Ireland

History, character, romance and ghosts; Ireland is littered with castles, monuments and ruins, all with their own fascinating story to tell.

Travellers’ Secrets

Blarney Castle

Don’t miss your chance to kiss the Blarney ‘stone of eloquence’, a blue stone built into the battlements at Blarney Castle. Kiss it and, they say, you’ll never be lost for words again; but do try and get there early before the crowds arrive.

Haunted Castle

If you’re game, arrange a time to visit Ireland’s most haunted castle, Leap Castle (only open to visitors on request), where a unique ghostly odour is reputed to pervade the walls.

Birr Castle

Birr Castle is often visited for its beautiful scenic gardens and historic Science Centre, but don’t miss the giant telescope – built in 1825 by the third Earl of Rosse, it was the world’s largest telescope until 1912.