It may sound like something out of a fairytale or medieval myth. But you can, in fact, buy yourself a castle. Across Ireland, there are castles of all sizes and shapes up for sale.
Each of these comes with a rich tranche of history. Many of these historic castles are located in the rural countryside. Their distance from the urban population has led to them being relatively untouched over hundreds of years.
Some of these castles can be affordable and some of them can be quite pricey. It all depends on the location, size, and history behind it. If you’re wondering which castles are for sale and for how much, read on. We’ve compiled a list of the castles that are currently up for sale in Ireland right now!
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5. Inniscorrig Castle, County Dublin – €10.5 million
Image: Burke Kennedy Estate Agents
This castle is probably the only one on this list situated relatively close to a city. It is around a 10-mile driver outside the city of Dublin. Nestled in the town of Dalkey. It was initially built back in 1847 and even comes with its own functional harbor.
You won’t see much traffic coming and out but historically it has significance for trade. The genius behind the construction of this castle was a doctor called Sir Dominic Horrigan. The castle was of such prominence at the time it hosted royalty.
Heads of the monarchy who were hosted at the castle include King Edward VII and George V. This castle rich in history can be yours for the princely sum of €10.5million.
4. Carrignacurra Castle, County Cork – €225,000
Image: Wikimedia / Mike Searle
If the first castle in this list was a bit out of your price range, don’t worry. Here is a castle that you can buy that is a lot more affordable. Coming in at the price of an average 3 bedroom house. It is situated in County Cork on the banks of the River Lee.
For the price as you might imagine it’s not ready to move into. It is considered a ‘fixer-upper’. In need of some tender loving care and restoration. Some work, however, has already been done on the castle including windows and doors. It even includes its own murder hole.
Which isn’t as sinister as it sounds, don’t worry. It was a hole through which those living in the fort could fire at infiltrating enemies. The initial purpose it served was as a defensive fort in wars back in the 16th Century when it was first built.
3. Castle Oliver, County Limerick – €3 million
Image: Flickr / Ballyhoura Failte
Situated at a price point between the two castles we’ve looked at already is Castle Oliver. As opposed to Carrignacurra Castle it wasn’t actually designed to be a castle for defense but rather a castle to be lived in.
It was built in 1845 and is situated near the Ballyhoura Mountains offering spectacular views and super seclusion away from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. For the hefty price of 3 million Castle Oliver brings with it plenty of rooms.
There are 12 bedrooms are complete with their own en-suite bathrooms. You have your own library, perfect if you’re an avid reader or student. This is also the perfect place if you’re a lover of wine. It is home to the BIGGEST wine cellar in Ireland.
Yes, that’s right. The biggest wine cellar in the whole country is here in Castle Oliver. It’s estimated you can fit 55,000 bottles of wine into this cellar.
2. Knockabbey Castle, County Louth – €1.6 million
Image: International Five-Star Accreditation
The 4th castle on this list is nested in the heart of County Louth in the mid-east of Ireland. It’s most likely one of the oldest castles on this list dating all the way back to the 11th Century. Over the centuries it has undergone some huge changes.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the water gardens that it is host too. Said, to quote, to be some of the “finest historical water gardens” in the country. Unusually, this castle is split up into 3 sections. First, you have the entrance to the castle itself. Next, you have what is called the gothic section. This contains most of the residential rooms including bedrooms, dining rooms and a kitchen.
Last is the ‘Queen Anne Section’. This last section boasts a spacious marble hall, a fireplace, a library and yet even more bedrooms. All of this history and luxury is yours for around 1.6 million euros.
1. Glin Castle, County Limerick – €6.5 million
Image: Glin Castle
Also situated in County Limerick alongside Castle Oliver is the beautiful and prestigious Glin Castle. This castle is rooted in history once being home to Fitzgerald Family.
Who were successful heirs to the Knights of Glin. The family had called the castle their home for over 700 years. It is actually being sold through the families auctioneering company. The castle itself comes along with 380 acres of rolling parkland.
It also overlooks the beautiful Shannon Estuary. This means you have the ultimate sense of seclusion married with beautiful views. For the asking price of 6.5 million euros, it also comes with antique furniture and boasts Corinthian columns that are in exquisite condition.
In summary
Buying your own castle might sound like a myth but it’s far from that. Some of the castles on this list might not be cheap but some are very affordable. But if you’re fortunate enough to have the funds why not buy yourself a castle.
You’re not only buying yourself home but a bit of history. They’re also great investments as they rise in price all the time. And these are just some of the castles up for sale. There are many others in Ireland and across its borders. Each bringing with them their own bit of history.
