We’re lucky here in Ireland to have some truly beautiful castles, packed with history, right on our doorstep. With parklands, moats, lakes and towers to explore, these are some of the best castles in Ireland to visit with kids.
Why not bring the kids to explore and discover one of these fascinating castles? With a bit of luck with the weather, a picnic and perhaps even a homemade crown, it could turn into one of the most memorable family days out you have all year.
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Visit These Castles in Ireland
#1. Birr Castle Demesne & Science Centre, Offaly
Image: Birr Castle Demesne © Failte Ireland / Tourism Ireland, courtesy of Chris Hill
Owned by the Parsons family, the award-winning Birr Castle Demesne and Science Centre in County Offaly is a must for your Ireland bucket list. This magnificent castle is a rare gem in the heart of the country.
Guided castle tours run at certain times of year and take you through stunning reception rooms, with your guide sharing the extraordinary history of the Parsons family, particularly their pioneering work in science, along with stories behind the antique furniture, family portraits, chandeliers and tapestries.
With 120 acres to explore, the gardens at Birr Castle Demesne are home to some of the world’s tallest hedge boxes, along with waterfalls, lakes, rivers and several walking trails, as well as a Science Centre that will intrigue the whole family.
A big hit with kids is the Treehouse Adventure Area, featuring one of the largest treehouses in Ireland, slides, a hobbit hut, climbing frames, sand pits and picnic benches.
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#2. Ardgillan Castle
There is heaps to see and do at Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in Balbriggan, County Dublin. Explore the beautiful gardens, grab a map and quiz at reception, follow the fairy trail through the woodlands, climb the trees, or take a seat on the King’s chair.
Ardgillan is known for its panoramic views of Dublin Bay, so it’s well worth seeing for yourself. Make sure to check out the sea-themed playground too — with good weather and a picnic, you could easily spend the whole day here.
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#3. Kilkenny Castle
Image: Kilkenny Castle © Failte Ireland, courtesy of Roselinde Bon
Discover Kilkenny Castle, a 12th century castle remodelled during Victorian times, with guided tours available. The grounds include a rose garden, parkland paths leading to a small burial ground, a woodland walk, a lake area and a children’s playground.
There’s a tea room on site if you don’t fancy packing a picnic.
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#4. Trim Castle
Image: Trim Castle © Tourism Ireland
Trim Castle in County Meath is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, with a massive twenty-sided tower complete with a ditch, curtain wall and moat.
Guided tours run through the castle at certain times of year, so it’s worth checking ahead before you go.
Tip: Meath is also home to megalithic sites such as the Hill of Tara, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, so you could make a full day of it exploring Ireland’s Ancient East.
#5. Bunratty Castle
Go back in time with a visit to one of the most well-known castles in Ireland, Bunratty Castle in County Clare, built in 1425. It comes complete with an authentic medieval fortress, a folk park of homes from the past showing how people once lived, a walled garden and a fairy village.
At the fairy village, let little ones explore the miniature Bunratty Castle and mini replicas of the houses around the folk park, along with a willow tunnel and willow hut in the magical forest trail.
An array of animals live at Bunratty, including donkeys, sheep, ponies, deer, goats, peacocks and ducks, and you can spend time at the Folk Park exploring the village street, complete with school, doctor’s house, pub and shops.
#6. Cahir Castle, Tipperary
Image: Cahir Castle © Tourism Ireland
Standing guard over the River Suir in Tipperary, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s most impressive medieval castles. It has featured in several films and TV series, including scenes from The Tudors, Excalibur and Moonfleet.
Guided tours explore the castle’s history and the powerful Butler family who once owned it. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, audiovisual displays are available to enjoy as you go. Keep an eye on little ones on the narrow stairs and castle walls if you climb up them.
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#7. Malahide Castle, Dublin
Catch a guided tour around the stunning Malahide Castle, with a long and rich history — the oldest parts of the building date back to the 12th century.
You can also visit the interactive exhibition centre, the beautiful walled gardens, the butterfly house, the fairy trail and various walking routes, or head to the extensive children’s playground with climbing frames, swings, slides and other equipment to suit children of all ages.
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#8. Enniscorthy Castle, Wexford
Once home to Norman knights, English armies, Irish rebels, prisoners and local merchant families, Enniscorthy Castle is located in Enniscorthy Town in the heart of County Wexford.
Children will love exploring the dungeons and battlements and viewing the exhibitions as you move through the castle.
Tip: You can dress up as a knight during your visit, and there’s a great view from the roof.
#9. Kylemore Abbey, Co. Galway
Image: Kylemore Abbey © Gareth McCormack
Kylemore Abbey in Connemara was originally built as a breathtaking castle in 1868. It’s now an abbey and home to a community of Benedictine nuns, and makes a perfect family day out with over 1,000 acres of woodland walks, a secret walled garden and an ornate church to discover.
Make a wish at the Ironing Stone, take a peek through the windows of the Chocolate Kitchen, or explore the play trail, including a hanging xylophone.
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#10. Enniskillen Castle, County Fermanagh
Image: Enniskillen Castle © Tourism Ireland, courtesy of Chris Hill
Enniskillen Castle, built almost 600 years ago beside the River Erne, stands guard over one of the few passes into Ulster and has played a strategic role throughout history.
It has a 17th century Watergate with twin turrets and a museum in the Castle Keep. The Visitor Centre offers interactive quizzes, exhibits, movies and stories for the whole family.
There are two museums at the castle:
1. Fermanagh County Museum, where you can find out about the history of Fermanagh, the county’s traditional rural life, local crafts and the celebrated pottery at Belleek.
2. The Inniskillings Museum, which tells the story of Enniskillen’s two regiments, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best castle in Ireland to visit with kids?
It really depends on what your family enjoys. Bunratty Castle is a favourite for its folk park and animals, Malahide and Ardgillan both have excellent playgrounds, and Birr Castle Demesne offers a treehouse adventure area alongside the castle tour, so it’s worth picking based on what will keep your kids most entertained.
Are Irish castles suitable for toddlers and young children?
Many of the castles on this list have extensive grounds, playgrounds and gentle walking trails that suit younger children well, though the castle interiors themselves — particularly narrow stairs and battlements — are better suited to older kids who can manage steps safely with supervision.
Do I need to book castle tours in advance?
Guided tour availability and seasons vary from castle to castle and can change throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to check directly with each castle before you travel.
Can I bring a picnic to these castles?
Most of the castles and demesnes on this list have parkland or gardens that are picnic-friendly, so packing a lunch is a lovely way to make a full day of your visit.
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