Croom Castle, Medieval castle in Croom, Ireland
Croom Castle is a fortress ruin situated on a strategic bend of the River Maigue with two remaining walls at half their original height. The stone structures stand directly above the river and offer varying views of the surrounding landscape from different vantage points.
The O'Donovan family built the first fortress at this location in 1210, and later the FitzGerald dynasty took control and made it their primary residence. This transition marked a shift in local power that shaped the region for centuries to come.
The name of the castle influenced the FitzGerald family motto 'Crom a Boo', which has Irish origins. Visitors can still sense this connection between the family's identity and the place when exploring the ruins.
The ruins are located about 8 kilometers southeast of Adare and accessible from the N20 road that connects Limerick to Charleville. Wear sturdy shoes when visiting, as the ground is rough and the old walls can be slippery in wet conditions.
During the 9th and 10th centuries, Vikings sailed their ships up the River Maigue because the river maintained tidal flows at that time. These maritime connections made this place an important point for trade and overseas links.
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