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Dunsoghly Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Dunsoghly Castle in County Dublin stands as one of the most remarkably preserved examples of a late medieval tower house in Ireland. Erected around 1450 by Sir Thomas Plunkett, it remained the ancestral seat of the influential Plunkett family for over four hundred years, a lineage noted for its significant roles in Irish law and governance. The castle's most exceptional feature is its original 15th-century oak timber roof, which is recognized as the only surviving example of its kind in Ireland that has remained intact since the Middle Ages. The structure consists of a four-story central block flanked by four projecting square corner towers, a design that provided robust defensive capabilities. During the Rebellion of 1641, the castle served as a key military post and was later occupied by parliamentary forces during the Cromwellian era. Due to its outstanding architectural integrity, it is maintained as a National Monument and has frequently served as a filming location for historical epics, most notably Braveheart.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: St. Margaret's Well · Dunsoughly Castle (ruin)
Nearby: Swords (6 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	6	6	6	8	11	14	15	15	14	11	8	7
Rain mm	86	70	70	61	67	76	80	91	76	102	106	97

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Dunsoghly Castle is a well-preserved tower house, but it can only be viewed from the outside as it is privately owned. Access to the courtyard is sometimes possible on open days.

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Typical hours

The property typically does not have regular opening hours for the public. Visits are occasionally possible during Heritage Week events or by prior arrangement.

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Photography

Exterior photos are allowed at any time from the public road. Photograph respectfully the privacy of the residents and avoid close-ups of windows.

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Time needed

For an exterior viewing, allow about 15-20 minutes. If you join an open day, plan for 30-40 minutes for the courtyard and ground floor.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a tour of historic Dublin, only 20 minutes away by car. Nearby Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are worthwhile stops.

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Getting there

The castle is near Finglas, best reached by car. There is a small roadside parking area; local buses stop at Finglas Village, about 1 km away.

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Insider tip

Check the Dunsoghly Castle Trust website for opening dates before travelling. Booking for guided tours is often required weeks in advance.

Geography

Coordinates

53.43580, -6.29970

Facts

Built around 1450 by Sir Thomas Plunkett
Contains Ireland's only original 15th-century oak roof
Seat of the Plunkett family for more than 400 years
Features four projecting corner towers for defense
Filming location for the 1995 movie Braveheart
Classified as a National Monument located in North Dublin

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Swords6 km · NEExplore →

Glasnevin Cemetery7 km · SExplore →

Cabra8 km · SExplore →

The Spire10 km · SExplore →

Malahide10 km · EExplore →

Kilmainham Gaol10 km · SExplore →

Ashbourne11 km · NWExplore →

Teeling Whiskey Distillery11 km · SExplore →

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 Dunsoghly Castle (2)

St. Margaret's Well

Holy well in St. Margaret's, County Dublin, Ireland.

Dunsoughly Castle (ruin)🏰 castle

Castle ruin in St Margaret's, Ireland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is unique about Dunsoghly Castle?

It has the only original medieval timber roof remaining in Ireland.

Can you visit the castle?

Only by prior appointment with the heritage authorities (OPW).

When was it built?

It was built around 1450 by the Plunkett family.

Where exactly is it located?

In Finglas, north of Dublin, near the airport.

What shape is the castle?

It is a four-story tower house with four corner towers.

Dunsoghly Castle: where is it located?

Dunsoghly Castle is located in Ireland.

Dunsoghly Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include St. Margaret's Well, Dunsoughly Castle (ruin).

Dunsoghly Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Dunsoghly Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Dunsoghly Castle in County Dublin stands as one of the most remarkably preserved examples of a late medieval tower house in Ireland.

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