I love to visit castles, but the ruins only do so much for me..I prefer the ones that you can see how the people really lived day to day. We will be in Dublin for 2 days--then in Doolin, driving to Dingle for 2 days, then Kenmare for 2 days, and then Kinsale for 1 day..is Cahir or Lismore really nice?? We could go from Kenmare to there on our way to Kinsale--then do the whole next day IN Kinsale and to the south at Mizen Head before flying out of Cork at 8:00 pm--would that work??

These castles are restored:

Malahide Castle (north Dublin suburbs)
Dunguaire Castle (Kinvara)
Bunratty Castle (Bunratty)
Ross Castle (Killarney)
Cahir Castle (Cahir)

Lismore Castle is not open to the public only the gardens. If you have a lot of money you can rent it though.

Irish eyes:
Thanks for the info--I'll take it from there and maybe sneak in a visit to Cahir--closest to our itinerary..I know I'll enjoy all the forts,stone circles etc., but a castle visit is a must...Thanks..Pam

Visited Cahir last September. Hadn't planned to go but decided on our way to the Rock of Cashel to stop in. So glad we didn't miss it. It was a wonderful tour and shouldn't be missed.

Thanks Pegoode,

It sounds like this is the closest one we'll get to, and so it's on our list..Is the Dublin castle tour worth the time??

And thanks Wendy, for the personal e-mail----how thoughtful and all of the info is so-o-o helpful..

Pam,

My pleasure!

Wendy