Chasing ruins in Ireland: Churches, Castles and Cemeteries

Ireland is ancient. Civilization on the little island at the edge of the European continent dates back to 12,500 years ago. It goes without saying that such a long history has left its marks everywhere on the land. Ireland is full of ruins, of remains of past human settlements that have long outlived their primary inhabitants. The most common feature that we noticed during our Ireland road trip were the dry stone walls that line the meadows. Built as boundaries to delimit land property and fence off cattle, some of these dry stone walls can easily be a few centuries old.

Castles are another feature that is pretty common to see. We had actually planned to see more, but were eventually forced to cut some of the detours needed to reach some of them. So we ended up seeing less than planned. Some destinations just need more time once you get there, and I favoured dedicating the right amount of time to certain places rather than rushing through all the items on my itinerary. It’s good to have a plan, but travel needs also to be a little spontaneous.

Ireland displays even more ancient testimonies than castles or other medieval ruins. The most famous one is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, which includes the famous passage grave of Newgrange. We did not explore any prehistoric site, as we did not focus our trip in the Eastern part of the island. On our Northern and Western itinerary we mostly stopped to see churches, castles and cemeteries. Here are those that we visited.

Chasing ruins in Ireland: Churches, Castles and Cemeteries

The Rock of Cashel

Originally a fortress and the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster, the Rock of Cashel is an impressive site to visit. In the 12th century the fortress was donated to the Church and its architecture grew since then. The oldest building in the complex, the round tower, dates back to 1100. In order to visit the Rock of Cashel one needs to pay an entry ticket and join a guided tour. They are not extremely strict about it and when we arrived a tour had already started. We were able to join them a little late without problems. One can as well just leave the tour anytime. Surprisingly, to the contrary of what one would expect, by the end of our tour more and more people had actually joined our group.

Ruins in Ireland - the Rock of Cashel
The Round Tower and the outside of the Cathedral

At first I had not planned to visit the Rock of Cashel, but a few weeks before my trip I randomly stumbled upon pictures of it in a facebook group I belong to. The girl who posted those pictures warmly recommended the place and recommended to join the guided tour because it was really worth it. Cashel conveniently happened to be located between Midleton and Tullamore, two stops on my Irish whiskey distillery tour. The only problem was – would we have enough time for it? At first we thought we’d just join the guided tour for a little bit and then hit the road again. But the guide was so good and the whole place so interesting that we just decided to stick around and spent a full hour at the Rock of Cashel. This left us with less time for other things on our way to Tullamore, but then again, let’s be spontaneous.

Ruins in Ireland - the Rock of Cashel
A view inside the roofless Cathedral

The place is home to a colony of crows. I don’t know if they nest there all the time or only during a certain time of the year, but many kept us company during our visit. I was quite fascinated and aimed at taking photos when they happened to fly by. I took home quite some interesting pictures with the birds in them. They were as much a part of the landscape as the ruins. And they totally ruled the photo of the graveyard outside the cathedral.

Ruins in Ireland - the Rock of Cashel
The birds are everything in this photo!

Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland

We started off our trip in Northern Ireland. Dunluce Castle was the first ruin we visited, but not the first castle! On our first day we paid a visit to Ballygally Castle, a real castle from 1625 now turned hotel, where we stopped for afternoon tea. You should really take a look at the lovely treats we had there! After that, we also drove to Belfast Castle, which is much more modern and far from being a ruin. Dunluce Castle has been in ruins since 1690. Originally the home to the families of Scottish chiefs, it was abandoned after some portions of it collapsed into the sea.

Ruins of Ireland: Dunluce Castle
A view of the castle from the parking lot

We didn’t go inside, but only visited it from outside. The way it is perched on top of the cliffs is impressive, and the thought that part of it one fateful day just crumbled into the sea down below is a fearful one. Legend has it the first chamber to plummet to the sea was the kitchen, but among the ruins there is evidence of the kitchen still being where it was supposed to be. The legend might be false, but a whole section of the castle, even if it was not the kitchen, still did collapse and was the main reason why that castle was abandoned many centuries ago.

Ruins of Ireland: Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is perched atop some high cliffs

Dunluce Castle is located on the Causeway Coast, a ten-minute drive away from the Giant’s Causeway. After visiting the Giant’s Causeway and its incredible rock formations, we headed back to the hostel to have a quick breakfast and got back on the road. There were two ruins waiting for us on the Causeway Coast.

Ruins of Ireland: Dunluce Castle
Even just exploring around the castle the views are gorgeous

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Another short ride away from Dunluce Castle lays this other incredible ruin in Northern Ireland. Surprisingly, I had no idea about it until the night before, when we got to talk to a very nice girl in the hostel and she was warmly recommending the place. I say surprisingly, because the Mussenden Temple appears in Game of Thrones and I had done some research about filming locations prior to my trip. This must have slipped my attention.

