Hotel Spotlight: Clontarf Castle Hotel

Clontarf Castle Hotel

Castle Avenue : Clontarf, Dublin 3 : IRELAND : Phone 01-833-2321

Clontarf Castle is a perfect blend of a boutique and luxury hotel, providing unique style and exceptional service in comfortable surroundings. This unique hotel in Dublin is well thought out from the guests' point of view by providing a modern aesthetic built around an ancient form.

Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Dublin City Centre and 5 miles from Dublin Airport, Clontarf Castle Hotel is an oasis, tucked away in a tranquil setting, surrounded by fabulous golf courses and the sounds of lapping waters from the Irish Sea.

Learn more about this Ireland Castle Hotel

Ireland's Spookiest Places to Visit

Steeped in fairytale, mystery and a somewhat bloody history - the Emerald Isle naturally has its fair share of chilling stories, murdered spirits and friendly ghosts. From old castles to deserted prisons, discover the tall tales and eerie spaces of Ireland on your next Irish vacation. Be warned - these spooky places are not for the faint of heart (insert evil laugh):

Kilmainham Goal, Kilmainham, County Dublin: One of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration.

St. Michan's Church, Dublin: Underneath the church are five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families, including the legendary Shears brothers and the highly decorated coffins of the Earl’s of Leitrim. A visit to the crypt to visit these mummies can be quite a chilling experience.

Charles Fort, Kinsale, County Cork: Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922. The fort is often visited by the "White Lady of Kinsale".

Grand Opera House, Belfast: This hauntingly beautiful opera house opened in Belfast in 1895. Mysterious figures can be seen through the theater. The most famous is a figure in a long, black hooded cloak that is always seen on the stage. The theater is open for performances. Why not take in a show at the spookiest opera house in Ireland?

Ross Castle, County Meath: Ross Castle is known as one of the most haunted places in all of Ireland and even Britain. Several legends and ghost stories are connected with this idyllic castle.

Leap Castle, County Offaly: Legend has Leap Castle haunted by a supernatural entity known as an Elemental. The alleged entity is known as "It".

Malahide Castle, County Dublin: Many castles in Ireland are said to have ghostly inhabitants, but Malahide Castle in Dublin has an impressive five specters that roam its grounds.

Charleville Castle, Tullamore: Located in County Offaly, in the Midlands of Ireland, and bordering the town of Tullamore near the Shannon River, Charleville Castle is situated in Ireland's most ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of Ireland's druids.

Castle on the Sea

Romantics and history buffs alike can appreciate Rapallo’s Castle on the Sea. Walk along the elegant seafront promenade adorned with palm trees and flower beds, admire the breathtaking view of the bay and feast your eyes on the symbol of this small town, the Castle on the Sea.

Built in 1551 on the rocks surrounded by the sea as a guardian of the picturesque town of Rapallo from pirates. The Castle  on the Sea has been declared part of Italy’s national heritage.

Catch a glimpse of this piece of Italian romance and history on your visit to Rapallo in Italy’s Cinque Terre on your honeymoon or romantic vacation with Celtic Tours.

Featured Luxury Castle Accommodations in Scotland

Vacation like royalty when you stay in a castle hotel. With so many castles to choose from, it can be hard to choose. Here are a couple of featured luxury castle accommodations in Scotland.

Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH19 3JB
A fascinating 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the river Esk. From the moment you arrive at Dalhousie Castle, one of the finest luxury hotels in Scotland, a warm Scottish welcome awaits. Whether relaxing in the The Spa, enjoying one of the library’s extensive collection of books and a drink from the ‘secret bar’ next to the open fire, dining in the ancient barrel vaulted dungeon on our exceptional cuisine or relaxing in your unique castle bedroom, you will always feel as welcome as the ‘Laird’. 

 Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN
Inverlochy is Scotland's finest luxury hotel and restaurant uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland.At Inverlochy you will experience one of the most relaxing and exciting vacations of a lifetime, where every detail for your comfort and enjoyment has been carefully considered.

Glenapp Castle Hotel, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland KA26 0NZ
Imagine a fairytale castle, hidden in 36 acres of glorious garden and woodland on the rugged and beautiful Ayrshire coast in Ballantrae, Scotland. Spectacular views across the Irish Sea to the island of Arran and the massive granite rock of Ailsa Craig. Imagine exquisite rooms, outstanding cuisine, fine wines and exceptional service ~ a world apart. Glenapp Castle Hotel is a magnificently restored Scottish Baronial Castle, now a five star Relais & Châteaux Hotel.

