TOP10 Norman Castles - CURIOUS IRELAND

The arrival of the Anglo-Normans in the late 1170s can be summed up in one word – castles. Over 400 mottes have been identified of which 160 remain. By the end of the 13th century, Ireland was the most castellated landscape in Europe many of which were built by the descendants of the original invaders.

Dundrum Castle, Dundrum, County Down 1180

emmet2023-09-18T20:56:41+00:00

Spectacular location for a unique Norman castle Dundrum Castle was built by John de Courcy in 1172 on a spectacular vantage point overlooking Dundrum Bay and the mighty Mourne Mountains. De Courcy was [...]

Dundrum Castle, Dundrum, County Down 1180emmet2023-09-18T20:56:41+00:00

Trim Castle, Trim. County Meath 1172

emmet2023-05-09T10:15:11+00:00

The largest Norman castle in Ireland Soon after the Norman Invasion of Ireland, Hugh De Lacy was granted vast tracts of land in Meath by King Henry II. This was to curb and [...]

Trim Castle, Trim. County Meath 1172emmet2023-05-09T10:15:11+00:00

Castle Roche, Ballinfuil. County Louth 1236

emmet2023-06-24T06:34:59+00:00

Don't look out the window of this impressive Norman castle Castle Roche was built in 1236 by the De Verdun family on a steep rocky outcrop which made it virtually impregnable. De Verdun [...]

Castle Roche, Ballinfuil. County Louth 1236emmet2023-06-24T06:34:59+00:00

Nenagh Castle, Nenagh. County Tipperary 1216

emmet2025-03-19T18:00:36+00:00

Ireland's most impressive Norman keep Nenagh Castle was built in 1216 and was the main residence for the Butler family for nearly 200 years. In the 17th century, it was captured by Owen [...]

Nenagh Castle, Nenagh. County Tipperary 1216 emmet2025-03-19T18:00:36+00:00

King John’s Castle, Limerick City 1200

emmet2025-03-19T18:30:46+00:00

Limerick's dominating Anglo-Norman castle This site near the mouth of the River Shannon has been fought over for thousands of years. When the Normans arrived King John ordered a castle to be built [...]

King John’s Castle, Limerick City 1200emmet2025-03-19T18:30:46+00:00

Northburg Castle, Greencastle, County Donegal 1305

emmet2023-05-30T11:22:47+00:00

Once one of Ireland's finest Norman castles Northburg Castle is locally known as 'Greencastle' and was once one of the most impressive Norman castles built in Ireland. It was built by Richard de [...]

Northburg Castle, Greencastle, County Donegal 1305emmet2023-05-30T11:22:47+00:00

King John’s Castle, Carlingford. County Louth 1200

emmet2023-07-30T07:13:49+00:00

Carlingford's foreboding Norman castle King John's Castle is located in the pretty village of Carlingford. It was 'reputedly' commissioned for King John of England however recent research suggests that it may have been [...]

King John’s Castle, Carlingford. County Louth 1200emmet2023-07-30T07:13:49+00:00

Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus. County Antrim 1177

emmet2023-10-11T13:23:26+00:00

One of Ireland's great medieval castles Carrickfergus Castle was built by the Norman conqueror John de Courcy in 1177 and has been seen as a strong visual symbol of English oppression over the [...]

Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus. County Antrim 1177emmet2023-10-11T13:23:26+00:00

Carlow Castle, Carlow Town. County Carlow 1213

emmet2023-05-03T15:19:25+00:00

Blown up by a mad Physician Carlow Castle was built in 1213 by William Marshall on a strategic site close to the River Barrow. In 1361 it was strengthened when it became the [...]

Carlow Castle, Carlow Town. County Carlow 1213 emmet2023-05-03T15:19:25+00:00

Ferns Castle, Ferns. County Wexford 1220

emmet2023-05-09T14:35:37+00:00

Once one of Ireland's finest Norman castles Ferns Castle was originally the stronghold of Diarmaid McMurrough the King of Leinster (1110-1171). He was the king who invited Strongbow and the Normans into Ireland [...]

Ferns Castle, Ferns. County Wexford 1220 emmet2023-05-09T14:35:37+00:00