture "castle" in your head. Except for the one missing curtain wall, it is a great Example of Castle. Added to this is that inside it is full of antiques and treasured art. Someone lived here and you can really feel intouch with them as you pass through. This may be more of the Hollywood version of a castle but you start to feel like a king or queen (or at least a paige) as you are escourted around its interior. The Long Hall, full of paintings, is a place I could spend a good bit more time in - and if you get the chance and aren't rushed out by the next tour group, then I highly suggest that you do take some time to look at the tapestries, the paintings and the woodwork all around it. I see something new each time we visit.
You are already going to Trim, another of my "favorites" so I won't have to convince you to go there. But I waited for years to be able to go inside this monster of a castle and maybe that is why I love it so. You can really see the bones of the castle at Trim and with the catwalks you get an unusual perpective that those who lived in it never got. You have to use your imagination to populate and dress up this castle but I think that that also gives you freedom to make it as cold and dank or as elaborate and festival as you like. The view from the top is breathtaking... and oh so Irish!
OK, I'll stifle it. I seriously love the castles in Ireland and there are so many I have yet to visit. Now I want to start planning my next trip already. Oh dear, the hubby won't be so happy about that. He wants to go to Vegas!
Wendy
Aug 1st, 2005, 10:43 AM
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WENDY, I love your enthusiasm for Ireland! Okay but you cheated and voted for 3 castles. But you included great descriptions, so you are allowed 3 votes! Just this once...
Hmmm...I am still playing with my itinerary, and if I get 2 nights in CASHEL, we might have time to see Caher Castle as well. How far is Kilkenny Castle from CASHEL? (What a tongue-twister!)
Hmmm...I am still playing with my itinerary, and if I get 2 nights in CASHEL, we might have time to see Caher Castle as well. How far is Kilkenny Castle from CASHEL? (What a tongue-twister!)
Aug 1st, 2005, 11:55 AM
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Ohh, Wendy, I have to add Donegal Castle in Donegal town, and also Malahide Castle (near Dublin), to your list with which I agree.
Donegal Castle has been restored to some degree, and one can certainly imagine being there centuries ago. Our tour guide Danny was simply grand in his information.
Malahide Castle, on the other hand, was lived in until recent times! It is preserved beautifully with gorgeous decorations and furnishings -- and again the tour guide certainly gives one a glimpse of life not only centuries ago but in modern times too. And the grounds are magnificent (250 acres).
Two castles in marked contrast to one another -- equally fascinating, but then I agree with Wendy, all of them are!
Donegal Castle has been restored to some degree, and one can certainly imagine being there centuries ago. Our tour guide Danny was simply grand in his information.
Malahide Castle, on the other hand, was lived in until recent times! It is preserved beautifully with gorgeous decorations and furnishings -- and again the tour guide certainly gives one a glimpse of life not only centuries ago but in modern times too. And the grounds are magnificent (250 acres).
Two castles in marked contrast to one another -- equally fascinating, but then I agree with Wendy, all of them are!
Aug 1st, 2005, 12:20 PM
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suelh, your perspective is very interesting. Especially since we will fly home from Dublin, we could stay in either Dublin or Malahide... Would it be fun to stay in Malahide? We could see the Malahide Castle and take public transportation into Dublin as a day-trip...
Here's what the National Geographic Traveller guidebook says about Malahide: "Driving on northward you'll find the handsome town of Malahide, well-known for good restaurants. Malahide Castle, home of the Talbot family for nearly eight centuries, is a romantic dream of battlements and turrets, on a core of late Norman work."
Thanks for your vote, Sue!
Here's what the National Geographic Traveller guidebook says about Malahide: "Driving on northward you'll find the handsome town of Malahide, well-known for good restaurants. Malahide Castle, home of the Talbot family for nearly eight centuries, is a romantic dream of battlements and turrets, on a core of late Norman work."
Thanks for your vote, Sue!
