The Carrigaholt Castle

Carrigaholt Castle is a ruined Irish castle, located in County Clare, near the village of Carrigaholt. Built in 1480 by the McMahon clan, the castle is today magnificent despite its condition, and has a strangely attractive charm…

Visit Carrigaholt Castle

A 15th century fortified castle

Carrigaholt Castle is a large square tower, distributed over 5 floors, and topped by 2 chimneys. At the time, its top offered an incredible panorama on the Shannon estuary, but its current state makes its access impracticable for visitors.

At the time, the building was the symbol of great nobility, and the pride of the McMahon family. It has been subject to several sieges, but these did not affect its appearance or its solidity. After many conflicts, the castle passed into the hands of the Burton family, before being abandoned around the 20th century. Since then, the castle has been an empty shell, lost in the Irish countryside of County Clare.

Owned by the Irish Office of Public Works, the castle is however accessible on foot, and can at least be admired from the outside (the inside being rickety, we advise you not to venture in). Its architecture is remarkable, and a typical example of 15th century tower houses. You can even discern traces of ancient fortifications, some of whose walls are still standing. In short, a castle with a strong history, which should charm lovers of ruined castles!

So much more to discover...