Built by William Marshal on the site of an earlier Norman motte-and-bailey fort, this 13-century castle survived Cromwell's attentions. Much of the fortress was demolished in 1814, when it was converted into a lunatic asylum. The evocative portion that survives is part of the keep flanked by two towers, but now overlooks a modern apartment block rather than the river it used to defend.
Carlow Castle
Counties Wexford, Waterford, Carlow & Kilkenny
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
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Nearby Counties Wexford, Waterford, Carlow & Kilkenny attractions
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