Dungarvan Castle is located at the mouth of the Colligan River into the sea. It is a Norman fortress from the 12th century. Its defensive walls, corner and gate towers have been preserved. Inside the walls there are military barracks from the 18th century. Currently, they can see a small exhibition about the history of the building.
The castle was built around 1185 by order of Prince John. It was a defensive structure guarding the mouth of the Corrib River into the sea. Merchant ships could enter its walls. British troops started using it in the 18th century. During the Civil War in 1922, IRA troops set fire to the barracks. They were rebuilt after the war and served as the local police station until 1987.
Currently, the castle is open to visitors. You can admire its defensive walls as well as corner and gate towers. They are some of the oldest examples of Normandy construction in Ireland. In the former barracks there is a multimedia exhibition, thanks to which you can learn about the history of the castle and the stages of its reconstruction.