When it comes to castles in Limerick, a few tend to nab all of the limelight.
The likes of King John’s Castle and Adare Castle rightly receive their fair share of international and domestic visitors.
However, there’s plenty of other medieval structures in Limerick, like the ruins of Carrigogunnell Castle, that are worth a look, as you’ll discover below!
Some quick need-to-knows about Carrigogunnell Castle
Although a visit to Carrigogunnell is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Carrigogunnell Castle can be found 3km north of Clarina Village in Limerick. It sits on a volcanic rock with superb views overlooking the Shannon Estuary. It’s a 15-minute drive from both Shannon and Adare and a 20-minute drive from Limerick City.
2. Parking
The castle unfortunately has no dedicated parking. I would recommend parking your car at nearby Ballybrown Church. It’s a 15-minute walk from there (just take care as you’ll be walking on roads with no path!).
3. Getting to the castle (warning)
Getting to the castle can be tricky. Google Maps often incorrectly brings you here but this is private property so do not enter this way. The makeshift entrance is on the other side and you enter at your own risk.
4. A fine bit of folklore
For those who love a mighty tale of good overcoming evil, Carrigogunnell means “Rock of the Candle”. It got its name, according to local folklore, as the castle was occupied by a wizened hag who lit a candle every night. Anyone who looked at the candle would die before dawn. Wearing a magic cap, the local hero Regan broke the curse.
The history of Carrigogunnell Castle
As is the case with many castles in Ireland, there’s a fine bit of history attached to Carrigogunnell. Sitting on a rock and silhouetted against the skyline are the ruined remains of Carrigogunnell Castle.
There was a castle recorded here in 1209 and it’s thought that it may have been built for the Templars as they used it as a garrison.
The ruins standing today date to 1450.
The castle was sacked and largely destroyed in 1691 after it was captured during the second siege of Limerick. The surviving ruins include parts of the upper bailey and west wall.
Built as a fortified house
Carrigogunnell Castle was probably constructed by the Gaelic Dalcassian people as a fortified house rather than a fortress.
The southern gateway was poorly defended with walls that were insubstantial in the case of a siege, and the complex lacked the usual watchtowers.
The castle ward covered approximately one acre. The building was constructed of well-cut imported limestone, not the local rock on which it stands.
Ownership over the years
Early ownership of Carrigogunnell Castle includes the O’Brien clan and later the O’Connells who surrendered it to the Fitzgeralds.
In the 17th century it was used as stables by a Captain Wilson, after passing through the hands of Donough Brien and Michael Boyle (later Archbishop of Dublin).
At that time it included a castle, barn and salmon fishery.
What’s left of the castle
By 1908, most of the west wall had been lost and only the outer wall and remnants of the south wall remained, along with 14th and 15th century foundations.
The two-storey building that occupied the NE corner of the ward was probably a chapel. Other architectural remains show the castle had a 50-foot-high keep in the NW corner with a 5-storey spiral staircase.
Next to it was a 3-storey residence, a south tower and staircase. Look for the small dungeon-like cell entered by a hole in the roof. Was it a “hanging hole” or just part of the drainage system?
During the second siege of Limerick (1689-91) the castle was occupied by 150 men loyal to King James II.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of this place is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Limerick.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Carrigogunnell!
1. Curraghchase Forest Park (15-minute drive)
Head to Curraghchase Forest Park for a wander in 313 hectares of woodland, park and lakes.
There are various waymarked trails suitable for all visitors including wheelchair users and pushchairs.
2. Adare (15-minute drive)
Adare is a quintessential Irish village with thatched cottages, restaurants, cafes and galleries dating back to the 13th century.
Known as “Ireland’s Prettiest Village”, it boasts three historic churches and a Heritage Centre on the Main Street.
3. Limerick City (20-minute drive)
There’s loads to do in Limerick City, the seat of this southwest county.
The mediaeval old town has Georgian townhouses around St John’s Square, a remarkable cathedral and 13th century King John’s Castle on the Shannon River.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.