We’ve partnered up with Virtual Visit Tours to give our readers a newfound, next-level experience, a state-of-the-art tool for exploring Ireland.
While most adventure planning resembles the form of endless Google searches and reading visitor ratings and reviews, we hope to help you take one step further, with a true and comprehensive view of the place you wish to visit, all with the help of Virtual Visit Tours.
Virtual Visit Tours offer 360° degree virtual tours of Ireland’s most beloved and sought-after tourist destinations and sites of cultural and historical significance. This is not only beneficial for those looking to plan a trip, but also for those who have always wanted to really see Ireland without the need to travel – and now you can!
Here are seven of Ireland’s most popular tourist, seen from a whole new perspective.
7. Blarney Castle
Located near County Cork on the West Coast of Ireland is Blarney Castle. This Medieval castle and stronghold is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations and known worldwide.
A trip to Blarney Castle offers guests enchanting walks around manicured gardens as well as an opportunity to gain the gift of eloquence.
According to Irish legend: a pilgrimage to Blarney Castle ends at the top of the Tower where visitors can kiss the Blarney Stone in exchange for the “gift of the gab” (i.e. you’ll never be lost for words again!).
Note: You can click on the “enter full screen” button in the tool bar to bring the image to a full screen and click the four square button to change the location.
Location: Blarney Castle, Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
6. Johnstown Castle Gardens
This 19th-century castle in County Wexford attracts quite some footfall throughout the year with visitors being drawn like butterflies to the fairy-tale gardens and grounds. Don’t believe us? Have a look on Virtual Visit Tours and see for yourself.
The grounds are also home to ruins of the Rathlannon Castle, as well as the Irish Agricultural Museum.
Note: You can click on the “enter full screen” button in the tool bar to bring the image to a full screen and click the four square button to change the location.
Location: Johnstown Castle Estate, Oldtown Ln, Johnstown, Murrintown, Co. Wexford, Ireland
5. Ashford Castle
This stunning and stately 13th-century grand castle is now the site of a five-star hotel.
As well as offering luxury accommodation in an extensively but ornately renovated hotel, this castle is also quite the tourist attraction due to its opulent décor, perfectly manicured grounds, dining options and activities on offer.
Note: You can click on the “enter full screen” button in the tool bar to bring the image to a full screen and click the four square button to change the location.
Location: Ashford Castle Estate, Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland
4. Carrickfergus Castle
Located in County Antrim in Northern Ireland is Carrickfergus Castle, an impressive Norman castle which sits along Belfast Lough.
This castle has much historical significance and is one of the best-preserved Medieval castles in the North.
A visitor centre and guided tours offer guests a unique look inside a medieval castle which houses dungeons, winding staircases, and once-used canons.
Note: You can click on the “enter full screen” button in the tool bar to bring the image to a full screen and click the four square button to change the location.
Location: Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
3. Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle is located in the sleepy seaside suburb of Malahide on the Northside of Dublin.
Sitting on over 260-acres this 12th-century stately castle is open to the public with guided tours, daily.
This is a popular tourist destination walking distance from Malahide Village, which is home to an endless array of boutique retailers and dining options. It has to be one of of the best virtual tours of castles in Europe.
Note: You can click on the “enter full screen” button in the tool bar to bring the image to a full screen and click the four square button to change the location.
Location: Malahide Castle and Gardens, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
2. Dunluce Castle
This cinematic castle ruin set in County Antrim is Dunluce Castle. The now-derelict castle remains open to the public and is well worth a visit, even if just via Virtual Visit Tours. Set on the wild coast in Northern Ireland, this is truly a must-see when up North.
Guided tours are available and there are a café and amenities on site. Note: due to the nature of this ruined castle, wheelchair access is limited and children must be accompanied at all times.
Note: You can click on the “enter full screen” button in the tool bar to bring the image to a full screen and click the four square button to change the location.
Location: Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Ireland
1. Enniskillen Castle
Located in County Fermanagh is Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century castle which now is the home of Fermanagh County Museum, the regimental museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.
Sitting beside the River Fern this castle museum is a major site of cultural and historical significance and can fit the bill for quite the day-trip. If in doubt, explore it first with Virtual Visit Tours.
Note: You can click on the “enter full screen” button in the tool bar to bring the image to a full screen and click the four square button to change the location.
Location: Enniskillen Castle Museums, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
