Desmond Castle
Desmond Castle
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksCastles
About
The Desmond Castle is located on the edge of the village of Adare, just off the N21 on the main Limerick to Kerry road. The castle was erected with an ancient ring-fort around the early part of the 13th century. It became a strategic fortress during the following turbulent years. It was the property of the Earls of Kildare for nearly 300 years until the rebellion in 1536, when it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond who gave the castle its present name. Tours of the 13th century Norman Castle operate daily from June to the end of September. Groups may be accommodated outside of these months on request.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Houston_Eriol
    399 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting history
    Amazing castle. You have to reserve a tour and you meet at the heritage center in town, not the castle. Our tour guide was Mark and he did an awesome job giving us the history of that place but also tying it into the full history of Ireland which we had been learning so it was great to see it come together.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 July 2023
  • Jim W
    Sindelfingen, Germany2,930 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sime, Sweet, and Everything Neat!
    While this small castle will not blow any one away in elegance or size, these ruins are truly impressive, especially with its unique history. For only 6 Euro, you can get a private tour. When my wife and I went, there were only five of us. She got to open the castle door on the way in and I got to lock it up at the end. The tour guide was funny and very informative. His informative narrative added so much to our experience. The whole thing only takes an hour, but it is well worth it.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 August 2023
  • Srinivas P
    Bangalore District, India152 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place to visit and know about 800 yrs old history
    We had a visit today with family while we were passing this way. One among the contact (forgot to get the name!) in the office was really helpful and provided detailed background about the castle and history. It was insightful for kids and our family. Nice place to visit and get to know the history of around 800 years old!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 March 2024
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Srinivas P
Bangalore District, India152 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
We had a visit today with family while we were passing this way. One among the contact (forgot to get the name!) in the office was really helpful and provided detailed background about the castle and history. It was insightful for kids and our family. Nice place to visit and get to know the history of around 800 years old!
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Explore44097247319
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Anthony Sheehy was a great guide. A genuinely unique tour and so glad we took it, A breath off fresh air
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jim W
Sindelfingen, Germany2,930 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
While this small castle will not blow any one away in elegance or size, these ruins are truly impressive, especially with its unique history. For only 6 Euro, you can get a private tour. When my wife and I went, there were only five of us. She got to open the castle door on the way in and I got to lock it up at the end. The tour guide was funny and very informative. His informative narrative added so much to our experience. The whole thing only takes an hour, but it is well worth it.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Houston_Eriol
Houston399 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
Amazing castle. You have to reserve a tour and you meet at the heritage center in town, not the castle. Our tour guide was Mark and he did an awesome job giving us the history of that place but also tying it into the full history of Ireland which we had been learning so it was great to see it come together.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sepp G
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Such a great place rife with history! Justin gave us a long and engaging tour of the whole place. Excellent chance find! Don't miss this as you travel through Adare as we did on our way from Galway to Killarney.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

medfordnjmom
Medford, NJ323 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Couples
Thank you, Mark! What an incredibly informative and amusing tour. We learned so much about the history of Desmond Castle and history in general. The kids in our tour group seemed mesmerized-I think you inspired a love of history in them. I’m so glad the Adare Heritage Center offered this tour-fantastic!
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stevano2014
Los Angeles, CA8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Friends
Mary the Adare Heritage center was an excellent guide, funny, and a wealth of knowledge. Interesting and informative, a must do one hour tour in Adare! Thanks Mary!
Written 15 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much Stevano, delighted you enjoyed the tour, Mary
Written 17 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Philomena M
Dundalk, Ireland47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Couples
Very interesting tour by our guide Anne,she was great.Anne gave us lots of interesting information about the castle and Adare.
Written 21 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much @holly1968, you both were a great couple also. Best wishes, your tour guide, Mary
Written 24 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gerrri99 Dublin
Dublin, Ireland236 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
Booked at. Heritage centre in Adare, we were driven in. Minibus to the Castle. Superb tour guide Jess helped make it a hugely enjoyable and informative visit. Highly recommend.
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MaryCork
Cork, Ireland561 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
We booked the tour with the Adare Heritage Centre. Jurgen was our guide and really good. Castle is a fabulous OPW run site.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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DESMOND CASTLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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