Medieval castles of Ireland in the Northwest Region

The medieval castles of Ireland are well-represented in the Northwest region. I love this less developed and wilder region of Ireland. The Northwest includes the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Monaghan and Cavan.

One of my favorite spots in Ireland is a secluded beach on the northern coast. On one of my solo visits, I walked for a few miles along the beach and found a place to relax and read a book. The waves were rolling in, the sun was shining and I could see no other people; it was my idea of heaven.

Northwest Ireland clouds water© Patricia McKinney-Lins

Ireland's northernmost point at Malin Head, on the Inishowen Peninsula, is worth the drive north; you really will feel that you are on top of the world.

Malin Head Ireland© Patricia McKinney-Lins

Donegal and Killybegs are two lovely towns to visit on your castle tour. Donegal Castle in the village is well-preserved and open to the public. Killybegs is a busy fishing port. Just west of town, you will see the start of the stunning Slieve League cliffs towering 2,000 feet above the crashing waters of the Atlantic.

Killybegs Ireland harbor© Patricia McKinney-Lins


Your medieval castles in Ireland tour in the Northwest includes the following majestic castles:

Cabra Castle Hotel,
Markree Castle,
Donegal Castle ,
Doe Castle ,
Glenveagh Castle,
Parkes Castle,
Lough Eske Castle Hotel, and
Loughrynn Castle Hotel.


Donegal Castle street view© Patricia McKinney-Lins

When you are visiting the Northwest Region, you may want to:

Look out from Malin Head,
Ireland's most northerly point,

Visit rugged Tory Island ,

Photograph the Slieve League Cliffs,

Stroll the streets of Donegal, and


Donegal Ireland cobblers© Patricia McKinney-Lins
Donegal Ireland ice cream© Patricia McKinney-Lins

Take an Ireland bicycle tour of the countryside.


Northwest Ireland country road© Patricia McKinney-Lins

There are a variety of lodging options in the Northwest Region in addition to the castle hotels listed above. Your choices include:

Harvey's Point Country Hotel
on Lough Eske, Donegal,

Bayview Hotel & Leisure Center
in Killybegs, and

Castle Murray House Hotel
in Dunkineely.






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