Carey’s Castle -An Enchanting Find

Tucked into the foot of the Comeragh Mountains are the ruins of Carey’s Castle. The castle is diminutive in scale (as castles go) and charming; almost like a fairy castle. Just a short distance from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, it is a short, easy, looped walk from the carpark.

I had read about it, and so on a recent spring day, I decided to go exploring and have a look for myself. I was not disappointed

As I walked up the forest path along the Glenary River, the imposing grey stones of the castle ruins came into view. It’s an interesting structure – a combination of many architectural styles. The first thing you notice is two well-preserved flanking towers and a portcullis-style entrance. However, strangely, there is also a small round tower built into one of the tower walls and the windows that indicate this was never used as a fortress

Originally a monastery

Centuries ago, a monastery called Glenabbey stood on this site. It was inhabited by a small group of Cistercian Monks and is thought to have been an offshoot of the larger Inishlounaght Abbey in Marlfield. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, the Abbey was abandoned and fell to ruin. The abbey and the lands surrounding it were granted to Edward Gough from Clonmel.

In the late 19^th Century, the land was purchased by the Carey family who were local wealthy schoolteachers from Clonmel. It is they who built the current structure and their love of history is clearly incorporated into the buildings – the Round Tower, the medieval Norman keep and great hall, both Gothic and Romanesque arches. This would have been a wonderful home in an idyllic setting.

Victim of the Famine

Unfortunately, in the 1840s, around the time of the Great Hunger, the Carey’s sold all their properties and emigrated to Australia. The new owner, a Colonel Nuttall Greene, soon became bankrupt, his property was sold, and the site was permanently abandoned.

Nostalgic Daydreaming

Today, the property and the castle ruins are managed by Coillte. It is open daily to the public for walking and exploring. Dogs are welcome. I was there in the early spring and the only sounds in the peaceful glen were birdsong and pleasant burble of the river. As I sat on a wall in the sunshine, I engaged in a little nostalgic whimsy thinking of how as a little girl, I’d have loved to find this place. I let my imagination run a bit wild, dreaming of knights, graceful steeds, long flowing dresses and tiaras…

To find Carey’s Castle, from Clonmel take the Dungarvan Road. Turn left just after the Pinewood Drive housing estate. Follow the road until you see the sign for Carey’s Castle on the left. Park in the carpark. There are picnic tables near the carpark. Daydreaming is optional.