Top 6 Castles around Grange / Howard

The region encompasses a variety of historical sites. While the guide focuses on Scottish castles like Eglinton Castle Tower, Dean Castle, and Dundonald Castle Ruins, the broader 'Grange / Howard' name also refers to locations in Ireland and England. In Ireland, you'll find medieval tower houses like Grange Castle in County Kildare. In North Yorkshire, England, Castle Howard is a magnificent Baroque country house, not a traditional defensive castle, but built on a former military site.

Yes, several castles in the guide's focus area are great for families. Eglinton Castle Tower offers extensive open green spaces perfect for picnics and children to run around. Dean Castle is located within the beautiful Dean Castle Country Garden, providing a full day out with walks and nature trails. Dundonald Castle Ruins also welcomes families and has a visitor center.

Many castles are situated within larger parks or estates, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. For instance, Dean Castle is part of Dean Castle Country Park, which has numerous walking and nature trails. You can also find various cycling routes in the wider region, including easy, moderate, and difficult options. Explore more about cycling at Cycling around Grange / Howard or discover road cycling routes at Road Cycling Routes around Grange / Howard.

Yes, there are several easy hiking options, particularly around Dean Castle. The Dean Castle Country Park offers an easy loop trail. Other easy hikes in the area include the Fenwick Water loop and the Caprington Castle loop. You can find more details on these and other easy hikes at Easy hikes around Grange / Howard.

The best season to visit the castles, especially those with extensive grounds like Eglinton Castle Tower or Dean Castle, is generally spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable. Castle Howard in England also hosts various events and garden displays during these seasons.

Grange Castle in County Kildare is a significant medieval tower house. While it is an Irish National Monument, efforts to restore it for public tourism were abandoned, and it has largely reverted to a ruinous state. Visitors should exercise caution due to its condition, and entry to the tower house might be locked. The adjacent Fallon Hall remains in private ownership. You can find more historical context on Heritage Ireland's website: heritageireland.ie.

Yes, Castle Howard is a major heritage attraction and is publicly accessible. It offers a wide range of attractions, including its magnificent Baroque architecture, richly layered interiors, world-class art collections, and extensive gardens. It's a comprehensive experience of historical grandeur and artistic heritage.

Dundonald Castle Ruins is a 14th-century fortified tower house with significant historical value. It was built for Robert II upon his accession to the Scottish throne in 1371 and served as a royal residence for both Robert II and his son Robert III. The site also has evidence of fortifications dating back over 2000 years and includes a visitor center.

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance and the opportunities for outdoor activities. Many enjoy exploring the ruins of gothic mansions like Eglinton Castle Tower, which offers vast open green spaces for relaxation and picnics. The well-preserved 14th-century architecture of places like Dean Castle and the historical insights provided by Dundonald Castle Ruins are also highly valued.

While popular sites like Dean Castle and Dundonald Castle Ruins attract many visitors, exploring the grounds around Eglinton Castle Tower can offer a more spread-out experience due to its extensive open green spaces. For a more secluded historical view, the ruins of Craigie Castle, a 13th-century hall house, offer a glimpse into history from a ridge, though access might be more limited as it's a ruin.

Seagate Castle is a ruined 16th-century tower and town house located in Irvine. It holds historical significance, notably as a place where Mary, Queen of Scots, reportedly stayed in 1563. While it's an impressive and historic structure to view from the outside, you cannot enter the castle itself these days.

Yes, some castles are not generally open to the public. Grange East Castle in County Galway, Ireland, for example, is a medieval ruin located on private land, and access is typically not possible without explicit permission from the landowner. Similarly, while Grange Castle in County Kildare is a National Monument, its ruinous state means public access to the interior is often restricted or unsafe.