Sunday, 22 May 2011

Carrigogunnell Castle Co Limerick

                                                             
   
There may not be much left of Carrigogunnell Castle but what does remain is quite dramatic especially when viewed for the first time. Set on a volcanic crag in a wide plot of land near the village of Clarina in Co Limerick, It's limesone shell stands like a row of jagged and rotten teeth protruding from the hill.
The Castle is believed to have been constructed around 1449 and housed the O'Brien family. It's unsettled history ended with it surrendering to Cromwell's forces in 1651 and being blown up by an ungodly amount of gunpowder during the second siege of Limerick in 1691.
You can access the castle but it is a trek across what can be somewhat rough terrain at times and a bit of a hike up through some gorse. (Wear appropriate footwear).
To find the Castle, take the N69 from Limerick towards Askeaton. About 6 Miles (10Km) from Limerick take a right turn at Clarina and continue on through the village until you reach a T- Junction. Turn left and then take the first right. Along this road you will get your first glimpse of Carrigogunnell to your left hand side. Car parking is restricted to the road, so do so carefully

Photos: G Hill 2011
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12 comments:

  1. Unknown24 May 2011 at 01:37

    wonderful site, folks.... lovely....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown31 July 2014 at 15:31

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown31 July 2014 at 15:32

    As well as Moydrum Castle (See 30 March 2013 posting) this ruin also features on U2's Unforgettable Fire album artwork. This time on the back cover of the album. While i'm here I'd like to thank you for your wonderful Blog. Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Castlehunter1 August 2014 at 09:09

      Thanks for the info Neal and thank you for your interest in the blog.

      Delete
  4. Maixo21 June 2015 at 13:31

    used to go camping there every summer and there were 4 of us there in August 1984 when U2 showed up. did we have a camera ?? of course not !!
    they hadn't quite cracked into the big time at that stage. even showed the edge how to climb the tricky first stage of the tower.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Maixo21 June 2015 at 13:32

    used to go camping there every summer and there were 4 of us there in August 1984 when U2 showed up. did we have a camera ?? of course not !!
    they hadn't quite cracked into the big time at that stage. even showed the edge how to climb the tricky first stage of the tower.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Maixo21 June 2015 at 13:32

    used to go camping there every summer and there were 4 of us there in August 1984 when U2 showed up. did we have a camera ?? of course not !!
    they hadn't quite cracked into the big time at that stage. even showed the edge how to climb the tricky first stage of the tower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Castlehunter21 June 2015 at 14:02

      Hi Matt

      Great story. The edge on the edge eh!

      Delete
  7. Unknown6 September 2020 at 22:51

    2nd turn to right after t junction is a much easier route. Park at the church first and walk it. Takes about 10 mins

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    Replies
    1. Castlehunter15 September 2020 at 16:10

      Thanks for that info! It's been a while since I visited.

      Delete
    2. JPM201715 November 2022 at 15:40

      Why not drive up that 2nd turn to the right, continue past the last house on the left?

      Delete
    3. Castlehunter27 November 2022 at 15:00

      Thanks for that info! Appreciated.

      Delete

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