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Castles of Munster: Carrigogunnell, Limerick

This castle on a volcanic crag overlooking the Shannon estuary was probably founded by the de Burghs, but became a major seat of the O'Briens before being held by the earls of Desmond. It has a violent history. In 1536 after sustaining a prolonged barrage by cannon, it was surrendered to Lord Deputy Gray by its commander Edmund Cahill. He was hanged along with his entire garrison, but the castle was later recovered by the O'Briens. During the Cromwellian wars it was taken over by Captain Wilson, who occupied it, building a stable in the bawn. A Jacobite garrison of 150 men surrendered the castle to William III's forces in 1691, and shortly afterwards it was blown up. The castle is a mixture of periods; the roughly heart shaped outer enclosure extending down the slope dates from the C15, although the triangular section is a C16 addition. The north wall of the inner court on the highest part of the crag is C13.