Clonmore Castle, County Carlow Travel Guide

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Explore the historic ruins of Clonmore Castle in County Carlow, a 13th-century Anglo-Norman fortress with a turbulent past.

Clonmore Castle, located near Hacketstown in County Carlow, is a 13th-century Anglo-Norman ruin with a turbulent history. Explore the remains of its square enclosure, towers, and interior features, imagining life within its walls centuries ago.

A brief summary to Clonmore Castle

1, 1, Hacketstown, Clonmore, Co. Carlow, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Clonmore Castle.

Wear sturdy footwear as the castle grounds can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
Exercise caution when exploring the ruins, as some areas may be unstable.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.

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Explore Clonmore Castle on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

To reach Clonmore Castle from Hacketstown, head right past the Penny Hill Bridge onto the L2005, following the signs for Clonmore. Drive for approximately 6km until you see the castle. There is a small parking area near the castle tower.
Public Transport

From Carlow town, take a Bus Éireann service towards Hacketstown. Disembark at the Hacketstown stop. From there, Clonmore Castle is approximately a 3 km walk. Head towards the R724 road and follow it to the left. The castle will be on your left. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. A single fare on Bus Éireann is approximately €3-5. A taxi from Hacketstown to the castle would cost approximately €10-15.

Discover more about Clonmore Castle

Clonmore Castle, situated on the edge of Clonmore village in County Carlow, stands as a testament to Ireland's Norman past. Believed to have been constructed in the late 12th or 13th century, possibly by Hugh DeLacey, the castle's earliest documented mention dates back to 1332, when Sir Anthony de Lucy oversaw repairs.Originally built in a square layout with towers at each corner, Clonmore Castle endured a tumultuous history, marked by attacks and sieges. It was seized by the Earl of Kildare in 1516 and later by the Earl of Ormond in 1598. In 1650, Cromwell's forces, under Colonel Hewson, significantly damaged the castle, leaving it in its current ruined state.Today, visitors can explore the remains of this once-imposing fortress. The south wall, though mostly gone, once stood 230 feet high and featured a drawbridge tower leading to the courtyard. Architectural details such as arched and narrow windows, partial stairwells, and chambers offer glimpses into the castle's past. A trefoil window in the southern wall is a notable feature. The granite gargoyle, known locally as the Pooka's Head, is still visible above a window.While the castle is in a ruinous state, with trees growing inside and holes throughout the structure, it still exudes an impressive aura. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear due to nettles and muddy conditions.