Ruins of Ireland: Mussenden Temple
In this light and under this sky these ruins were really impressive

The Downhill manor was built by the eccentric Earl-Bishop Frederick Augustus Hervey in the 18th century. It was inspired by Italian architecture and it housed a great collection of books and paintings. It went all up in flames in 1851, and at the begninning of the 20th century the house was completely abandoned. Since we knew nothing about the place, as soon as we faced the ruins of the manor we struggled to place it in history. It looked fairly modern – of classical inspiration, clearly – but too run down to be only a couple of centuries old. We later learned that it had been destroyed by a fire, and suddenly the advanced state of destruction of the villa made sense.

Ruins of Ireland: Mussenden Temple
A view from the Library

This was probably the darkest place we visited. Not the cemeteries, not the flocks of crows at Cashel – this. When we stopped there the sky was dense with rain-bearing clouds and a strange light surrounded the ruins of this manor. It was as if that fire had tried to erase all the excesses that this places had come to represent. Once a display of wealth, it now stands crumbled and destroyed, bared to the bones. I almost felt pity; fire terrifies me. Of course it started raining quite heavily and we didn’t venture any further to reach the Mussenden Temple, that I only photographed from a distance before hiding the camera from the torrential rain. (How incredibly dark that a place be completely destroyed by fire in a land where water falls from the sky continuously.)

Ruins of Ireland: Mussenden Temple
The Mussenden Temple seen from a distance

Muckross Abbey

The only stop we made on the tiny portion of the Ring of Kerry we drove was to see Muckross Abbey. The Ring of Kerry is Ireland’s most famous drive, but sadly there was no way we could fit that into our itinerary. We chose to drive the Dingle peninsula to get a taste of the beauty of western Ireland, and were happy enough with our little stop at Muckross Abbey.

Ruins of Ireland: Muckross Abbey
Outside the Abbey some contemporary graves are found

This was a fairly quick stop, these ruins lay a short walk from the nearest parking lot and the exploration of the place didn’t take long. The good thing is that many walls still stand and it is possible to see quite a lot of this complex, not just the church. My favourite part was definitely the cloister, and the beautiful tree that grows in the inner garden.

Ruins of Ireland: Muckross Abbey
The beautiful tree in the cloister was a surprise

I didn’t mean to mention the weather all the time, but then again – of course – it started raining and we had to find shelter under a tree nearby. The car was not parked far away, but we still didn’t want to get drenched on our way to it. Why didn’t we take our umbrellas, you ask? Go back to the first photo and marvel at that blue sky. 15 minutes later it was pouring. Eventually we didn’t wait until the rain completely ceased and made our way back to the car in a softer pour. Tempted by the sun, when I intentionally left the umbrella behind I had also considered leaving the jacket. I’m glad I didn’t, it still protected me from the rain we got walking away from this place.

Ruins of Ireland: Muckross Abbey
A view of the roofless church

Kilmacrehy Cemetery in Liscannor

This was a totally unplanned stop. It actually took me some time to locate it again on the map once we came back. On our way from the Cliffs of Moher to the Dingle peninsula we passed by Liscannor, a tiny village on the coast. At some point I noticed this small deserted cemetery and I decided to pull over and pay it a visit. I have a deep fascination for cemeteries and I was captivated by this one. Just by the sea, guarded by tall (and slightly crooked) Celtic crosses, it looked like a very peaceful resting place for eternity.

Ruins of Ireland: Kilmacrehy cemetery
Layers of gravestones by the sea, a beautiful resting place for eternity

The ruins of a church stand by, very covered in green and clearly abandoned since decades. I like visiting cemeteries when I travel someplace new. They can teach you something more about the culture of the place. Every culture and civilisation in the world has their way of dealing with death and cemeteries are that ultimate place where you get to see this side of a culture. There is a lot of architecture, sociology and anthropology enclosed in a cemetery.

Ruins of Ireland: Kilmacrehy cemetery
The ruins of the little church surrounded by Celtic crosses

I was completely alone when I explored this ancient resting place. In some parts of the cemetery the graves are literally one over the other, so little was the space to accommodate the departed members of the Kilmacrehy parish. As I made my way to the church ruins I recognised on many a tomb a familiar Scottish family name. The interior of the church housed even more tombs, showing it had long been dismissed as church and had been converted into extra burial ground. Silently I made my way out, back to the parking lot where my boyfriend was waiting for me.

