Ireland's oldest continually inhabited castle, Castlegarde was built in the 1190’s by Donal Mor O’Brien King of Thomond helped by Aoifa, his sister – in – law Strongbow’s wife. It is a five-storey Tower House with its own well. It was easily defended which was necessary to keep his family safe, built on a rare outcrop of Crimon rock, surrounded by a moat and protected by a bawn wall. Waller O’Grady purchased Castlegarde in 1820 from the revenue. He added a beautiful gothic style 3 story extension on the east side of the tower designed by the famous Pain brothers, castellated the bawn wall, rebuilt the guard tower , built a walled-in garden and back yard while closing off the Moat. It is restored to preserve it as it was in 1820. Castlegarde is a member of Historic Houses of Ireland. TWO TOURS OF 90 MINUTES PER DAY BY OWNER. START TIMES: 11 AM AND 2 PM ONLY ALL TOURS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. NO ON SPEC CALLERS PLEASE. Special offer for Heritage Week: Minimum charge of 50 euro covering group of up to five. Extra people: 10 euro each.

Address
Castlegarde, Co. Limerick