One Irish castle has ranked in the top ten most beautiful castles in the world by Architectural Digest.
In Ireland, we have thousands of castles across all 32 counties. So, for this particular castle to make it into the top ten most beautiful castles in the world list is something really special.
A jewel among the thousands, Kilkenny Castle has been named the eighth most beautiful castle in the world.
Ranking alongside some of the most beautiful castles steeped in history across the four corners of the globe, this ancient castle has deservedly found its place in the top ten.
Irish castle named among most beautiful in the world – Kilkenny Castle, County Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. It’s a stone castle that overlooks the River Nore. It is the Irish castle named among the most beautiful in the world.
While the castle has undergone a lot of work since its inception, three of the four original towers are still intact to this day.
Architectural Digest has ranked Kilkenny Castle in eighth place in the list of the world’s most beautiful castles. In their description, they said it is one of the “most fairytale-esque castles of the world’.
Among good company – castles in France, Slovakia, England, and The Czech Republic
Kilkenny Castle is among good company on the list. While Kilkenny Castle is the only Irish castle in the top ten, three French castles are included, with Château de Versailles ranking in first place.
Windsor Castle in England ranks second, while another English castle, Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, ranks fourth. There are also two Slovakian castles included and one castle from The Czech Republic.
High praise – steeped in history
Kilkenny Castle is one steeped in so much history. It was the place where King James sought refuge during the war. When he lost the throne, the castle was returned to the Duke of Ormond.
Visitors are welcome to see the castle and grounds today. In their description of the castle, Architectural Digest says, “This castle overlooks the River Nore and was used to guard the important river crossing for more than 900 years.
“Throughout the history of the castle, the site was renovated several times with the changing of owners, making it a mixture of various architectural styles.”
For more beautiful castles around Ireland that didn’t quite make the list, check them out here.
