Cappanacush Castle

Cappanacush Castle lies in a forest, next to the settlement of Templenoe, in County Kerry in Ireland.

Cappanacush Castle was probably built around 1440 by Conchur O'Sullivan.

During the 17th century, Cappanacush Castle became the main O'Sullivan Mór familial seat. They also owned nearby Dunkerron Castle. Both castles were traditionally said to have been defended by their O'Sullivan Mór owners during the mid-17th century Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. The O'Sullivan castles and lands at Dunkerron and Cappanacush were confiscated following this conflict under the Act for the Settlement of Ireland 1652, and assigned to Cromwellian supporter William Petty.

In 1700 the castle was the birthplace of Sir John William O'Sullivan. He would become a professional soldier and adjutant general of Bonnie Prince Charlie, during the Jacobite rising of 1745.

By the 19th century it had fallen to ruin.

Cappanacush Castle is a simple castle ruin consisting of just 2 walls of a large tower. It is very overgrown, which makes it hard to see much architectural detail. It is accessible but only with difficulty; it is a thick forest and there are no roads or paths leading to it.

Gallery