Moorestown Castle (in ruins)

Moorestown Castle: Tradition attributes the building of this castle both to the FitzGeralds and the Moores (OSNB Kilquane, 29; Smith 1756, 196). The latter family appear to have been firmly in possession in 1550 when the castle is marked on a contemporary map as 'Castle Moore' (O'Sullivan 1931, 131). The building is known locally as 'Caisleán na gCúig gCúinne' (the five-cornered castle); though a substantial section of it stood in 1841 its plan could not be determined (OSL). The greater part of the remains of the castle were knocked in 1921 owing to their perilous condition (O'Sullivan 1931, 473). The surviving remnant of the castle consists of section of the SW wall, 5.15m in length x 1.6m thick, and preserved to a height of 3.4m; it incorporates a narrow loop, set in an embrasure with widely splayed ingoings and a lintelled rear arch. At the S end of this wall, a featureless and largely defaced section of walling runs at right angles for a distance of 2.29m. The interior is confused by the foundations of disused dwellings. The castle stood in the old village of Moorestown, on elevated land overlooking the Feohanagh river. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 1010. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 5 August 2013

Moorestown Castle was built by the FitzGeralds and later held by the Moores, with the latter family in possession by 1550. The castle is remembered for its association with two prominent Irish families and its historical role in the region's medieval landscape.