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Heritage Ireland

Carlingford Castle

A Norman citadel in the shadow of a giant

Tours  of Carlingford Castle available from April 2024 at 2pm

See all opening times

Carlingford Castle

A Norman citadel in the shadow of a giant

Tours  of Carlingford Castle available from April 2024 at 2pm

See all opening times

Admission

Castle Tour:

Adult: €8.50
Child: €4.00
Family (4): €20

Please note: it is advisable that groups book in advance.

For bookings please phone (042) 9373650 or email info@carlingfordheritagecentre.com 

Tickets can also be purchased near to site at the Visit Carlingford Tourist Office, Station House, A91 CV06 .

Getting here

Carlingford Castle
Carlingford
Co Louth

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Carlingford Castle

Carlingford lies in the shade of Slieve Foye, a mountain that in legend takes its form from the body of the sleeping giant Finn MacCumhaill. The castle dominates the town and overlooks the lough harbour. It was a vital point of defence for the area for centuries.

Carlingford Castle was built around 1190, most likely by the Norman baron Hugh de Lacy. By this time Hugh’s family had grown powerful enough to make King John of England uneasy. John forced them into rebellion and seized their property in 1210. He reputedly stayed in his new castle himself. It is still known as King John’s Castle.

The Jacobites fired on the castle in 1689; William of Orange is said to have accommodated his wounded soldiers there following the Battle of the Boyne.

Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust provides excellent guided tours of this historic Castle from March to October.

Opening Times

April – October 2024: castle tour at 2pm 7 days a week

 

Notice

 

 

 

Contact

Carlingford Castle
Carlingford
Co Louth

+353 (42) 9373454

Getting Here

Located in Carlingford — a walled heritage town

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Car park
  • Guided tours

Restrictions

  • Access by Guided Tour Only

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