Plan your royal vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations, add a castle stay at one of these luxury castle hotels to your self-drive tour of Scotland.

Castle Fraser - A Grand Scottish Baronial House with a Royal Ghost

Visit Castle Fraser on your next self-drive vacation to Scotland. Castle Fraser is one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses, reminiscent of a French chateau, filled with family treasures, furniture, interesting family portraits and, according to legend, a royal ghost.

Located in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland, Castle Fraser dates back to the 16th century when it was originally built for the Fraser family. Castle Fraser is a contemporary to other nearby castles such as Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle and Midmar Castle. What really stands out about the castle is the interesting z-plan design. This was in response to the need for more comfortable living space. Castle Fraser sticks to the basic tower house castle shape, however extends to the current z-plan castle. The result is one of the most superbly evolved and impressive tower houses in Scotland.

Like every good castle, Castle Fraser is said to have a ghost roaming the halls at night. Legend has it that a young princess was brutally murdered and dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. As hard as they scrubbed, the stains remained and they were forced to cover the steps with wood paneling, which remains today. It is said that she stalks the halls of the castle at night.

Castle Fraser has changed hands several times and was renovated in the 1800’s and modernized in the classical style. Today, the castle is owned by the National Trust of Scotland and visitors will enjoy the atmosphere of a family home, still containing the original contents including Fraser family portraits, furniture and collections. The evocative interiors represent all periods of the castle’s history, from the Medieval stone vaulted Great Hall to the Regency Dining Room. Round off the visit to Castle Fraser with a walk through the beautiful 18th century walled garden. The estate also contains a flight pond, mixed woodland and open farmland, with two waymarked walks giving magnificent views of the local hills.

Visit Castle Fraser on your next self-drive vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Scottish Castle Experience - Vacation like royalty

A truly unique experience, taking in the breathtaking beauty and charm of Scotland's Castles. Five special departures have been arranged with guaranteed departures and the small group experience, with no more than 16 passengers. This is truly the way to experience Scotland and Scottish Castles.

Your Scottish Castle Experience Tour Highlights:
• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES • Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Accomodations in Ardoe House (2 Nights) and Mansfield Castle (1 Night)• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival 
• Private 3-course farewell group dinner at Mansfield Castle• Services of professional driver/guide
• Entrances at Falkland Palace, House of Dun, Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle, Leith Hall, Brodie Castle, Culodden, Dalwhinnie Distillery and Loch Leven Castle
• Touring per your itinerary
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal

Take this once in a lifetime vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Discover Medieval Ireland's Historic Legends

Step into Ireland’s lively and colorful Medieval past with a medieval themed vacation filled with castle banquet feasts, traditional music and art, spectacular cathedrals, medieval ruins, fully-restored 12th century houses and old world villages – you can even stay in a Medieval Castle and learn about the ancient art of falconry.

Despite violent incursions by the Vikings and the spread of Christianity, medieval Ireland maintained a distinctive identity due to its relative isolation by water. Much of this magical land with its many medieval treasures, were left intact. Today there are a plethora of medieval sites and experiences to be had, here are a couple of the ones that cannot be missed by those wishing to discover Ireland’s medieval legends.

Powerscourt
Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful country estates in Ireland. Situated in the mountains of Wicklow, it was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. By the year 1300 a castle had been built here and was in the possession of the le Poer (Power) family from which it takes its name. The succeeding centuries saw the castle held for different periods by powerful families such as the O'Tooles and the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare.

Irish National Heritage Park
A visit to the Irish National Heritage Park is like no other you can imagine. Surprises await around every turn as you explore 35 acres of this remarkable heritage trail. From campsite to Ringfort, from mill to Fulacht Fiadh, from Crannog to Viking house, every activity is an unexpected adventure into 9000 years. The world you enter is an authentic recreation of Ireland’s heritage. Homesteads, places of ritual, burial modes and long forgotten remains will enlighten the casual visitor and interest the scholar.

Rock of Cashel
Eclipsed in legend, the Rock of Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 19 miles north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for hundreds of years prior to the Norman invasion.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Feast your eyes and spirits on St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, there has been a church on the site since the 5th century. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland with a 140 foot spire and is one of two Church of Ireland cathedrals.

