Dungarvan Castle, Waterford

King John's Castle is an Anglo-Norman fortification founded in 1185. It was built in a very strategic location at the mouth of the River Colligan. From here ships could be anchored, and soldiers could command the narrow strip of land to the south of the Comeragh Mountains, which linked East and West Waterford. The castle consists of a polygonal shell keep with an enclosing curtain wall, a corner tower, and a gate tower. The shell keep is the earliest structure, dating from the 12th century, the 'Norman Invasion of Ireland'. This castle was built by King John of England, and a typical example of a British Royal Castle. Shell keep's in Ireland are rare.

Access to the castle is by guided tour only due to ongoing conservation work. The castle is managed by Dúchas The Heritage Service.

Address: Castle Street, Dungarvan, County Waterford.

Dungarvan Castle Map

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