Looking for opinions on the most favourite castles to tour. I am a castle nut and I would like to see them all!!! But I know I can't, don't have the time. Not including castles in Northern Ireland, what are everyone's favourite?

We loved Edward I's castles in North Wales. We toured Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris is one day-LOVED them...but I am a bigger fan of "ruined" castles than those (ie Warwick) that have been completely refurbished. I also found that the castles that had the most meaning to me were those that I had studied the history of before visiting.

Country...?

Another vote for Welsh castles. My 3 favorites are:
1. Beamaris
2. Harlech
3. Conwy

As my hubby says: "His Home..."

Couldn't resist...it's friday!

Oaktown Traveler

I'll guess Republic of Ireland

Cahir Castle
Kilkenny
Malahide

Blarney would be further down the list, but the informal gardens around it are great.

Also, a castle nut (me included) would enjoy the Glendalough site in Co Wicklow

I suppose I should pick a local one - Leeds Castle in Kent! Its only 2 miles up the road

I also favor the "Ruined" castle. My favorite two are also in Wales; Raglan and Carreg Cennen. Carreg Cennen maybe not just the castle but it's location on a hill top when the sun is out.

Hi ladyjane:

I'm guessing you mean Ireland since I know you are going there. There are a pretty good number of castles to visit. May this link would help you out:

http://www.ireland-now.com/castles.html

I've enjoyed my stay at Cregg Castle and so far would suggest Athlone, Dunguaire, Bunratty, Ross, Cahir ... those are off the top of my head.

Bill

Just visited Dover Castle last week, which was wonderful, esp. the WW2 and Medieval tunnels. It is quite dramatic looking as you pull into Dover on the train! I also loved Edinburgh Castle, it is one of my faves. Going to see Edward's Castles in N Wales in Sept, and I can't wait. Judy

In Ireland - Cahir and Knappogue
In England - Warwick

Unfortunately, all these good suggestions may not be helping ladyjane since she hasn't come back to tell us WHICH country she is asking about. The "Not in N. Ireland" could mean she wants info about the republic, OR she could mean castles in the rest of the UK w/o N. Ireland.

Ladyjane -- help! . . . . .

I think the French had a flair for beautiful castles; fortresses that look like they belong in a fairytale. German castles seem to be all about strategic locations, hence the oftentimes gorgeous setting. Scottish castles are romantic and sad at the same time; breathtaking always. Spanish castles are mysterious and intriguing and are often a complement to beautiful and quaint towns and villages. FAVORITES? Castle (Hotel)Auf Schoenburg in Oberwesel, The Alhambra in Granada (palace), Urquhart Castle in Inverness, Chenonceau in Loire Valley.

Germany: Burg Eltz (near Koblenz)

Auf Schoenburg (in Oberwesel), mentioned by Chatters, is an amazing castle/hotel, but is not tourable. Burg Eltz isn't far from Auf Schoenburg; even closer is Marksburg Castle in Braubach - not a Burg Eltz, but still a very good tour if you're in the area.

My favourites include: Haut Koenigsbourg (Alsace), Chillon (Switzerland), Burg Eltz and Burg Hohenzollern (Germany), Warwick, and for ruined castles, Saint Hilarion in Cyprus.

Wow...great response. Thanks to all. I was actually talking about castle in Ireland...Republic of Ireland that is! So sorry to all...
I notice Cahir seems to be a favourite...which is great, Planning to visit that one!