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Moydrum Castle: A Ruined Gothic Revival Gem

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Moydrum Castle, a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion with a dramatic history near Athlone, Ireland.

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Moydrum Castle, a ruined 19th-century Gothic-Renaissance castle near Athlone, County Westmeath, offers a glimpse into Ireland's past. Burned down in 1921 during the Irish War of Independence, its ivy-clad remains stand as a testament to a turbulent history and a popular photo stop, even featured on U2's 'The Unforgettable Fire' album cover.

A brief summary to Moydrum Castle

  • Moydrum Rd, Athlone, Moydrum, Co. Westmeath, IE

Local tips

  • Visit during the golden hour for the best lighting for photographs of the castle's exterior.
  • Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the grounds.
  • Be aware that the castle is a ruin, and entering may be dangerous due to crumbling walls.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Athlone town center, a taxi is a quick way to reach Moydrum Castle. The ride is approximately 7.2 km and takes about 9 minutes. Expect to pay around €13-€17 for the trip. Taxi services are available in Athlone, including Uber.

  • Public Transport

    The Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon Route 819 bus connects Athlone and Baylin, stopping near Moydrum Castle. From Golden Island in Athlone, the bus to Baylin takes about 13 minutes. From the Baylin stop, it's a short walk to the castle. The bus fare is approximately €1.30 - €1.55. Buses depart every four hours.

  • Walking

    For those inclined to walk, Moydrum Castle is about 6.4 km from Athlone. The walk takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes. From the bus station in Athlone, head southwest on the N61, then turn left onto Moydrum Road. Follow Moydrum Road until you reach the castle.

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Discover more about Moydrum Castle

Moydrum Castle, situated in County Westmeath just east of Athlone, is a striking ruin with a rich and complex history. Originally built in 1812 by architect Richard Morrison for William Handcock, the 1st Baron Castlemaine, the castle was designed in the Gothic Revival style, befitting Handcock's elevated status. The Handcock family had been granted the lands in the 17th century during the Cromwellian plantations. The castle's grandeur was short-lived. During the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) burned Moydrum Castle on July 3, 1921, in retaliation for the burning of local farmsteads by British forces. Though Lord Castlemaine wasn't present, his wife and daughter were given time to gather belongings before the castle was set ablaze. The destruction was complete, and the family never returned. Today, Moydrum Castle stands as a picturesque ruin, its walls covered in ivy. Despite its state, the castle retains its Gothic charm and is a popular attraction. It gained further recognition when a photograph of the castle was used as the cover art for U2's 1984 album, "The Unforgettable Fire". The site is privately owned, and while access to the interior may be restricted and potentially dangerous, the exterior offers ample photo opportunities. Some interior walls are covered in U2 related graffiti.

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