Dunkerron Castle, Norman fortress in Templenoe, County Kerry, Ireland
Dunkerron Castle is a four-story tower house positioned on a limestone outcrop near Templenoe in County Kerry. The remaining interlocking stone walls form distinctive arched structures that reveal the original architectural design.
The fortress was built in the 13th century by the Carew family and later became the residence of the O'Sullivan Mór clan. Control of the site shifted in the late 16th century, marking a change in local power.
The castle features an inscribed plaque from the 16th century documenting a bond between two powerful local families. This stone record tells visitors about alliances that shaped the region's past.
The ruins are located behind Dunkerron Holiday Homes, roughly 2 miles west of Kenmare town on the Sneem Road. Access requires crossing private property, so respecting the property boundaries is essential.
The southern wall has collapsed, taking down significant portions of the eastern and western walls, which defines the site's fragmented appearance. A Victorian manor was later built on the estate, creating an unusual blend of two historical periods on the same grounds.
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