Norman Castles

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. Many of these great castles were further strengthened in the 15th century.

Athlone Castle. County Westmeath 1210

2023-10-12T09:42:07+00:00

The Shannon's most strategic castle Athlone Castle is located on the banks of the River Shannon at the border of Leinster and Connaught. It was originally built for the Norman King John of [...]

Athlone Castle. County Westmeath 12102023-10-12T09:42:07+00:00

Dundrum Castle, Dundrum, County Down 1180

2023-09-18T20:56:41+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 11802023-09-18T20:56:41+00:00

Trim Castle, Trim. County Meath 1172

2023-05-09T10:15:11+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 11722023-05-09T10:15:11+00:00

Castle Roche, Ballinfuil. County Louth 1236

2023-06-24T06:34:59+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 12362023-06-24T06:34:59+00:00

King John’s Castle, Limerick City 1200

2024-03-10T19:58:15+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 12002024-03-10T19:58:15+00:00

King John’s Castle, Carlingford. County Louth 1200

2023-07-30T07:13:49+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 12002023-07-30T07:13:49+00:00

Ferns Castle, Ferns. County Wexford 1220 

2023-05-09T14:35:37+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 2023-05-09T14:35:37+00:00
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