Castles Of The Emerald Isle

This undated photo shows Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland. It is one of the few castle hotels that can trace its ownership back through history to Gaelic Irish families of royal heritage. The Castle offers all guests deluxe accommodation and the experience of living as "Landed Gentry," surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It played host to myriad high-profile events, including the 2004 European Union-U.S. summit.

Ashford Castle

This undated photo offers a view of Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland. The magnificent 13th century castle is located

Bunratty Castle

This undated photo shows Bunratty Castle, in County Clare, Ireland. Bunratty features a folk park recreating 19th century Victorian Ireland and a medieval banquet, with storytelling and medieval music. The present structure, built by powerful MacNamara family around 1425, is the last of four castles to be built on the site.

Dromoland Castle

Irish government officials arrive at Dromoland Castle in Ennis, western Ireland, where President Bush attended an E.U./U.S. summit meeting, June 25, 2004. The castle is close to the rugged Burren stone formation and the vibrant cities of Limerick and Galway.

Blarney Castle

This undated photo shows Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone and the mystical and beautiful Rock Close and gardens, in County Cork, Ireland. Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy.

Dromoland Castle

Prime Minister of Ireland Bertie Ahern, right, greets first lady Laura Bush, left, and President Bush, center, during their arrival at Dromoland Castle, for the U.S.-European Union Summit, June 25, 2004, in County Clare, Ireland. The castle, a magnificent Renaissance structure built in the 16th century, was once the royal seat of the O'Brien clan, direct descendants of Irish King Brian Boru.

Ashford Castle

This undated photo shows Oak Hall in Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland. Once the estate of Lord Ardilaun and the Guinness Family, Ashford opened as a luxury hotel in 1939. It has played host to myriad high-profile events, including James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan's wedding.

Ashford Castle

This undated photo shows horseback riders on the grounds of Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland.

Leslie Castle

Castle Leslie in the small town of Glaslough in County Monaghan, Ireland, is seen Thursday, June 6, 2002. Tjis was where Paul McCartney and Heather Mills held their 2002 wedding reception.

O'Brien's Castle

Dave Sheedy of Limerich, Ireland tees off in front of the ruins of O'Brien's Castle during a round of golf at the Lahinch Golf Course on July 29, 2004, in Lahinch, Ireland.