Love Stories Carved in Stone

Romance, Betrayal, and Devotion in Ireland’s Castles

Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim - Shutterstock

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Ireland's castles are steeped in legend, history, and romance. Whether perched on dramatic cliffs, hidden among rolling green hills, or standing proudly by shimmering lakes, these castles evoke tales of passion, devotion, and sometimes heartbreak. From noble lovers kept apart by feuding families to secret rendezvous in candlelit chambers, these fortresses have witnessed the kind of love that stands the test of time.

Whether you dream of wandering through ancient corridors where whispers of past romance linger or plan to stay in a castle fit for royalty, Ireland offers the perfect backdrop for love to blossom.

In today’s email

• Love Stories Carved in Stone - home to some of the most romantic places to visit, with its breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, cosy villages and a timeless charm that creates the perfect backdrop for love and adventure:

• Castles with Historical Love Stories:-

  • Kilkea Castle, Co. Kildare – Home to the love story of Sir Walter de Riddlesford's granddaughter, who fell in love with a Norman knight. The castle has since been a site of romance and mystery.

  • Blarney Castle, Co. Cork – While best known for its famous stone, it also holds tales of clandestine courtships among Irish nobility, including the tragic love story of the McCarthy family.

  • Leap Castle, Co. Offaly – Despite its haunted reputation, it holds the tale of a forbidden love between a nobleman and a servant, which ended in tragedy but left behind whispers of devotion.

  • Cloghan Castle, Co. Offaly – Once the setting for a secret love affair between an Irish princess and a Norman soldier, defying both family and war.

  • Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim – This dramatic ruin on the cliffs saw the tragic love of a noblewoman who defied her family’s wishes, only to be separated from her lover by stormy seas.

• Five Romantic Castle Stays in Ireland

  • Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo – A five-star experience with regal charm, where guests can enjoy lakeside walks, falconry, and luxurious suites once home to the Guinness family.

  • Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare – A castle that combines old-world romance with modern luxury, featuring candlelit dinners and a breathtaking estate perfect for romantic strolls.

  • Waterford Castle, Co. Waterford – Set on its own private island, this stunning castle offers a secluded and intimate retreat for couples.

  • Lough Eske Castle, Co. Donegal – A fairy-tale setting nestled in the Donegal countryside, featuring spa treatments, scenic walks, and a warm Irish welcome.

  • Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway –A romantic retreat set amid the wild beauty of Connemara, where riverside serenity, woodland trails, and historic charm create an intimate escape for couples.

Love Stories Carved in Stone