Aug 1st, 2005, 01:00 PM
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Hello, Melissa5--I'll let Wendy and/or Chris, or others, too, chime in with their expertise as to your latest inquiry re staying in Malahide or Dublin. They are far more experienced in their Irish travels!
Our situation was different, in that we started out in Dublin with two nights there before heading southwest and eventually north to Donegal area. Then we drove back, heading southeast, through Belleek, the Midlands, and stopping in Trim (yes, the castle is great, as Wendy describes). We stayed there several days in order to see Newgrange, Hill of Tara, and Kells. Our next-to-last day we traveled to Malahide, visited the castle, had lunch, and then wound our way down to the Dublin airport where we turned our car in, took a shuttle to the nearby hotel in Santry for the night, and flew back to NYC the next morning.
So, not sure about what to recommend for you for your plans, but I'm certain you will get good advice re the wrap-up for your trip from those Ireland travelers who are experienced.
I know at times the planning can seem overwhelming, for I certainly felt that way for our initial trip to Ireland, but Wendy came to my aid and calmed me down! And, as you will find, once you are in Ireland, everything will flow beautifully and most things will begin to make a lot more sense, so hang in there! Just allow for some flexibility and surprises in your plans -- but that's part of the fun of travel, isn't it, as long as you have your basic trip organized.
Cheers,
Sue
Our situation was different, in that we started out in Dublin with two nights there before heading southwest and eventually north to Donegal area. Then we drove back, heading southeast, through Belleek, the Midlands, and stopping in Trim (yes, the castle is great, as Wendy describes). We stayed there several days in order to see Newgrange, Hill of Tara, and Kells. Our next-to-last day we traveled to Malahide, visited the castle, had lunch, and then wound our way down to the Dublin airport where we turned our car in, took a shuttle to the nearby hotel in Santry for the night, and flew back to NYC the next morning.
So, not sure about what to recommend for you for your plans, but I'm certain you will get good advice re the wrap-up for your trip from those Ireland travelers who are experienced.
I know at times the planning can seem overwhelming, for I certainly felt that way for our initial trip to Ireland, but Wendy came to my aid and calmed me down! And, as you will find, once you are in Ireland, everything will flow beautifully and most things will begin to make a lot more sense, so hang in there! Just allow for some flexibility and surprises in your plans -- but that's part of the fun of travel, isn't it, as long as you have your basic trip organized.
Cheers,
Sue
Aug 2nd, 2005, 06:16 AM
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Sue is right on the mark with both Donegal and Malahide Castles.
It's been a few years since I was in Donegal (nearly 10!) but it was very well restored though sparsely furnished and only newly reopened. But wonderful.
Malahide I only got to see the outside of as we got there too late to take in the tour (I was watching hurling on the telly!) but that castle is the one in some of the pictures I posted from my most recent trip this past May. (M, let me know if you need the link again and I'll send it to you.)
Sorry for "cheating" with my votes but it really is just too hard for me to pick only one castle out of them all. Would I chose one I've never inside of (like Blarney or Malahide) but I know I want to visit or would I pick one that I love to return to again and again (like Cahir or Trim)? It's just too hard, I tell you! There's a lovely article about castles in Cork in the May/June 2005 issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes". You may want to check it out.
If you decide to stay in Malahide you will not be disappointed. It's a lovely little seaside town that I need to go back to and do more exploring in it. I know you really only have one day in Dublin and to get the most out of it you may want to stay nearer downtown itself. But shopping and concrete isn't really your family's thing either so perhaps a good bit of touring but not staying in the thick of it will be enough for you.
(It would be like coming to our town and staying downtown over one night but only going to to see Old Town and visiting the museums in B. Park vs staying in Del Mar or LJ and then driving down to the Park, walking a bit of downtown and perhaps seeing some of Old Town. The night life and all is "right there" but there's plenty of people, it's a pretty big city vs a bit more charm and a bit more upscale. Hope that analogy makes sense.)
