Castle, Castlefarm, Co. Kerry

Castle, Castlefarm, Co. Kerry

In the southwest corner of what may have been an ancient ringwork, a solitary fragment of Molahiff Castle stands defiant against time.

Castle, Castlefarm, Co. Kerry

This lone southeastern corner is all that remains of the medieval tower house, the rest having fallen victim to progress when it was demolished in 1809 to make way for the construction of Castlefarm House next door. The surviving section, though heavily cloaked in ivy, still reaches at least two storeys high; a remarkable feat considering local records from the 1840s estimated it once stood at an impressive 55 feet, or roughly 16.76 metres.

The remaining corner showcases the craftsmanship of its medieval builders, with carefully dressed limestone quoins and walls measuring approximately 2.6 metres thick, complete with a characteristic base batter that helped distribute the structure’s considerable weight. Windows are still visible at second floor level; one in the eastern wall and traces of another in the southern wall, offering glimpses into the castle’s former grandeur. These apertures would have once provided both light and defensive vantage points for the castle’s inhabitants.

The castle’s history is deeply entwined with the politics of medieval Ireland. It served as a stronghold for the Coshmang branch of the MacCarthy More clan until the tumultuous Desmond Rebellion, after which it fell into the hands of Valentine Browne, who undertook repairs to the battle scarred fortress. Today, visitors can find this atmospheric ruin in County Kerry, with the medieval Molahiffe graveyard and church ruins lying just 100 metres to the south, creating a poignant cluster of historical monuments that speak to centuries of Irish history.

0.0/5

Good to Know

Tags

Visitor Notes

Review type for post source and places source type not found
Added by
Picture of Pete
Pete
I like knowing about my local area, and helping others to learn about theirs too. If you'd like to contribute to this website, please get in touch.
Please use the form below to submit any photos you may have of Castle, Castlefarm, Co. Kerry. We're happy to take any suggested edits you may have too. Please be advised it will take us some time to get to these submissions. Thank you.
Name
Email
Message
Upload images/documents
Maximum file size: 50 MB
If you'd like to add an image or a PDF please do it here.
Castlefarm, Co. Kerry
52.18240405, -9.59269614
52.18240405,-9.59269614
Castlefarm 
Tower Houses 

Related Places