National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology
The Medieval Ireland exhibition contains three galleries entitled Power, Work and Prayer, reflecting the three-fold division of medieval society - nobles, common people and clergy. The lifestyle of nobles is explored, while surviving arms and armor reflect the distinctive characteristics of warfare in medieval Ireland. The exhibition looks at the different forms of agriculture (pastoral and arable), which were practiced. Finds from urban excavations illustrate Ireland’s import trade and the various crafts and industries operating in towns. The Irish church changed fundamentally in the 12th Century, although many older church traditions survived. The exhibition also looks at religious practice and devotion as well as church furnishings, including a fine selection of late medieval reliquaries: book shrines, bell shrines and crosiers.

Adare, Old World Village
Renowned as Ireland's prettiest village, Adare is a major tourist destination with many tours of Ireland stopping off in Adare. The local heritage centre gives a deep insight into the history of the village and also hosts a number of craft shops and a restaurant. With thatched roof cottages and Tudor style houses, beautiful gardens and ivy clad medieval churches in beautiful surroundings on both sides of the street beside the river Maigue. For those who want to linger and learn more visit the Heritage centre and step back in time.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells
16th Century Trinity College is the home to the greatest surviving product of mid-8th century Irish monks, the illuminated Book of Kells. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity.

Bunratty Castle Banquet
The most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland, a colorful folk park and the famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets. This is one tourist attraction you are not going to want to miss! Each night the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl of Thomond’s Butler, welcome guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl’s Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned entertainers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, a four course traditional feast and of course good wine.

Craggaunowen Castle
Craggaunowen Castle, built in 1550, is a fortified tower house located near Sixmilebridge, County Clare, Ireland. It was built by John MacSioda MacNamara, a descendent of Sioda MacNamara, who built Knappogue Castle in 1467. It stands on a crag overlooking the lake in the grounds of Craggaunowen Park, an archaeological open-air museum.

The Ancient Art of Falconry at Ashford Castle
Why not round off your Medieval Vacation with a stay at an authentic 13th century castle? Stay at medieval Ashford Castle, located deep in the heartland of Mayo and set against a spectacular backdrop of forests, lakes and mountains. The stately architecture, surrounded by magnificent gardens makes Ashford Castle, a place where time stands still.

Ireland’s First School of Falconry, at Ashford castle, offers visitors the chance to experience the ancient art of Falconry first hand on a private Hawk Walk. They specialize in lessons using beautiful Harris hawks, but in addition to hawks the school is home to a variety of eagles, owls and falcons. Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk or hawks in the gardens and woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle.

As you travel through the lush green countryside of Ireland, you can imagine the Ireland of centuries gone by: ladies at court, fine feasts, jousting knights and a world where magic was still very much alive. The turbulent history of Ireland with raiders coming from all directions will come alive before your eyes as you learn about historical events, the arts, religion and the multiple facets of life in medieval Ireland. Discover Ireland’s historic legends on a medieval tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours.

With many self-drive vacations to Ireland, let Celtic Tours help plan your medieval vacation to Ireland. Have a group of people that want to experience Medieval Ireland? Try a Celtic Tours group tour of Ireland. We can create a customized Ireland vacation to suit you and your groups needs! Give us a call today 1-800-833-4373 to start planning your group tour today!

Endless Possibilities Package

Celtic Tours World Vacations presents...
The 7-Night Endless Possibilities Package!

A Go-As-You-Please Vacation Package with an amazing price tag and endless possibilities...

With this package the choice is yours:

~Tour the modern and cosmopolitan city of Dublin with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass. This sightseeing bus stops at all of Dublin's major attractions. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Zoo, the National Museum and Dublin's most fashionable shopping district Grafton St. are just a couple of options for your Dublin City Stay.

~Cash in on the savings with the Shannon Region 25% discount off entrance to the Shannon Regions top Attractions and Activities.

~Enjoy 4-nights B&B accommodations throughout Ireland - offering over 1700 B&B and farm homes to choose from.

~Enjoy a 1-night luxurious stay at the Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, County Galway (Other Castle choices available).

~Tour Ireland with a 6-day compact automatic car rental - Includes CDW Insurance!

~Take advantage of our optional tours of the Aran Islands and the Ring of Kerry. Or we can arrange a round of golf or other tours for you.

This package includes full Irish breakfast and hotel taxes!

Prices are based on Land Only Twin/Double Per Person Cost

Airfare is not included - but can be added to your package at the current airfare rates.

Hotel availability is on a first come first serve basis and is on request. Should the need arise, based on demand, substitute hotels may be offered.