Technically, as Sue says, you could do a day trip to Malahide or even Dublin from Trim and perhaps not have any nights in Dublin at all. We travel from Newbridge to Dublin the morning of our flight to LAX and have had no problems getting to the airport, dropping off our rental car, checking in and still making our flight. The distance is about the same but probably less traffic coming from the north than from all the feeder N roads merging on the M50 trying to get into Dublin.
Cheers,
Wendy
It's been a few years since I was in Donegal (nearly 10!) but it was very well restored though sparsely furnished and only newly reopened. But wonderful.
Malahide I only got to see the outside of as we got there too late to take in the tour (I was watching hurling on the telly!) but that castle is the one in some of the pictures I posted from my most recent trip this past May. (M, let me know if you need the link again and I'll send it to you.)
Sorry for "cheating" with my votes but it really is just too hard for me to pick only one castle out of them all. Would I chose one I've never inside of (like Blarney or Malahide) but I know I want to visit or would I pick one that I love to return to again and again (like Cahir or Trim)? It's just too hard, I tell you! There's a lovely article about castles in Cork in the May/June 2005 issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes". You may want to check it out.
If you decide to stay in Malahide you will not be disappointed. It's a lovely little seaside town that I need to go back to and do more exploring in it. I know you really only have one day in Dublin and to get the most out of it you may want to stay nearer downtown itself. But shopping and concrete isn't really your family's thing either so perhaps a good bit of touring but not staying in the thick of it will be enough for you.
(It would be like coming to our town and staying downtown over one night but only going to to see Old Town and visiting the museums in B. Park vs staying in Del Mar or LJ and then driving down to the Park, walking a bit of downtown and perhaps seeing some of Old Town. The night life and all is "right there" but there's plenty of people, it's a pretty big city vs a bit more charm and a bit more upscale. Hope that analogy makes sense.)
Technically, as Sue says, you could do a day trip to Malahide or even Dublin from Trim and perhaps not have any nights in Dublin at all. We travel from Newbridge to Dublin the morning of our flight to LAX and have had no problems getting to the airport, dropping off our rental car, checking in and still making our flight. The distance is about the same but probably less traffic coming from the north than from all the feeder N roads merging on the M50 trying to get into Dublin.
Cheers,
Wendy
Aug 4th, 2005, 09:09 AM
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SUE: Thanks for the support on my trip-planning. I definitely want to allow flexibility for surprises.
WENDY: So, where would one find the "Del Mar" and "La Jolla" of Dublin area, for a convenient hotel stay? Would that be Malahide? There is also the strategy to stay right in the area of Dublin that is within walking distance to see the National Museum and Book of Kells.
With big cities, they can be rough on you...you get lost, there's traffic, parking, people, noise...Sometimes the location of your hotel can make the difference between a great city visit and a lousy one! If I bother to stay in dublin, I will want to be able to walk to the National Museum and the Book of Kells.
How did I get on this subject under the "castles" question? Well, I guess because how many castles you can fit in is part of the itinerary planning! So far nobody has chosen Dublin Castle as their favorite I notice. But Trim and Malahide Castles have been mentioned.
Thanks everybody!
WENDY: So, where would one find the "Del Mar" and "La Jolla" of Dublin area, for a convenient hotel stay? Would that be Malahide? There is also the strategy to stay right in the area of Dublin that is within walking distance to see the National Museum and Book of Kells.
With big cities, they can be rough on you...you get lost, there's traffic, parking, people, noise...Sometimes the location of your hotel can make the difference between a great city visit and a lousy one! If I bother to stay in dublin, I will want to be able to walk to the National Museum and the Book of Kells.
How did I get on this subject under the "castles" question? Well, I guess because how many castles you can fit in is part of the itinerary planning! So far nobody has chosen Dublin Castle as their favorite I notice. But Trim and Malahide Castles have been mentioned.
Thanks everybody!
Aug 4th, 2005, 09:34 PM
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Melissa5: you will appreciate the Hop-On Hop Off bus for your trips to the various special Dublin sites. Walking is possible, but could be longer than you imagine. Better to have a central location hotel and then use this excellent travel bus service for your Dublin site visits.
