When most people think of castles in Ireland, their minds go straight to the famous ones – Blarney, Bunratty, Kilkenny Castle itself. But what if we told you that some of the most magical castle ruins lie just off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered?
Clara Castle: A Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the rolling hills of County Kilkenny, Clara Castle stands as a testament to medieval Ireland. Unlike the polished tourist attractions, Clara offers something more authentic – the chance to explore at your own pace, to touch the ancient stones, and to imagine the lives of those who called this place home.
The best castles are the ones you stumble upon, where the only other visitors are the sheep grazing in the fields.
Why We Love the Forgotten Castles
There's something profoundly moving about standing in a castle ruin without the crowds, without the gift shop, without the audioguide telling you what to feel. These moments of quiet discovery are what we live for at Trails and Tales.
Our tours take you to these forgotten corners of history – places where you can hear the wind whistling through arrow slits and imagine the fires that once warmed these halls. It's the Ireland that exists between the guidebook pages.
Written by
Ciara O'Brien