by Lisa Mahon

Created on: July 08, 2009

Ireland is one of the greatest vacation destinations, it has a rich culture and has a certain appeal that draws people in. It's a place shrouded in mystery, with it's magical folklore and brillent surroundings it just makes you fall in love with it, once your there, your never going to want to leave. Ireland is known for many things from it's lush green color, shamrocks, the tales of leprechauns and their pots of gold, to it's beautiful castles.

This article is a guide to the castles in Ireland and there are a lot, naming them all would take a lot of time. What I'm going to do is write the two more famous ones. The first castle is Blarney castle, this castle is known to visitors all over the world for it's famous stone, which is called, you guessed it, the blarney stone. There is some mystery surrounding the stone, some say it was Jacob's pillow brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Others say it could be a stone brought back to Ireland from the Crusades, which David hid when he fled from his enemy, Saul. And a few people claim it could be the stone that gushed water when it was struck by Moses. But, whatever the origin is, people from all the world flock to see and kiss this stone. The people say that this stone gives a gift of eloquence once the person has kissed it. Back in the day the only way to kiss this was to be lowered by your ankles, but now a days there a little more careful. You actually lay on your back, lean backwards and hold two iron rods, while two guys hold your legs. trust me it's a pretty scary experience, but well worth it.

Another castle is Bunratty castle which is know for it's medieval banquet. This castle was built in 1425 by Earl of Thomond and following his tradition of hospitality the banquet is held twice throughout the year. This banquet has everything a person could want good food, entertainment, and of course wine. It's a great place to go and have a fun interesting night. Also, this castle unlike Blarney castle which doesn't have any levels to it anymore, Bunratty does. It is a great place to see, beautifully restored it shows everything to the king's and queen's bedrooms, the dining hall, to the dungeons. It's a great place for the whole family to enjoy.

There are castle to see as well, such Kilkenny Castle, which is fully restored. Also, Dublin castle which fully restored as well, and Castle Kirk, which is castle ruins.

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