This fortification, known locally as Caisleán na bhFiach, once stood at the northern end of Main Street where the 19th century Temperance Hall was later built; the site now houses the local library. While contemporary documents confirm the sale, the castle’s broader history remains frustratingly elusive, with no records detailing its construction, daily life within its walls, or its eventual demise.

The tower house would have been a typical defensive structure of its era, serving both as a residence and a stronghold for whoever controlled it. The Irish name, Caisleán na bhFiach, translates to “Castle of the Ravens”, though whether this refers to actual birds that roosted there or has some deeper symbolic meaning is lost to time. The Trant family, who acquired the property, were part of the Anglo-Norman families who had settled in Kerry during the medieval period, gradually becoming integrated into local Gaelic society.

Today, visitors to Dingle’s library stand on the very spot where this castle once dominated the streetscape, though no visible traces remain. The transformation of the site from medieval fortress to temperance hall to public library reflects the changing priorities of the community over nearly five centuries. Archaeological surveys conducted by J. Cuppage and colleagues in 1986 helped piece together what little we know about this lost landmark, ensuring that even vanished buildings like Caisleán na bhFiach maintain their place in Dingle’s historical record.