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Carrigafoyle Castle: Guardian of the Shannon Estuary

Explore Carrigafoyle Castle: a 15th-century tower house on the Shannon Estuary, steeped in history and offering stunning coastal views. Free entry!

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Explore the historic ruins of Carrigafoyle Castle, a 15th-century tower house strategically positioned on the Shannon Estuary near Ballylongford, Co. Kerry. Once a stronghold of the O'Connor Kerry clan, the castle offers stunning views and a glimpse into Ireland's turbulent past.

A brief summary to Carrigafoyle, Ballylongford, Co.Kerry (Wetlands, Wildlife)

  • Ballylongford, Carrigafoyle, Co. Kerry, IE

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the 104 steps to the top of the castle.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching in the surrounding wetlands.
  • Check the tide times before visiting, as the raised path to the castle can be submerged at high tide.
  • Visit during the summer months for the best weather and clear views.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Ballylongford, head north on the R551 for approximately 2 miles (3 km). You'll see signs for Carrigafoyle Castle. Turn left onto the access road leading to the castle. Parking is available near the castle entrance. There are no fees for parking or entry.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Local Link Kerry bus 274 to Ballylongford. From the Ballylongford stop, it's approximately a 30-minute walk (2 miles/3 km) to Carrigafoyle Castle. Follow the R551 north and turn left onto the access road for the castle. A single bus fare within the Local Link Kerry network typically costs around €4.

  • Taxi

    From Ballylongford, a taxi to Carrigafoyle Castle is a short ride. Expect to pay around €10-€15 for the trip, depending on the taxi company and time of day. Taxi services are available in Ballylongford, with phone numbers available online.

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Discover more about Carrigafoyle, Ballylongford, Co.Kerry (Wetlands, Wildlife)

Carrigafoyle Castle, situated on a small rocky island at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary near Ballylongford, County Kerry, is a captivating historical site. Built in the 1490s by Conor Liath O'Connor, it was known as the 'Guardian of the Shannon' due to its strategic control of shipping lanes to Limerick City. The name Carrigafoyle comes from the Irish 'Carrig an Phoill', meaning 'rock of the hole'. The castle is a five-story tower house, standing over 24 meters (86 feet) tall, with a winding staircase of 104 steps leading to the top. It boasts inner and outer curtain walls and bastions, showcasing impressive Irish architecture of the period. A unique feature was its fortified harbor within the walls, similar to the Torre de Belém in Lisbon. The O'Connor-Kerry galley fleets patrolled the Shannon Estuary from here, escorting merchants in return for fees. The castle's history is marked by conflict. In 1580, it was besieged by English forces under Sir William Pelham, during the Second Desmond Rebellion. The castle was defended by Irish and Spanish soldiers, but after two days of bombardment, the walls were breached, and the defenders were killed or executed. The strategic importance of Carrigafoyle led to the abandonment of other rebel fortresses after its fall. Although Carrigafoyle Castle was briefly restored to the O'Connor-Kerry in 1605, it was later destroyed by Cromwellian troops in 1652. Today, Carrigafoyle Castle is a National Monument managed by the Office of Public Works, with free entry. Visitors can explore the partially restored castle, climb the spiral staircase, and enjoy panoramic views of the Shannon Estuary, Carrig Island, and Scattery Island. The surrounding wetlands are also a haven for birdlife and nature lovers.

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