Donore Castle Ruins — Attraction in The Municipal District of Trim

An important structure, which was continuously inhabited from c.1598 until c.1950. This tower house represents one of the best examples of its type in Leinster and is unusual in that it has a known building date, 1598, as indicated on a Latin inscription to the south elevation, and was occupied for such a long period of time. The relative dearth of openings to walls lends this structure a very imposing character. It is in reasonably good structural order and retains its early fabric. This imposing castle is robustly built using rubble limestone but has extensive high quality and intricate cut stone detailing to the openings, which is of high artistic merit. Of particular interest is the remarkable and highly ornate doorcase with carved heads over, which is a fine example of the stonemason’s craft. The unusual wrought-iron outer door/yett was probably added as part of the c.1809 alterations. This tower house was originally built by Brian McGeoghegan and his wife Catherine O'Connor, daughter of the Lord of Offaly. An inscription to one of the openings to the south wall records its original construction, c.1598. This castle remained in McGeoghegan hands (and later their descendants the Nagles) throughout its history, apart from a short period in the mid-seventeenth century after General Reynolds took the castle in 1650. Another plaque to the south face, added by Richard Nagle and dated 1809, records the ‘restoration’ of the castle in that year and outlines the history of Donore Castle. This fine structure is an important addition to both the archaeological and architectural heritage...

In 1429 Henry VI, King of England and Lord of Ireland in an effort to defend The Pale, granted ten pounds to any of his subjects who built a small defensive tower (20 × 16 × 40 feet) on the edge of the Pale before 1439. The tower house at Donore is assumed to be one of these castles, built by the local power, the Mac Eochagáin (McGeoghegans). In 1650, during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, the castle was taken by forces under Sir John Reynolds and over 40 members of the McGeoghegan family...

First off in middle if no where tight bending roads. 2nd no parking around only squeeze in off the road or on someone front lol. 3 you have to climb a fence and walk through tall grass and avoid sheep poo. 4 sheep all over the field,5 the castle is very small and locked up so in my opinion this is the worst castle I've ever been to in Ireland. I'm very disappointed I wasted this journey over other options. Avoid it's not worth the trip. Their is plenty of other options not...