Doon Castle (in ruins)

Doon Castle would appear to be the castle that William Molyneaux mentions in 1709, which he refers to as 'Dunekuagh the ruins of a great fortification built by (the) Lords of Kerry at their first coming hither'. The castle is situated on a precipice and would appear to have been constructed here to protect the paths up from the northern bays. Earthworks extend across the neck of this promontory (KE004-006002-) but whether this defence system is coeval with the castle is difficult to ascertain. This castle has nearly disappeared, and only a fragment of a wall, 2.1m x 1.2m and less than 1m high, remains. The rest of the stonework was removed by local tenants for the construction of their houses. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 995. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

Doon Castle was built by the Lords of Kerry in the 13th century when they first settled the area. It is remembered as a significant early fortification associated with the expansion of Norman influence into Munster.