Clonmore Castle, County Carlow
Photo © Liam Murphy, 27 October 2008
Clonmore Castle, County Carlow
Photo © Liam Murphy, 27 October 2008
Clonmore Castle, County Carlow Photo © Liam Murphy, 27 October 2008 |
Clonmore Castle, County Carlow Photo © Liam Murphy, 27 October 2008 |
Clonmore castle was built around the end of the 13th century, now a magnificent ruin.
Clonmore was named after St Mogue who, around the year 530, established a religious community and built a monastery at the location.The significant feature of the village is Clonmore Castle, this castle was not mentioned until the 14th century, but the shape of the trefoil window in the south wall shows that it was built probably towards the end of the 13th century. The castle is nearly square in plan with rectangular towers at the southern sides of the courtyard. Clonmore was captured in 1516 by the Earl of Kildare and in 1598 by the Earl of Ormond. It changed hands several times and was finally taken by Oliver Cromwell's forces under Colonel Hewson in 1650. Today much of the castle has been removed for construction of local amenities such as the neighbouring hall and former schoolhouse.