Carrigogunnell, Medieval castle ruins near Clarina Village, Ireland
Carrigogunnell is a castle ruin situated on a volcanic rock formation in County Limerick, with views across the Shannon estuary and surrounding lowlands. The site contains a five-story tower and various stone structures spread across the elevated rocky outcrop.
The castle was originally built by the FitzGerald family and served as a fortified residence for centuries. During the 1691 siege of Limerick, English forces destroyed it with gunpowder after it was defended by roughly 150 soldiers loyal to James II.
The name means 'rock of the candle', derived from local legend about a giant placing an enchanted candle on the hilltop. This tale remains part of how people remember and speak about this place.
Access to the ruins requires careful navigation over rocky terrain, as the site sits on private property with limited facilities. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable weather, as the stone surfaces become slippery when wet.
The fortress featured a multi-sided enclosure with a southern gateway that lacked defensive side towers. This design suggests the building served primarily as a residence rather than a purely military stronghold.
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