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Carrigafoyle Castle: Guardian of the Shannon

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Discover Carrigafoyle Castle: a 15th-century Irish tower house with a dramatic history and panoramic views of the Shannon Estuary in County Kerry.

Explore the dramatic ruins of Carrigafoyle Castle, a 15th-century tower house built by the O'Connor Kerry clan on the Shannon Estuary. Climb the 104 steps for panoramic views and delve into its turbulent history, marked by sieges and strategic importance.

A brief summary to Carrigafoyle Castle

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the 104 steps to the top of the castle.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the Shannon Estuary.
  • Visit during the summer months for the best weather and clear views.
  • Check the tide times, as access to the castle can be affected by high tide.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Ballylongford, Carrigafoyle Castle is a short drive north. Follow the R551 towards Carrigafoyle. The castle is signposted and has a small car park. Parking is free. Be aware that parking is limited.

  • Public Transport

    The Local Link Kerry Route 274 serves Ballylongford. From Ballylongford, it's approximately a 1-minute walk to the Ballylongford bus stop. From there, take the Route 274, and it is a short walk to Carrigafoyle Castle. Single fares on Local Link Kerry vary depending on the distance traveled.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Ballylongford. A taxi from Ballylongford to Carrigafoyle Castle is a short ride. Expect to pay around €15-€25 for the trip. Ensure the driver is using a meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Discover more about Carrigafoyle Castle

Carrigafoyle Castle, a striking 15th-century tower house, stands proudly on a rocky outcrop near Ballylongford, County Kerry. Built in the 1490s by Conor Liath O'Connor of the O'Connor Kerry clan, it controlled shipping lanes to Limerick and earned the title 'Guardian of the Shannon'. The name 'Carrigafoyle' comes from the Irish 'Carraig an Phoill', meaning 'rock of the hole'. The castle's unique features include a fortified harbor within its walls, similar to the Torre de Belém in Lisbon. The O'Connor Kerry galley fleets patrolled the Shannon, escorting merchants in return for fees. The five-story tower house rises over 24 meters, with 104 steps leading to the top. Carrigafoyle's history is marked by conflict. In 1580, during the Second Desmond Rebellion, English forces under Sir William Pelham besieged the castle. After two days of bombardment, the castle fell, and the garrison was executed. The castle was never fully repaired and remains a ruin. Visitors can explore the partially restored structure, climb the spiral staircase, and enjoy stunning views of the Shannon Estuary. The castle is open to the public and managed by the Office of Public Works.

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