When the invaders captured Wexford in 1169, Robert FitzStephen chose this strategic spot, where the river narrows to just 100 metres, to build his stronghold. Initially constructed as a simple ringwork castle with earthen banks and wooden palisades, it became known as ‘Karrech’ and would witness some of the most dramatic moments of the Norman conquest. In 1171, following the death of Dermot MacMurrough, Irish forces rebelled and besieged FitzStephen behind his earthen ramparts. Through trickery, they captured him and later handed him over to King Henry II at Waterford, marking one of the early setbacks in the Norman colonisation of Ireland.

The site evolved significantly over the centuries, transforming from its humble beginnings of ‘rods and turfs’ into a stone castle that became the strongest fort in the region. By 1231, it was officially recorded as ‘castrum de Karrich’, and throughout the 13th century it served as an important manor centre. However, by 1323 an inquisition reveals the castle had fallen into disrepair, with its hall and chapel standing roofless. Despite being burnt in 1420, the site continued to function as a manor centre well into the late 16th century, eventually earning the name Shanacourt, meaning ‘Old Castle’. According to a 1587 chronicle, the stone castle was eventually demolished and left in ruins.

Archaeological excavations between 1984 and 2019 have revealed fascinating details about the site’s long history. The original earthen bank measured seven metres wide and over two metres high, protected by a rock-cut fosse up to five metres wide. Radiocarbon dating suggests activity at the site as early as 880-980 AD, predating the Norman fortification. Thirteenth century structures, including what may have been a 15-metre-long hall and a separate chapel, have been identified beneath medieval deposits. Three silver pennies and pottery fragments help date these buildings, whilst the discovery of earlier post-holes sealed beneath charcoal layers dated to 1040-1210 AD hints at pre-Norman occupation. Today, the site forms part of the National Heritage Park, though a Victorian memorial round tower built in 1857-8 has somewhat disturbed the original interior layout.