Ireland castles have been the reason for many a family tour of Ireland. There are at least 25 better known castles that offer travelers many various amenities on their Irish holiday. Certain consideration should be given to such matters as: Is the castle child friendly and or dog friendly. Is the castle open on holidays for the public on vacation and does it offer private dining and special facilities for meetings or reunions or weddings if you are lucky enough to have your special day in and Irish castle.

Ballygally Castle in the Glens of Antrim dates back to 1625 and accommodates up to 90 guests. Looking for something a little more cozy, how about trying the Ballynagowan Castle in Lahinch which hosts an intimate capacity of only 8. Personally I like a little bit of modern amenities and luxuries mixed in with my Ireland castles which makes Belle Isle Castle one of my personal picks. A real taste of the old world with the ease of today’s lifestyle. The option I find most enticing is the ability to rent a cottage within the estate. The courtyard at Belle Isle has been renovated into an eight apartment unit and features the warmth of it’s original structure.

Northern Ireland Castles can be found in all six counties, in all states of repair from demolished and castle ruins to fully restored and acting as high end luxury hotels and guest homes. Carrickfergus Castle is one of the restored castles in County Antrim you might want to check out. County Down features the restored Killyleagh Castle and 25 castles in all including Kings Castle. Dungiven Castle and Benburb are amongst other castles in Northern Ireland that have undergone a face lift and welcome visitors from near and far to experience old Ireland.

Many people are taken by the lure of Ireland’s haunted castles, and others just reveal in the history of ireland castles. Take a nice digital camera with you as I’m sure you will want take plenty of pictures of the castles on your tour. Taking a castle tour is a great way to get more out of your vacation to Ireland. Ireland package tours that include castle tours are available for all price ranges and group sizes. Many schools take educational tours of the castles and many packages include golfing on a famous Ireland golf course, one of which is never far away considering there are almost as many Irish castles as there are golf clubs. No Ireland vacation can be considered complete without visiting a castle, golf course and an Irish brewery.

The Republic of Ireland features literally hundreds of castles. Each County features castles some ruins dating back to the 12th century like Castlemore’s Castle in County Carlow. Dromoland Castle in County Clare is now restored and a great castle hotel for the families Ireland holiday. The quest to visit Ireland castles can take a lifetime considering how many still exisit in varying conditions from moat to 5 star hotel and everything in between. Discovering the wonders of Ireland’s castles is a great hobby and activity you can enjoy with or without Irish heritage.