Hi there, we will be in Ireland in October, and I was just wondering which round towers and castles you can actually get into -- up close and personal? For example, I know that Birr Castle is the grounds only and that Trim Castle is almost never open. Also, if you are weighing in with a comment, which is your favorite? Thanks!

You can wander through Cahir Castle & the Rock of Cashel, and Jerpoint Abbey (mostly ruin type - not restored)

There are refurbished / decorated castles in Bunratty & a really nice one with guided tour in Kilkenny.

Lismore castle is only open during the high season, so double check it's times/dates.

I have several "favorites" but one that should be open when you are there (and is one of my Favorites) is Cahir Castle. They have a tour that is very informative and you can explore all over the grounds and buildings yourself. There's no hand rails though so just Be Careful!

Another that I enjoy is Kilkenny. It is more modern and grand inside and since it was lived in until the 1960s. No photography (for security reasons) is allowed inside but I usually buy postcards of places I visit anyway. Well worth your time and a tour.

Trim is SO worth your time as well. The inside has been done up great but don't go if you are afraid of heights; it's all open catwalks and spiral staircases. It's a shame it won't be open while you are there.

The castle in Oughterard, Co. Galway (Aughnanure) is another one I enjoy visiting. Unfortuantely, I doubt it'll be open either.

For a good example of a Tower House (ie. Castle to us Yanks) visit Bunratty. I'm not into going places with lots of other tourists but I really enjoyed the folk village and castle. You won't have hoards to deal with either.

I really could go on and on but will stop here for now...

Round towers are harder -- I've never been inside one yet although I know some are open to visit. You'll have to let me know which ones you managed to get into.

Visit www.GoIreland.com and look at Castles under their Things To See & Do list. Lots of castles (and round towers) listed. Unfortunately, no open dates...

Have a great time!

Wendy

I believe the round tower at St. Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny can still be toured.

Bill

And, there's Dungaire Castle just outside of Kinvara.

Dunguaire was my very first castle so holds a special place in my memories. It won't be open in October though which is why I didn't mention it in my list... Bummer.

w

The people at Shannon Heritage say that Dunguaire will be open until Oct. 25 and banquets will continue until that date, depending on demand.

Then there is the Martells Tower in Dun Loaghaire outside of Dublin. James Joyce lived there and wrote "Ulysses" there. It is now open for public tours. You can go round and round and round and round all the way to the top or you can just go round and round to the small round room James Joyce shared with two roommates. There are hand ropes to hold on to.

I was told there are 18 of these Martell Towers along the east coast of Ireland, built to repel Napoleon, Hitler, or was that Tony Blair?

Enjoy!