Though I would never attempt to dissuade fairy tale imaginations, my real-life travel encounters to castles around the world have solidified thoughts about the times and places in which they were built. Those days were rough! How else could a place that was an equivalent to Fort Knox/seat of government/standing armed fortress survive without a place like a castle?
In Ireland, I selected a few castles to photograph that tell the stories of their time. As shown in the following video, they are, in order:
1.) Trim Castle. By far, Trim Castle appears the most intact. Faithful to my ideals of a castle, it has a moat, towers, and a drawbridge or two in its past. Walking through its gates, one can picture the scene amongst the ruins of today. Notably, the 1995 Mel Gibson film “Braveheart” was filmed here.
2.) Dublin Castle. Although Dublin Castle’s 13th century original wall remains intact, renovation and reconstruction continue into the 21st century. It is an interesting combination of old and new buildings.
3.) Doonagore (Doolin) Castle. Lastly, 16th century Doonagore Castle, near the town of Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher, is spectacular to see (though not open to the public.) Appearing to your eyes when coming over the hills of the Burren in your automobile or by sea ferry from the Aran Islands, it is quite the landmark (as one imagines a castle on a hill overlooking a sea.)
If you have an interest in history, and of castles of yore in particular, you will find them to your heart’s desire in Ireland.