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On the green hills and valley's of Ireland, the land of leprechauns and fairies rise some of the most picturesque images of Castles peppered across the Irish countryside in multitudes. Impressive stone fortifications that steeped in history dating back to the 12th century Anglo-Norman invasion are found the Emerald Isle.

Perhaps the most unique nation on the British Isles, Ireland hosts castles built on top of old Norse settlements that have in the past been places where the nobility held power over a people that have perpetually fought for independence. The castles built on this isolated island nation served more to protect its noblemen from its subjects than from foreign invasion and thus it's architecture is a little different from what is found on the large island.

Ashford Castle

Blarney Castle

Bunratty Castle North Munster

Lismore Castle

Ross Castle

Trim Castle