This package includes:

* 4-Nights open B&B vouchers, 1-Night Deluxe Accomodations, 2-Nights Dublin City Stay
* Full Irish Breakfast Daily (except day of arrival)
* 6 Day Car Rental-Compact, Automatic, Includes Insurance (Larger groups will need to upgrade to larger vehicle)
* 1 Hop-On Hop-Off Dublin Bus Pass
* 1 Transfer from Hotel to Airport
* FREE Celtic Tours 5-Minute Phone Card

Let Celtic Tours design your perfect self-drive vacation to Ireland today! Visit our website or give us a call 1-800-833-4373 to start planning today!

Castel del Monte

Situated amidst the unspoilt Italian countryside of pine woods and fields stretching as far as the eye can see – the imposing and peculiar Castel del Monte has sat since 1240. Castel del Monte was built by Emperor Frederick II near Bari in Apulia, Italy. Once a symbol of opulence with marble walls and columns; the castle has been stripped by vandals. The Castel del Monte is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site and can be viewed on the Amazing South of Italy tour with Celtic Tours.

A unique piece of medieval military architecture, Castel del Monte is a successful blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture and influences. It is considered one of the most imposing structures of its kind in all of Italy, though it has neither a moat nor a drawbridge and was never intended as a defensive fortress.

Emperor Frederick II imbued Castel del Monte with symbolic significance, as reflected in the location, the mathematical and astronomical precision of the layout and the perfectly regular shape.  The use of the octagon shape is unusual in castle design. One theory for the use of the octagon is that it is an intermediate symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired to build with the octagon by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or the Palace Chapel of Aachen Cathedral, in Germany.

It was never finished and was used primarily as a hunting lodge by Frederick until his death in 1250. It was later turned into a prison, used as a refuge during a plague, and finally fell into disrepair and stripped of its rich marble walls and columns by vandals.

Castel del Monte is an astounding, if not a bit perplexing, work of medieval architecture best seen in person. Visit Castel del Monte on your Amazing South of Italy tour with Celtic Tours.

Scone Palace

Immortalized in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, once the capital of the Pictish kingdom, today Scone Palace attracts visitors from all over the world. There is so much to see and enjoy at Scone Palace, the history, the art and antiques, the superb landscape and architecture, fun for the children, shopping and exploring that one visit is never enough. Scone Palace is an optional visit on Celtic Tours self-drive tour of Scotland, Glimpse of Scotland.

Built of red sandstone, Scone Palace is a classic example of late Georgian Gothic style lending way to its colorful and exciting history. Once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in the history of Scotland. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny. Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland.

Poised over the River Tay with the Grampian Mountains as a backdrop, the Scone Palace beckons with an amazing scenic location. A visit to Scone Palace would be incomplete without enjoying the Palace grounds. They are as splendid as the Palace itself.

Whatever your age or interests Scone Palace is waiting for you to uncover its riches. Visit Scone Palace on your Glimpse of Scotland, self-drive vacation of Scotland.

Edinburgh Festivals

There are 7 festivals that run throughout the Edinburgh summer season. Kicking off with the Edinburgh International Film Festival and finishing off with the Edinburgh Mela and the International Festival fireworks, when you choose to visit will provide you with a vastly different experience. Dates for the 2011 festival season are as follows:

Edinburgh International Film Festival- 15-26 June 2011
Born alongside Edinburgh’s International Festival in 1947, EIFF was one of the world’s first international film festivals, and helped to define the type of event that has since become so pivotal to film culture in nations all over the world.

Edinburgh Art Festival- 4 August - 4 September 2011 * provisional dates
Edinburgh Art Festival is Scotland’s largest annual festival of visual art and has something for everyone. Established in 2004, the Festival works in partnership with the city’s artists, galleries, museums and visual art spaces to present the best, exciting and most intriguing in visual arts practice.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival- 22 July- 31 July 2011
Spanning the earliest jazz forms to the thriving creativity of today, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival presents the UK’s biggest jazz event.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo- 5th- 27th August 2011
A whirling and colorful kaleidoscope of music, dance and display set against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been an international favorite for over 60 years!

Edinburgh Festival Fringe- 5th -29th August 2011
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Scotland’s capital city.

Edinburgh International Festival- 12th August- 4th September 2011
Every August, the Edinburgh International Festival transforms one of the world's most beautiful cities, presenting three exhilarating weeks of the finest creators and performers from the worlds of the arts - for everyone.

