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Dunnaseer Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Dunnaseer Castle, often spelled Doonaseer, is a striking tower house located in County Limerick, near the village of Cappamore. The castle was constructed in the late 15th or early 16th century by the Burke family, who were a prominent power in the region during that period. Its architecture serves as a classic example of an Irish fortified residence, featuring thick limestone walls, narrow arrow slits, and a characteristic square footprint. Originally, the castle boasted multiple stories, of which the outer shells and some internal vaulted ceilings still remain visible today. During the 17th century, Dunnaseer was caught up in the Cromwellian wars and was eventually abandoned following military action. The ruin stands in an isolated position on elevated ground, offering commanding views across the fertile plains of Limerick, highlighting its former tactical importance as a watchtower. Despite its decayed state, Dunnaseer Castle remains an important monument to late medieval Irish architecture and the local history of the Burke clan in Munster.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Lorrha Priory of St. Ruadhan · Redwood Castle · Portland House
Nearby: Banagher (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	5	6	8	11	14	15	15	13	10	7	5
Rain mm	98	77	75	67	76	86	93	100	81	100	111	105

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The castle ruins are located on private farmland, so exterior viewing is possible from the roadside. Access inside is not permitted, but the imposing walls can be admired from the edge of the property.

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Typical hours

Castles of this type typically do not have fixed opening hours as they are freely accessible. It is advisable to visit during daylight hours since there is no lighting.

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Photography

Outdoor photography is allowed at any time as long as you stay off private land. Avoid flying drones without permission, as the area is agricultural.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes 20-30 minutes since only the exterior is viewable. Allow extra time for walking from the nearest parking spot.

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Combine with

Combine the castle with a visit to the city of Galway, just a short drive away. The nearby Athenry Castle also has a similar medieval atmosphere.

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Getting there

The castle is best reached by car, as the nearest bus stop is several kilometres away. Park responsibly on the roadside, without blocking access for agricultural vehicles.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy footwear as the ground around the ruins can be uneven. Binoculars help spot details on the walls from a safe distance.

Geography

Coordinates

53.12330, -8.12330

Facts

Built in the late 15th century by the powerful Burke family.
It is a classic example of a medieval Irish stone tower house.
Located in County Limerick, near the eastern village of Cappamore.
The castle was besieged and abandoned during the Cromwellian era in the 1640s.
The structure was primarily built using locally quarried limestone.
The name Doonaseer translates from Irish as 'the Fort of the Craftsmen'.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Banagher11 km · NEExplore →

Birr14 km · EExplore →

Lough Derg20 km · SWExplore →

Ballybritt Castle21 km · EExplore →

Clonmacnoise24 km · NExplore →

Slieve Bloom Plateau26 km · EExplore →

Slieve Aughty27 km · WExplore →

Roscrea29 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Dunnaseer Castle (5)

Lorrha Priory of St. Ruadhan ⛪ religious

The ruins of a medieval Dominican priory located near Dunnaseer Castle.

Redwood Castle 🏰 castle

A restored medieval tower house in Ireland, the historic seat of the MacEgan clan.

Portland House 🏺 historical

Remains of a historical building in the Dunnaseer Castle area.

St Rodan's Church ⛪ religious

A Christian place of worship located near the historical sites of Lorrha.

St Ruadhan's Church ⛪ religious

A local church in Dunnaseer Castle named after Saint Ruadhan.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Dunnaseer Castle?

It is a rare tower house ruin on a steep hill, offering wide views over County Limerick.

Is the castle ruin safe to enter?

The structure is unstable; visitors should only view the ruin from the outside and not climb inside.

How do you reach the castle?

The ruin is on private farmland; permission from local farmers is often needed to climb the hill.

When was the castle destroyed?

Dunnaseer was severely damaged during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in the 17th century and fell into ruin thereafter.

Are there guided tours?

No, there are no official tours. It is a secluded site for independent travelers and history enthusiasts.

Dunnaseer Castle: where is it located?

Dunnaseer Castle is located in Ireland.

Dunnaseer Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include Lorrha Priory of St. Ruadhan, Redwood Castle, Portland House.

Dunnaseer Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Dunnaseer Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Dunnaseer Castle, often spelled Doonaseer, is a striking tower house located in County Limerick, near the village of Cappamore.

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