Architecture of Ireland
Bunratty Castle
Much of Ireland's oldest remaining architecture is either church or castle architecture. One of the most notable early Christian sights being Skellig Michael (600s), which is situated on an island off the coast of Ireland. Most of the other architecture from this time, and even as late as the 1700s has fallen into ruins. Nearly everywhere in the country stone walls, buildings, and bases are left standing, but few are complete structures.
Some old castles and churches have been restored, the most impressive of which include Bunratty Castle in County Claire (1200-1300s; rebuilt in the 1900s). Among the early churches including St Canice's Cathedral (1200s) in Kilkenny, St Mary's (1100s) in Limerick, and Rock of Cashel (1100-1200s) in County Munster, all of which are in the Romanesque style. Later Gothic churches include Christ Church Cathedral (1000-1400s) and Saint Patrick's Cathedral (1100-1300s), both in Dublin.