Dungarvan Castle

Dungarvan Castle lies in the town of the same name, in County Waterford in Ireland.

Exactly when Dungarvan Castle was built is unclear. Some sources mention it was founded in 1185, other state it was built around 1209. It was built by John who was first Prince and from 1199 the Angevin King of England. The castle served to safeguard the entrance to Dungarvan harbor at the mouth of the River Colligan.

The polygonal shell keep, a rare building in Ireland, is the oldest part of the castle. The bailey was added between 1260 and 1275. The FitzGeralds had possession of it from 1285 until 1535 when it was captured by Lord Deputy Skeffington with the use of artillery. The Crown assumed direct control in 1543. The castle was captured and recaptured several times in the Irish Confederate Wars of the 1640s until it was finally taken by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1649/1650.

During the Irish Civil War Dungarvan Castle was used as a barracks by the British Army and the Royal Irish Constabulary, then taken by the IRA who, upon leaving in August 1922, set fire to it. It was subsequently refurbished and served as the Headquarters of the local police. They left in 1987 and the castle fell into disrepair.

Dungarvan Castle can be visited for free during opening times. Sadly enough it was closed due to covid-measures when I came by. A very nice castle in a pleasant town.

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