Built between 1207 and 1213 by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, on the banks of the River Barrow, Carlow Castle was once among the finest Norman fortresses in Ireland. Most of the structure was destroyed in 1814 when a doctor attempted to convert it into an asylum and used explosives to reduce its wall thickness, leaving only a fragment of two towers standing today.
Visiting Carlow Castle
Ruin fragment, viewable from the street, no public entry
"Built between 1207 and 1213 by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, on the banks of the River Barrow, Carlow Castle was once among the finest Norman fortresses in Ireland."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Kilkea Castle, 11.28 km away in Castledermot — Built in 1180 by Hugh de Lacy for Sir Walter de Riddlesford; the surviving keep is largely 15th-century and it was the principal seat of the FitzGerald Earls of Kildare for around seven centuries.
Nearest castle hotel · 11.28 km
Kilkea Castle
Castledermot, Co. Kildare · 4-star
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