Ireland’s medieval heritage continues to captivate visitors, according to new figures released by the Office of Public Works (OPW). In 2024, over 13.8 million people visited OPW-managed heritage sites across the country, with several medieval sites among the most visited locations.
Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel ranked just behind Dublin Castle as the top OPW ticketed sites for the year. These medieval landmarks offer a glimpse into Ireland’s Norman and ecclesiastical past, attracting over 429,000 and 365,000 visitors apiece with their architecture and layered histories.
The top 10 ticketed sites in Ireland
Kevin “Boxer” Moran, Ireland’s Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, commented, “From medieval castles to ancient monuments – the continued investment by the State in our rich and unique heritage portfolio is essential for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage.”
“We are fortunate to have such incredible landmarks across the country. We work hard to conserve and protect them, and present them to public. I am pleased to see that a diverse range of regional sites like Dungarvan Castle, the Blasket Islands and Battle of the Boyne are welcoming more visitors across their thresholds.”
Several other important medieval sites also saw strong attendance in 2024. Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and a filming location for the movie Braveheart, ranked in the OPW’s top ten most visited ticketed sites. Clonmacnoise, the famed early medieval monastic settlement along the River Shannon, also made the top ten, drawing visitors with its high crosses, round towers, and historic grave slabs.
Kilkenny Castle – photo by psyberartist / Flickr
Donegal Castle, a restored structure with fifteenth-century origins linked to the O’Donnell chieftains, saw a 15% rise in visitors, thanks in part to the central role the castle played in events related to the community’s 550th anniversary.
The OPW also highlighted several upcoming projects that will further enhance access to Ireland’s heritage in 2025. These include the phased reopening of Barryscourt Castle in County Cork and Ormond Castle in County Tipperary—two medieval sites undergoing extensive restoration. Also due to open is Emo Court in County Laois, a neoclassical estate with strong historical interest.
Barryscourt Castle – photo by The Speckled Bird / Wikimedia Commons
With medieval heritage sites remaining at the forefront of Ireland’s tourism appeal, the figures reflect a growing public interest in preserving and exploring the nation’s medieval past.
Ireland’s medieval heritage continues to captivate visitors, according to new figures released by the Office of Public Works (OPW). In 2024, over 13.8 million people visited OPW-managed heritage sites across the country, with several medieval sites among the most visited locations.
Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel ranked just behind Dublin Castle as the top OPW ticketed sites for the year. These medieval landmarks offer a glimpse into Ireland’s Norman and ecclesiastical past, attracting over 429,000 and 365,000 visitors apiece with their architecture and layered histories.
Kevin “Boxer” Moran, Ireland’s Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, commented, “From medieval castles to ancient monuments – the continued investment by the State in our rich and unique heritage portfolio is essential for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage.”
“We are fortunate to have such incredible landmarks across the country. We work hard to conserve and protect them, and present them to public. I am pleased to see that a diverse range of regional sites like Dungarvan Castle, the Blasket Islands and Battle of the Boyne are welcoming more visitors across their thresholds.”
Several other important medieval sites also saw strong attendance in 2024. Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and a filming location for the movie Braveheart, ranked in the OPW’s top ten most visited ticketed sites. Clonmacnoise, the famed early medieval monastic settlement along the River Shannon, also made the top ten, drawing visitors with its high crosses, round towers, and historic grave slabs.
Donegal Castle, a restored structure with fifteenth-century origins linked to the O’Donnell chieftains, saw a 15% rise in visitors, thanks in part to the central role the castle played in events related to the community’s 550th anniversary.
The OPW also highlighted several upcoming projects that will further enhance access to Ireland’s heritage in 2025. These include the phased reopening of Barryscourt Castle in County Cork and Ormond Castle in County Tipperary—two medieval sites undergoing extensive restoration. Also due to open is Emo Court in County Laois, a neoclassical estate with strong historical interest.
With medieval heritage sites remaining at the forefront of Ireland’s tourism appeal, the figures reflect a growing public interest in preserving and exploring the nation’s medieval past.
Click here to see the full figures from Ireland’s Office of Public Works
Top Image: Rock of Cashel. Photo by Enrico Strocchi / Flickr
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