Today being St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be a nice idea to prepare a post for you that celebrates some of the more truly historical aspects of Ireland – castles in Ireland! My hubby is Irish, and this is a day where he is particularly homesick.
I did live there for a couple of years, and it is one part of the world I know I will always return to. It is the history, the music, the mysticism and the landscape which continue to draw me. And I will never tire of the splendor of castles.
There are an abundance of activities and sights to enjoy in Ireland. From lighthouses to pubs, there’s something for everyone. Castles are often at the top of the sightseeing list and there are many to choose from in this magical country. If you enjoy castles or want to include them on your Ireland visit, add the following three castles to your list.
Dublin Castle
This castle is on the list for a number of reasons. The first is that it may be the most accessible. You’ll probably fly into Dublin on your stay and Dublin Castle can be on your first day’s itinerary. However, convenience isn’t the only reason this castle is mentioned.
Built in the early 13th century, it also houses some of the area’s oldest architecture. In addition, it’s quite accessible to tourists and offers guided tours throughout the day. There is also a craft store, heritage center, and a restaurant.
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny castle is one of Ireland’s largest castles. It’s also one of the oldest. The beginnings of the castle began in 1172 and the castle was finished in 1260. It’s been owned and lived in by many prestigious families and has a distinct look, making it one of the most recognizable castles.
Many of the rooms are open to visitors. In addition to the architecture and portrait collection, you can often find an art exhibition in the Butler Gallery. There’s a fine dining restaurant and a conference center as well. Don’t forget to walk around the grounds where you’ll find a rose garden, parks, and a fountain.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is in Cork County. Yes, it is where the phrase “Kiss the Blarney Stone,” originated. This castle is perhaps the most beautiful and certainly one of the most picturesque castles in Ireland. It was originally built in the 11th century and the wooden structure was replaced with stone in the 1200s.
The castle has been rebuilt many times and today most of it stands in ruins. You can still visit some of the rooms and you can most certainly kiss the Blarney Stone. The stone is said to give “the gift of the gab”, or the gift of eloquent speech, to everyone who kisses it.
These three castles are just a few of the more than a dozen castles on the island of Ireland. They’re widespread throughout the country and can make the foundation for a wonderful and adventurous vacation.
Do the lush, green lands of Ireland call to you with their healing energies of the ancestor?
How about ancient Gods and Goddesses… and the Bards, Druids, and fairies of Celtic history and lore?
These energies, the stories of these lands, and the practices inspired by Celtic shamanism offer us a medicine to bring us back home… to our true Self.
They help us reach beyond the mundane and overwhelm of our stressful modern lives and be more attentive, present, and receptive to the beauty and wisdom of the land…
When I was living in Ireland, I studied Celtic Shamanism. It has had such a positive and rich impact on my life that I continue to study it, and practice it with others as well. If you would like to learn more about it yourself, you may really enjoy this free workshop.
Shamanic teacher and healer Jane Burns will help you discover myth and ritual to evoke the ancient medicine of Celtic shamanism —and open you to the wonder, wisdom, and wildness of both the natural world and your own inner landscape — during a free video event, The Gifts of Celtic Shamanism: Living from Gratitude, Courage, Generosity & Wonder.
Sign up for this profound hour, and you’ll discover:
- The Celtic way of seeing and being, and the importance of daily practices of gratitude, reciprocity, and self-protection
- Key archetypes of Celtic shamanism — including the ban feasa (the knowing woman), the ban chaointe (the keening woman), the omen hunter, and the faery doctor — and their roles in guiding, wisdom-keeping, and healing
- An experiential journey to the Otherworld with Brigid, the great Celtic Goddess and bringer of spring, new growth, and creative forces that will help you reshape your life
- How Celtic wisdom can guide you to reclaim your sovereignty — your destiny and authentic Self, often lost in the overwhelm of everyday life
- Shamanic principles and practices from the Celtic medicine wheel for grounding you in who you truly are.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to draw from the wisdom of Celtic shamanism to connect more deeply with the natural world and the healing archetypal energies of this numinous land.
You’ll discover tips for how to become a conduit for these healing energies, and how to transform what you learn into the knowledge your soul seeks…
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