Dunmoe Castle, Medieval castle ruins near Navan, Ireland
Dunmoe Castle is a medieval fortress that retains two of its original circular towers, rising above the River Boyne between Navan and Slane. The four-story rectangular structure displays arrow slits in the south wall and a vaulted ground floor.
The D'Arcy family built this fortress in the 15th century to mark the western boundary of the English Pale. A fire in 1798 destroyed much of the structure and two of its four towers.
The castle served as the seat of the D'Arcy family and was a central point in the surrounding community. The chapel on the grounds reflects the family's prominence and their connection to the local area.
The ruins sit on open land and are fairly easy to reach, though the path from the road is not always clearly marked. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and watch your footing, especially after rain when the ground becomes muddy.
The chapel on the grounds contains the D'Arcy family mausoleum, while its original baptismal font is now kept at St. Oliver's Church in Navan. This piece of family history has been separated from its original home.
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