Carrigafoyle Castle Ballylongford Danny Houlihan

In this episode I will travel along the North Kerry Coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way to Ballylongford to its Castle Carrigafoyle, to explore a part of its rich history.

Strategically located on the inland estuary Carrigafoyle Castle commanded the respect of all who arrived in the estuary within its banks.

From Ri Na Fhile on Doon Promontory Ballybunion ruled an  O Connor chief, from this area the clan ruled the Kingdom of Ciar for centuries and later Lords of Iraghticonnor.

The Clan later moved along the coastline of North Kerry building many strongholds, their last was Carrigafoyle in Ballylongford where the biggest castle was constructed.

Down to the swing of a broadsword decided many of the O Connor’s battles and indeed on that faithful day on Palm Sunday 1580 when the castle was under siege by the Queens Fleet using the largest siege guns ever to be deployed in Ireland.

Carrigafoyle Castle stood defiant, its garrison and chieftain O Connor Kerry, who’s swordsmanship on that day went down into history on that faithful day.

This episode explores a part of the history of the clan, the castle and the siege, this is again but a taste of our North Kerry History, I will be returning to the castle again in a future episode.

Carrrigafoyle Castle today is visited by thousands of people who travel from all over the World to see the famous ruin.

If you are in Ireland take some time out and visit Carrigafoyle Castle in Ballylongford North Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Danny Houlihan

If you would like to support my research which is ongoing and podcast episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee this will be used to update my research and equipment, I will give everyone who contribute a shout out in my series. Just click on the link below to support in any way big or small thank you.buymeacoffee.com/yxqdanny