As the Emerald Isle is an ancient country, many brilliant Irish ruins are just waiting to be discovered and explored throughout the country.
As Ireland is a nation steeped in history and folklore, many ancient ruins can be found along its landscape.
By visiting any of the Irish ruins on our list, you will experience a journey through time that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Ireland‘s extraordinary heritage.
Whether looking for buildings with historical significance or extraordinary architectural grandeur, you will be satisfied with visiting Ireland’s best ruins. This article will list what we believe to be the top five Irish ruins that will stun and amaze you.
5. Blarney Castle – home to the famous Blarney Stone
Blarney Castle was built by the MacCarthy dynasty of Muskerry and dates back to the 15th century. The castle has a rich history as it was besieged on multiple occasions, including during the Williamite War and the Irish Confederate Wars in the 17th century.
Nowadays, the castle is more of a partial ruin but remains as stunning as ever, with accessible levels and battlements. At the very top of the castle, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, otherwise known as the Blarney Stone, can be found.
According to legend, if you hang upside-down and kiss the stone, you will be granted the ‘gift of the gab’, meaning you can comfortably talk in any social situation.
Address: Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork
4. Tintern Abbey – surrounded by stunning scenery
The beautiful Tintern Abbey is one of the best medieval ruins in Ireland and was founded by the Earl of Pembroke in the early 13th century and takes inspiration for its name from Tintern Abbey in Wales.
According to local legend, the earl once encountered a life-threatening storm at sea and vowed to erect an abbey if he survived and reached land. When he did, Tintern Abbey was born.
Nowadays, the abbey’s remains can still be seen, and a visit to this amazing site is a must for those who wish to enjoy the naturally stunning beauty that Wexford offers.
Address: Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Wexford
3. Dunluce Castle – featured in Game of Thrones
The iconic Dunluce Castle ruins, originally built in the 16th century by the McQuillans, overlook the beautiful and majestic Mermaid’s Cave.
Similarly to the majority of castles in Ireland, Dunluce Castle has experienced a rich history, including its fair share of warfare, political intrigue, and many other dramatic natural events.
The ruins of Dunluce Castle have become well known in recent years thanks to being used in the top-rated television series Game of Thrones. It was used as the castle which was the seat of House Greyjoy.
Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY, Co. Antrim
2. The Rock of Cashel – was once the seat of the kings of Munster
The ruins known as the Rock of Cashel were once regarded as the official seat of the kings of Munster for centuries, until the Norman invasion.
In 1101, the then-King of Munster donated the castle to the Church, which later built Cormac’s Chapel and the nearby cathedral.
Today it remains home to some of the most brilliant examples of Celtic art in Ireland, and also, thanks to its rich historical significance, it is one Irish ruin that is well worth visiting.
Address: Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary
1. Newgrange – a famous World Heritage Site
In first place on our list of what we believe to be the top five Irish ruins that will stun and amaze you is Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It has played an important role in Irish mythology and history.
Newgrange is a famous megalithic passage tomb built by Celtic druids over 5000 years ago, making it one of the oldest burial grounds in the country.
The inner carvings found inside are a beautiful example of prehistoric Celtic art and are illuminated once a year by the rising sun on the day of the winter solstice.
Address: Newgrange, Donore, Co. Meath
That concludes our article on what we believe to be the top five Irish ruins that will stun and amaze you. Have you visited any of them yet, and if so, how was your experience?
