Although I’ve visited the Dingle Peninsula on many occasions, it wasn’t until last year that I first took a trip down to Minard Castle and beach.
You’ll often hear castles in Ireland described as ‘Fairy-tale-like’, but few truly live up to that description.
Minard Castle, however, feels like it was plucked straight from a Disney film, with its crumbling ruins perched high on a hill overlooking Minard Bay.
What to know before you visit Minard Castle
Although a visit to Minard Castle is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location/parking
You’ll find Minard Castle a short drive from Annascaul Village in Kilmurry. There’s a decent bit of parking just past the castle and it’s rare that you’ll find it busy outside of the summer season.
2. Use caution on the drive up to it
As you can see on the map above, the road that leads to Minard Beach is narrow. On my most recent visit, I came head to head with a tractor and had to reverse along the winding, hedge-lined road for what felt like an eternity.
3. The different viewpoints
There are several good spots to get an eyeful of the castle:
- Viewpoint 1: From the opposite end of the beach (use caution when walking on the stones as they are very smooth and slippy)
- Viewpoint 2: From the road right behind the castle (here on Maps)
4. Ryan’s Daughter
Minard Castle was one of the filming locations for Ryan’s Daughter (1970) – a romantic drama set in a small Irish village during World War I. You’ll recognise the castle from the iconic scene where Rosey arranges her first secret meeting with Major Doryan.
The history of Minard Castle
Minard Castle, built in the mid-16th century by the Knight of Kerry, also known as the “Green Knight”, was part of the powerful FitzGerald dynasty’s network of strongholds.
The location of the castle was strategically chosen to defend the southern coastline, serving as a deterrent against potential invaders approaching via the wild Atlantic.
The Irish Confederate Wars
The castle is arguably best known for its role in one of the most turbulent periods of Irish history – the Irish Confederate Wars (1641–1653).
These events were part of a series of conflicts known as “the Wars of the Three Kingdoms” (a time when Ireland was fending off an external invasion while also facing an internal rebellion).
In 1650, during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, the castle was besieged by English forces under Oliver Cromwell, who’s cannon fire eventually rendered the castle helpless.
Aftermath and Ruin
While many castles in Ireland were either partly of fully destroyed during this time, some were fully restored (e.g. Kilkenny Castle).
Alas, Minard never regained its former glory and it has remained a romantic ruin perched on the cliffside.
Its crumbled walls and battlements still bear the scars of its turbulent past.
The Well
One of the area’s more interesting features is Tobar Eoin Baiste (St. John’s Well).
It’s located here just behind the castle and it’s accessible via a well maintained set of steps (just look out for the signs – you can’t miss ’em).
On August 29th each year, on the feast day of St. John, a pilgrimage is held, with pilgrims seeking cures for ailments like headaches.
Ogham Stones
When you ramble along Minard Beach, you can’t miss the smooth stones that lay scattered in great piles along the sand.
It’s believed that these stones were used for Ogham, an ancient language used during the 5th and 9th centuries.
It’s thought that the Ballintaggart Ogham Stones originated from Minard Beach.
Places to visit nearby
When you finish at the castle, you’re in luck – many of the best things to do in Dingle are a short drive away.
Here are some suggestions:
- Inch Beach (15-minute drive)
- Conor Pass (25-minute drive)
- Dingle Town (20-minute drive)
- Slea Head Drive (25-minute drive)
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.