Your guide to visiting the Dolmen County from someone who lives here!

Castles in Carlow -
Buildings that Shaped the County

Carlow Castle

County Carlow is home to seven castles, dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries. Six of these structures are in ruins, but they continue to attract visitors due to their historical significance and unique architectural features. Years of abandonment show how time has changed these once-strong buildings.

Huntington Castle is the only castle in the county to remain largely intact. It provides a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved historical building.

Each castle in County Carlow showcases construction techniques from their respective periods. Exploring them, you can only wonder how they were built before the invention of high-tech machinery.

Key sites to explore include Ballyloughan Castle and Carlow Castle. Also, Huntington Castle offers guided tours that provide further information about its history and the family currently residing there, enhancing visitors’ understanding of Carlow’s past.



Ballyloughan Castle (Near Bagenalstown)

Located in a field beside a narrow road, Ballyloughan Castle dates from around 1300. It’s believed to have been built by an Anglo-Norman lord, and originally consisted of a large courtyard guarded by a high curtain wall.

A ruined 17th century mansion stands close by.


Ballymoon Castle (Near Bagenalstown)

Of all the castles in Carlow, Ballymoon Castle was never completed. Historians have suggested it was built around 1300 by Roger Bigod or the Carew family.

The castle has a large number of fireplaces and garderobes (a toilet found in a castle).


Black Castle (Leighlinbridge)

Situated beside the River Barrow in Leighlinbridge, the Black Castle dates back to 1320. The 50 feet high tower and partial wall are all that remain and unfortunately the ruins are not accessible.

In 1650 it was destroyed by Cromwell’s forces.


Carlow Castle (Carlow Town)

Built in the early 13th century by William Marshall, Carlow Castle sits on a raised site overlooking the meeting of the Rivers Barrow and Burren. Originally, it had four towers each 25 feet thick.

Only part of the western wall and two towers remain today.


Clonmore Castle (Clonmore)

There’s no record of when or by whom Clonmore Castle was built but it’s believed to have been constructed near the end of the 12th century and possibly by Hugh DeLacey.

Cromwell’s forces demolished its towers and walls in 1650.


Huntington Castle (Clonegal)

Built by the Esmondes in 1625, Huntington Castle is the ancestral home of the Durdin-Robertson family. The guided tour features the Temple of the Goddess (founded by Olivia Robertson in 1976) which celebrates the female aspect of divinity.

The gardens have a 500 year old yew walk.



More Castles in Carlow:

  • Tinnahinch Castle (ruins near Ballymurphy)



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