Carrigafoyle Castle

Carrigafoyle Castle is located just 20 minutes further up the Shannon estuary from Teach de Broc, outside the village of Ballylongford. The castle was built in the 1490’s by the O’Connor family overlooking the river. In 1580 the castle was attacked by Sir William Pelham in the Desmond War. The castle was badly damaged by cannon fire, and the castle was taken over in an event now known as the Siege of Carrigafoyle Castle. The castle has never been fully repaired but all five floors are still accessible. During the summer months visitors can climb the 104 steps to the top and look out over Carrig Island and Scattery Island, and across the estuary to County Clare. Guests who would like to explore a little more can park their car at the castle and walk across to Carrig Island and out to the Battery. The Battery is one of a number of artillery towers built around Ireland and Great Britain in anticipation of an invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. Ballylongford Tidy Towns have placed two seating areas out at the end of the island where visitors can sit and watch out for dolphins, and the resident seals on the Shannon River.