Edinburgh International Book Festival- 13-29th August 2011
The Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season, celebrated annually in Scotland's capital city and is the largest public celebration of books in the world. Every August Edinburgh International Book Festival brings writers and thinkers from across the planet together to rub shoulders with you, the audience.

Edinburgh Mela Festival- 2-4 September 2011
The Edinburgh Mela was founded in 1995 by members of the city’s minority ethnic communities. The first festival was held in Meadowbank Stadium and quickly grew to attract 20,000 people each year. It was the first Mela in Scotland and has gained a strong reputation in the UK.

The Edinburgh Festivals offer endless possibilities for your Scottish vacation. With Celtic Tours, you can plan a self-drive vacation or gather your favorite group of people to visit Scotland and enjoy these amazing festivals with.

We also offer a brilliant Edinburgh Tattoo and Festival Package with summer dates still available. This combination package allows for plenty of time to experience the Edinburgh Festival atmosphere. Enjoy the stunning Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. Plus discover the best shows as chosen for you personally by the festival critics with the Festival Passport.

Castle Hotels in Ireland

Castle hotels in Ireland offer visitors the chance to take a magical step into Ireland’s past, with all the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel with modern conveniences. With many castle hotels in Ireland to choose from, here is a short list of our favorites.

Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
The 4 Star Abbey Hotel County Roscommon, is a charming 18th Century Manor House Castle Hotel in Ireland, set idyllically on it's own private grounds and gardens. The accommodation at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon Town, County Roscommon has been individually designed and decorated to an exceptional standard, giving a classically luxurious edge.

Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland
Situated in the heart of Adare Village in County Limerick, Ireland – Adare Manor, a luxury Five Star Hotel and Golf Resort is both steeped in history and surrounded by medieval ruins. Far removed from generic trappings of ordinary hotels, the Manor’s hallmark experience offers unique accommodation, the best of contemporary food and an impeccable approach to hospitality that brings guests back, time and time again
.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland
Dating back to 1228 and once the estate of the Guinness family, the luxurious 5 Star Ashford Castle first opened as a hotel in 1939.

Dromoland, County Clare, Ireland
With an extraordinary history stretching back to the 5th Century, the Dromoland Castle, was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent lawns, this Irish 5 star luxury Castle Hotel overlooks its own Championship Golf Course and a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds.

Contarf Castle, County Dublin, Ireland
Clontarf Castle, reborn and redesigned, is the choice of interesting people the world over. Forget what time it is, Clontarf Castle Hotel is an imaginary world, no longer the past, not quite the future. When you arrive, time becomes yours.

Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, Ireland
Ballyseede Castle, Tralee Ireland, is an impressive building and has a history dating back to the 1590’s. Wonderfully transformed into a hotel in 1965, Ballyseede Castle offers 23 ensuite-bedrooms, three function rooms and beautiful reception rooms complimented by enchanting formal gardens.

Waterford Castle, County Waterford, Ireland
Situated on its own private Island, Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers luxurious Castle accommodation in Ireland. One of the leading luxury hotels in Ireland which boasts superb 4 star hotel facilities, you can enjoy the 18 hole Championship Golf Course in Waterford, or choose to stay in one of the Castle Gardens holiday homes.


Visit Celtic Tours website for more information about castle stays in Ireland.

The Tower of London

Visit the Tower of London, the ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and ravens strut the grounds. Despite a grim reputation as a place of torture and death, this powerful and enduring fortress has been enjoyed as a royal palace, served as an armory and for a number of years even housed a zoo!

In the early 1080s, William the Conqueror began to build a massive stone tower at the centre of his London fortress. Nothing like it had ever been seen before. Immense, the Tower of London dominated the skyline for miles around. The Tower was protected by Roman walls on two sides, ditches to the north and west up to 25 ft wide and 11 ft deep and an earthwork topped by a wooden palisade. Although many later kings and queens stayed at the Tower, it was never intended as the main royal residence nor was it meant as the first line of defense against invading armies. The Tower’s primary function was as a fortress-stronghold, a role that remained unchanged right up until the late 19th century.

The Tower of London holds some of the most remarkable stories from across the centuries. Gaze up at the massive White Tower, tiptoe through a kings' medieval bedchamber and marvel at the priceless Crown Jewels. The famous Yeoman Warders have bloody tales to tell; stand where heads rolled and prisoners wept. The Tower held many famous prisoners, from the highest levels of society; some in astonishing comfort and others less so… Visit the places of their confinement and read the graffiti left by prisoners from over 500 years ago.

Visit the Tower of London with Celtic Tours on our newest tour of London: the London Program.