Dublin Castle
This is the heart of historic Dublin; in fact the city gets its name from the Black Pool - 'Dubh Linn' which was on the site of the present Castle garden.. A Viking Fortress stood on this site - a portion of which is on view to visitors at the 'Undercroft'.  The magnificent State Apartments that were built as the residential quarters of the viceregal court are now the venue for Ireland's Presidencies of the European Community, Presidential Inaugurations and State Functions. The State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal are open to visitors.  

Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide, was both a fortress and a private home for nearly eight hundred years. The Talbot family lived here from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died. The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture together with an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings, mainly from the National Gallery.

Dalkey Castle
In the middle ages Dalkey acted as the port for Dublin and seven fortified Town Houses were built. Explore the Heritage Centre and discover the Murder Hole, the Machicolation and the battlements, all defensive features of the Town House.

Trim Castle
The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a 30-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c.1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.  Access to the keep is by guided tour only for safety reasons. Visitors also have access to the grounds of the castle where interpretation panels allow for self-guiding.

Ardgillan Castle
Built in the 18th century in the Gothic Revival style, Ardgillan Castle features larger multi-paned windows as well as multiple entrances. A mixture of wild woodland walks, sheltered picnic areas, a fragrant Rose Garden, a restored Walled Garden of herbs, vegetables and fruits and a splendid Victorian Conservatory, the park provides 200 acres of great beauty overlooking the north Dublin coast.

Maynooth Castle
A great stone castle founded in the early 13th century; it became the principal residence of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines. The Kildare FitzGeralds extended their land holdings and influence, emerging as one of the most powerful families in Ireland with Maynooth Castle being one of the largest and richest Earl's houses.
Note: attraction open only between June & October.

Drimnagh Castle
This castle consists of a Great Hall and a medieval undercroft, a tall battlement tower with lookout posts and other separate building and is the only Irish castle still to be surrounded by a flooded moat. 

Ashtown Castle
A restored castle that also houses the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. It comprises a medieval tower house that probably dates from the 17th century. The location is superb as it also allows the visitor to fully experience the wonders of the largest enclosed park in Europe.