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Co Kerry
- Places of Interest
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Carrigafoyle Castle
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Ballylongford, Co.Kerry
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Carrigafoyle Castle was built in 1490 by
Conor Liath O'Connor Kerry as his main stronghold.
The castle is strategically located at the entrance to the River Shannon and was regarded at the time
as one of the finest in Munster. From here O'Connor Kerry was able to intercept ships going up
the river to Limerick, board them and take part of their cargo, a practice which continued into
the middle of the 16th century. In the Desmond wars in 1580, the
castle came under fire from naval artillery on land and sea under
the command of Sir William Pelham. After a two day seige, the
castle was breached and taken. All the occupants comprising 19
Spanish and 50 Irish were massacred.
The castle is built of thin pieces of limestone and
has attractive windows and archways. To this day it still displays
the craftsmanship of the stonemasons that built it five hundered
years ago. There is a total of 104 steps reaching to the top from
which there is a magnificent view of the countryside.
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