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.

Carrigogunnell is first recorded in 1209, when King John confirmed Carraic Ui gConaing to Donnchad Cairbreach O'Brien, King of Thomond. A branch of the O'Briens held it from around the 15th century, and in 1536 Leonard Grey took the stronghold, hanging its warder and garrison at Limerick. A Jacobite force of about 150 held it during the second siege of Limerick; General Godert de Ginkell's artillery forced its surrender in August 1691, and he had it slighted that September.

The Irish name Carraic Ui gConaing appears in the Annals of Innisfallen for 1209, when King John confirmed the castle to Donnchad Cairbreach O'Brien, King of Thomond. English records from Henry VIII's reign render it "Carekogunyel", and the form Carrigogunnel was in use by 1536. A local legend tells of a witch, Hag Grana, who lit a candle on the rock each night; anyone who saw its light before morning died.

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 castle's southern gate was its only exit apart from a small sally port on the west side, which opened onto the crags of the rock. Westropp noted the gate walls were under 5 feet (1.5 m) thick and reached by a shallow slope.