Ruins of Ireland: Kilmacrehy cemetery
The inside of the church is filled with more gravestones

Ireland is an incredible place when it comes to ruins. To see them all one would never stop exploring. Some of the best sights happened by chance – either because someone mentioned the place the night before, or because we just drove by and decided to stop and explore. As much as I love laying out itineraries and having plans, in Ireland I was reminded once more that some of the best things happen by chance.

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Chasing ruins in Ireland: Churches, Castles, Cemeteries

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48 Comments

  1. Tarni November 17, 2017 at 14:10

    Ireland has been at the top of my “to-do” list for a while now, and after reading this I feel like I need to book a ticket now! Loved reading this!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 17, 2017 at 17:34

      Thank you, I’m glad I inspired you. Ireland is beyond beautiful and it has so much to discover. Hope you’ll get there soon so you’ll also be able to appreciate such beauty in real life.

      Reply
  2. Unta November 17, 2017 at 20:23

    Lovely photos, amazing contrast between dark stones and green hills.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:27

      Thanks! Ireland is perfect when it comes to finding plenty of green hills and dark stones!

      Reply
  3. Ainsley Duyvestyn November 17, 2017 at 20:29

    Wow, this looks incredible! I’m so guttered I missed out on this part of Ireland when I was there. Must have to go back. Love your photos!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:28

      Thank you! I already want to go back, Ireland was so beautiful. I’m actually happy I made it there in the first place, as the first time I had only seen Dublin and it took me many years to go back and decently explore the rest of the island.

      Reply
  4. Carmelatte November 17, 2017 at 20:32

    This place is such a great destination!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:29

      All of them, really!

      Reply
  5. Mary November 17, 2017 at 21:48

    Ireland looks dark but dreamy to me! Love your pictures <3 Great symmetry and transition in colors.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:31

      Thank you very much. Ireland’s landscapes provided so many great photo opportunities. I’m very happy I was able to take home so many beautiful landscape photos!

      Reply
  6. Kavita Favelle | Kavey Eats November 17, 2017 at 21:57

    Visiting the ancient ruins, and the more recent churches and castles to be found across Ireland is one of the most wonderful aspects of visiting for me, that and the natural landscape and friendly welcome!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:32

      I agree with you, it seems that Ireland has it all. I would also add the food – on top of the beautiful architecture, landscapes and welcoming people I have also very much enjoyed the food. Ireland is a perfect destination!

      Reply
  7. Karen November 17, 2017 at 22:10

    I so have a thing for beautiful old church ruins! Ireland has been on my bucket list for a while. Beautiful photos!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:33

      Thank you! This was the second time for me, after only a quick visit to Dublin the first time. I’m glad I finally managed to get out and explore because I love green landscapes and ruins and Ireland is full of that!

      Reply
  8. Sarah November 18, 2017 at 08:09

    Ireland is on the top of my to do list, I can’t wait to see the castle and ruins.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:34

      There are so many to see everywhere that if it’s castles and ruins you’re after Ireland is definitely the perfect place for you!

      Reply
  9. Maša November 18, 2017 at 14:22

    Looks a bit mysterious but I love all the photos! So lovely and all the birds too. Magical views and I think weather was just perfect!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:35

      It was! Many people hate the rain, but I think that in Ireland you kind of want to experience it. I can totally say that in the grey light of rainy days Ireland did not disappoint, not did the photos turn out ugly. On the contrary, I came back very pleased with my rainy pictures. It all adds up to this magical and somewhat dark atmosphere!

      Reply
  10. Deea November 18, 2017 at 15:13

    Every place looks so eerie and seems like the perfect location for a photoshoot or more 😀 Beautiful captures and totally agree with you: some of the best things do happen by chance!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:36

      Oh, I would have loved to have a model in a beautiful medieval dress posing in front of those ruins!

      Reply
  11. Katie November 18, 2017 at 23:58

    So I totally need to go back to Ireland! I’ve only visited Killarney and Muckross Abbey, but I can see that there is a lot more that I need to back for!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 16:42

      Ireland is amazing, it really has a lot to offer! If you enjoyed the roofless Muckross Abbey you will love the roofless cathedral at the Rock of Cashel. It was probably my favourite to photograph!

      Reply
  12. Ha November 19, 2017 at 18:35

    These photos are amazing! I’ve always loved visiting the ruins, and this place looks perfect to me. I would love to visit Ireland one day 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 22:00

      If you like ruins, especially from churches and castles, Ireland is the greatest place, serously! It’s beautiful!

      Reply
  13. Carmelatte November 19, 2017 at 18:41

    I would love to go to Ireland!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 19, 2017 at 22:01

      I hope you’ll make it there someday!

