churches historical around central adare rasthkeale

Castle: This Norman castle may have been built on an earlier ringfort by the main bridge across the Maigue or it may be contemporary. The square tower is of the castle is surrounded by a rampart with battlements To the south a drawbridge crosses the fort’s ditch. Surrounding this ditch is a further wall. Two gates offered access through it, the obviously more strategic south one protected by two towers.

Franciscan Friary: Now surrounded by the Adare Manor golf course, this friary was...

The monastery here was founded by St. Nassan. It was raided by Vikings several times throughout the centuries and then destroyed by Donal McLoughlin. Of the six churches that are said to have been built here only two remain. The first one you will come to, as it is near the road, dates from around the 12th century. It was used for a while as a parish church, and of interest are the stairs in the chancel walls that led to a gallery, now destroyed, and the square tower to the west. The second is s...