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Location
near Adare, County Limerick, Ireland
Description
Desmond Castle, sometimes called Adare Castle, is situated next to the River Maigue outside the town of Adare in County Cork. There is another castle of the same name in Kinsale, County Cork.
Desmond Castle is an interesting ruined castle with distinct inner ward and outer ward. The inner ward has a three storey square tower. The outer ward has two halls on the river side, including the large rectangular Great Hall. Near the Great Hall is the remains of the kitchen and service rooms. The main entrance with drawbridge is on the southern side, and was flanked by two towers. A square tower on the western side gives access to the outer ward. There is a moat that was surrounded by a curtain wall.
Facilities
A guided tour of Desmond Castle is available at The Heritage Centre in Adare village. Tours operate daily from June to September. The admission price includes the short coach transfer from the Heritage Centre to the Castle. The castle can also be viewed from the bridge over the River Maigue.
The Heritage Centre is located in the centre of the picturesque Adare village. The Centre hosts an exhibition portraying the history of Adare from the Norman invasion, through medieval times, to the more recent history.
History
Desmond Castle is believed to have been built by William de Burgo in the 12th century Ownership passed to the Earls of Kildare some time in the middle of the 13th century. It was granted to the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond in 1536. In 1569, James Fitzmaurice FitzGerald led a rebellion against the English who occupied the south of Ireland at this time (during the reign of Queen Elizabeth). The first "Desmond Rebellion" was fought from 1569 to 1573. During the rebellion, the Fitzgeralds lost Desmond Castle to the English after a siege. The castle was later destroyed in 1657 by Parliamentary forces after Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland. Restoration work commenced in 1996 and has since completed.
Other Castles in the Area
Adare Manor, County Limerick
Askeaton Castle, County Limerick
Bourchiers Castle, County Limerick
Bunratty Castle, County Clare
Carrigogunnell Castle, County Limerick
Dromoland Castle, County Clare
Dysert Castle, County Limerick
Fantstown Castle, County Limerick
Glenquin Castle, County Limerick
Kilbolane Castle, County Cork
King Johns Castle, Kilmallock, County Limerick
King Johns Castle, County Limerick
Knappogue Castle, County Clare
Matrix Castle, County Limerick
Shanid Castle, County Limerick
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