      Reply
  14. Ellie November 22, 2017 at 19:09

    Ireland is so beautiful and unique! I can’t wait to go back one day! Have you heard of/been to Spike Island?

    Reply
    1. Eva November 22, 2017 at 19:31

      Had never heard of it, so thank you for mentioning it. I looked it up and it’s definitely a place I’d love to see on my next visit!

      Reply
  15. Zoe November 23, 2017 at 21:17

    Never been to Ireland but sure does look interesting! Beautiful photos of how the ruins are too.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 23, 2017 at 21:26

      Thanks Zoe! Photographing the ruins against all those green meadows was one of best things about this trip! I was very happy with the contrast!

      Reply
  16. Roxanne Weijer November 24, 2017 at 12:37

    Ooh I really need to go to Ireland. It looks so impressive! Love your blog and you have beautiful pictures.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 24, 2017 at 20:38

      Thank you so much, I’m glad you like my pictures and I’m happy I managed to show how majestic Ireland is!

      Reply
  17. Rosie Fluskey November 24, 2017 at 19:02

    It sounds like you managed to cram in a huge amount of ruin chasing in quite a short space of time. I always wonder just how much there is to see and do in ireland, but clearly there’s loads.
    The pictures with the crows really came out well so it was obviously worth popping by for, and i love the tree in Muckross Abbey. I think these living things give the ruins a bit of context.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 24, 2017 at 20:44

      I have to agree with you with the the birds and the tree giving that extra touch as living things opposed to the ruins. I’m glad you like the pictures, that is always the feature about my blog I care about the most.

      Reply
  18. Anneklien Meanne November 24, 2017 at 21:43

    I only bee to the Muckross Abbey on your list, and it was an interesting place to visit after wandering around the National Park.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 26, 2017 at 18:26

      I wish I had had the time to properly enjoy the national Park and find the other buildings in the area! I just have another reason to go back!

      Reply
  19. Aimee November 24, 2017 at 22:04

    I’m from Ireland and your photos are beautiful, the castles and ruins here really are incredible.

    Reply
    1. Eva November 26, 2017 at 18:28

      Thanks, I’m happy to hear you like my pictures of your beautiful land!

      Reply
  20. Vivienne November 25, 2017 at 01:56

    Great pictures! I’ve never seen this side of Ireland before!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 26, 2017 at 18:31

      Thanks! Glad I had a chance to introduce it to you 🙂

      Reply
  21. Celeste November 29, 2017 at 01:08

    A forza di andare in Scozia, anch’io mi sono profondamente “affezionata” a castelli ed edifici in rovina, e pure ai cimiteri. Sarà che ancora sono fresca di ritorno, ma nella prima foto Dunluce Castle mi sembrava Dunnottar <3
    Non sono mai stata in Irlanda, ma dev'essere proprio spettacolare!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 29, 2017 at 16:52

      Ma come fai a non trovarli bellissimi? Io sono totalmente vittima del fascino decadente delle rovine! Mi sa che un mordi e fuggi in Irlanda allora ti tocca proprio farlo se ancora non ci sei stata! 😀

      Reply
  22. Agness of Fit Travelling December 7, 2017 at 23:13

    Ireland is so stunning and awe-inspiring, Eva! These ruins seem truly breathtaking. You’ve definitely visited some astonishing places! 😉

    Reply
    1. Eva December 8, 2017 at 14:24

      Thank you very much! I have to agree with you, ruins definitely are awe-inspiring. Thanks for stopping by!!

      Reply
  23. Hilary March 21, 2018 at 20:51

    Love this blog! Stumbled upon it while looking for places to visit for my mother in law for an upcoming trip. She wants to see churches and cemeteries. I told her they were all over Ireland but this blog is perfect with photos and descriptions that transport me to Ireland. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Eva March 22, 2018 at 20:57

      Thank you very much Hilary, glad to read that my experience is helping you plan your upcoming trip. This is my goal with this small blog, and a comment like yours means the world to me. I really hope you have a great time in Ireland and will love all the places as much as I did!

      Reply
  24. Catherine November 3, 2021 at 12:14

    Hi Eva, loved reading that blog post. I too am somewhat obsessed with old ruins (churches, castles, houses and old graveyards) and have spent many, many days over the years finding and photographing them ~ and the majority in County Donegal for my website. As well as their beauty there is of course the history and folklore attached to so many of them. Next time you come to Ireland you need to explore Donegal ~ I guarantee you will see many beautiful old places. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva November 3, 2021 at 20:39

      Hi Catherine! Thank you for the tip. I’m definitely planning to come back to Ireland in the future so I’ll make sure to add Co. Donegal to my itinerary!

      Reply

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