Carbury Castle, Motte-and-bailey castle in County Kildare, Ireland.
Carbury Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortress in County Kildare built on a hilltop with raised earthworks supporting a keep and enclosed courtyard for defense. The structure displays the characteristic design of this castle type with its elevated foundation and fortified interior spaces.
The fortress was built around 1220 and initially held by the de Bermingham family before passing to native Irish forces. By 1562, it had been granted to the Colley family, establishing their long-term influence in the area.
The castle complex includes a mansion, church, graveyard, and mausoleum that reflect how medieval Irish society organized its power and faith. Walking through these spaces reveals how the landowner's family and the local religious community shaped daily life together.
The site is best reached on foot by turning right at the Castle Inn and following the road past the church to the parking area. The paths are straightforward and lead directly to the ruins.
Beneath the castle grounds lie two Bronze Age burial mounds, suggesting that people occupied this hilltop long before the Norman fortress was constructed. These ancient remains reveal that this elevated location held importance across thousands of years.
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