Perched on a volcanic rock above the Shannon Estuary near Clarina, Carrigogunnell was described by Lord Deputy Leonard Grey in 1536 as 'the key of all the county'. Captured during the second siege of Limerick, it was deliberately slighted (demolished) by Williamite forces in September 1691 and never restored.
Visiting Carrigogunnel Castle (in ruins)
Yes — ruin freely accessible, notable panoramic Shannon Estuary views.
"Perched on a volcanic rock above the Shannon Estuary near Clarina, Carrigogunnell was described by Lord Deputy Leonard Grey in 1536 as 'the key of all the county'."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Dromoland Castle, 16.71 km away in Newmarket-on-Fergus — 16th-century-origin castle, ancestral seat of the O'Briens of Dromoland (descended from Brian Boru), rebuilt after the family submitted to Henry VIII.
Nearest castle hotel · 16.71 km
Dromoland Castle
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare · 5-star / luxury
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