CASTLES COUNTY LIMERICK

Springfield Castle in Dromcollogher, County Limerick, stands on a magnificent 200-acre estate approached by an ancient lime-tree-lined avenue. This Neo-Gothic structure, ancestral home of Lord and Lady Muskerry, combines architectural elements spanning centuries: a 15th-century Irish tower house and an 18th-century tower enclosing a large central courtyard. The castle's foundation dates to 1280 when the Norman Fitzgerald family settled at the site, originally called Gort na Tiobrad. The castle accommodates up to 25 guests for weddings, self-catering stays, and private events. Its sprawling grounds, estate amenities, and architectural grandeur create an impressive venue for exclusive experiences and celebrations.

Glin Castle is a Georgian country house and protected structure built circa 1780 in Glin, County Limerick, overlooking the estuary of the River Shannon with views toward County Clare's hills. The estate has belonged to the FitzMaurice and FitzGerald family for over 700 years, serving as the seat of the hereditary Knights of Glin. This branch of the Desmond earls, granted lands in the 14th century, maintained their ancestral home through centuries of Irish history. The castle features Georgian Neoclassical architecture and 15 en-suite bedrooms with luxury amenities. Now available for private accommodation and events, the castle remains the family home of the FitzGeralds whilst serving as an exclusive venue for discerning guests seeking authentic aristocratic elegance.

Beagh Castle, located near Ballysteen on the Shannon estuary in County Limerick, was built by the Fitzgeralds of Desmond in the 13th century to oversee river navigation and defend the region. The castle stands on the site of a previous Viking settlement dating to the 820s, when legend says a converted Viking prince built a chapel there. The Fitzgeralds held the castle until 1578, after which it changed hands through the centuries, including a period under Sir Hardress Waller during the Commonwealth. Now under private ownership and undergoing restoration, visitors can stay in restored 300-year-old cottages overlooking the 800-year-old castle, experiencing the layered history of this ancient riverside location.