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Free and Low-Cost Castles in Ireland
Welcome to Juniper Tours, where we believe that exploring Ireland’s rich history and architectural marvels shouldn’t break the bank. Here are some of the Irish castle experiences you can enjoy for free or for a modest fee — from grounds and exteriors that cost nothing to see, to heritage sites with low admission prices.
Free and Low-Cost Castles in Ireland
Trim Castle: A Slice of Medieval Grandeur: Begin your adventure with Trim Castle in County Meath, the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. The castle grounds are free to wander, and a guided tour of the keep costs a few euro (€5 for adults at the time of writing).
Rock of Cashel: A Tapestry of Ancient Legacy: The Rock of Cashel rises above the Tipperary town of Cashel, and its silhouette is free to admire from the streets and fields below. Entry to the site itself is paid (€8 for adults at the time of writing), with a choice of guided or self-guided visits.
Dunguaire Castle: A Dramatic Coastal Beauty: This 16th-century tower house on the shore of Galway Bay near Kinvara is one of Ireland’s most photographed castles. It has been closed to visitors since 2023, but you can still admire and photograph it from the shoreline outside.
Cahir Castle: A Riverside Fortress: Cahir Castle sits on a rocky island in the River Suir in County Tipperary and is one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles. Admission is modest (€5 for adults at the time of writing).
Malahide Castle Demesne: A Haven of Tranquility: North of Dublin, the 260-acre parkland around Malahide Castle is free and open to the public. The castle tour, walled garden and glasshouses require a paid ticket.
Tip: many sites run by Ireland’s Office of Public Works offer free admission on the first Wednesday of each month. The list of participating sites changes, so check heritageireland.ie before you go.
Juniper Tours invites you to explore Ireland’s rich history and architectural wonders without breaking the bank. We can build a private, custom trip around the castles you most want to see, with a private local guide wherever you’d like one.
Contact us today to start planning your Ireland trip!
