Clonmore Castle (in Ruins) — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Clonmore Castle is a thirteenth-century Anglo-Norman fortress built from coursed granite rubble, its square courtyard once enclosed by curtain walls and corner towers. The SE tower still holds a barrel-vaulted ground floor and two upper levels, while spiral stairs in the NW tower climb toward vanished wall walks. A fosse marked the boundary at north and west, and a garderobe chute cut through the north wall, proving the castle was lived in, not merely defended. Much is gone, but the vaulted floors and tower bases remain clear enough to imagine the shape of the whole.

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Thirteenth-century fortress of roughly coursed granite rubble with extensive remodelling and additions. Originally square courtyard enclosed by curtain walls. Complex range of buildings subsequently developed at E side. No visible trace of S wall or gatehouse. Rectangular towers at SE, SW and NW angles and foundations of possible tower at NE. Enclosed by fosse at base of walls, visible now only at N and W, with outer fosse c. 40m to N. SE tower: modified and incorporated in E range of halls. Barrel-vaulted ground floor with two floors above. Large garderobe attached NE angle of tower. Cross loop and gargoyle at wall walk level. SW tower: barrel-vaulted ground floor, plus unknown number of upper floors. NW tower: badly damaged. Spiral stairs in NW leading to upper floors and wall walks. Garderobe chute exit on N wall. (Leask 1973, 72)

Clonmore Castle was built in the 17th century by the Butler family, who were prominent landowners in the area. It is remembered as a historic example of early modern Irish castle architecture and as part of the wider Butler estate holdings in County Carlow.

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.