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Dough castle

Lahinch, County Clare, Republic of Ireland

Irish castles

Dough castle - © Patryk Kosmider

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Dough Castle(Dumhach Ui Chonchuir in Gaelic) is an ancient Irish fortified tower. It is located near the small seaside village of Lahinch (Co. Clare), in the west of Ireland. Its origins date back to the 14th century, making it a place of interest. A must-see if you’re in the area!

History of Dough Castle

The Dough castle – Robert Linsdell- cc

Dough Castle was founded by the O’Connors clan, then Lords of Corcomroe, in 1306. The building served as the main fortress and, thanks to its location at the mouth of the River Inagh, controlled local land and sea traffic.

Generally speaking, Dunlough Castle has survived the centuries without too much trouble… Although his face has completely changed nowadays.

At the time, it was described as a 2-storey tower house, with crenellations at the top. There was also a dwelling house adjoining the tower. The windows were narrow and slotted. A description that doesn’t really fit today’s reality.

Here are the key dates to remember:

1471: Chief O’Connor is murdered inside the castle by his own nephews.
1584: the castle passed into the hands of Sir Donal O’Brien’s family. One of its members, Daniel, is known for having given hospitality within the castle to English colonists threatened by the Irish rebellion of 1641. In return for these actions, Dough Castle was spared by the Cromwellian army (although it should have been demolished).

The château has stood the test of time, but has unfortunately suffered from the ravages of age. The castle, built on a sandbank, has seen its foundations gradually weaken. One side collapsed in 1839, and the chimney fell in 1883.

Since then, the building has been abandoned, and is part of the charm of the Lahinch region.

Visit Dough castle

A ruined castle with a dark charm

If you love castles and are passing through Lahinch, be sure to take a look at the castle. Accessible free of charge, it will take you to the heart of Irish history and give you a better taste of Ireland’s charm and attachment to the past.

Not much remains of Dough Castle: only a wall has survived. This imposing structure features 5 large windows, which must have been enlarged in the past, as the castle originally had simple loopholes.

Anecdotally, the building has a reputation for being haunted. Apparitions have been reported not only on the sandbank, but also on the castle ruins. Food for the most fertile imaginations!

The visit is free, but we recommend that you don’t get too close to the building. Very fragile, and always placed on its sandbank, the castle threatens to collapse at any moment.

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