A ruined five-storey tower house on a rocky outcrop in the Shannon Estuary, once the O'Connor clan's "Guardian of the Shannon" and still climbable to the top.
A narrow winding stair of 104 steps leads up the five-storey tower house — just over 24 m high — to the top, where you get sweeping views over the estuary and the island of Carrig. Interior access is only possible when the caretaker opens the castle in season.
Explore the medieval church remains beside the castle and walk out on the dock where the O'Connors inspected passing ships. At high tide a moat once surrounded the fortress.
Ballylongford Bay wetlands are internationally important for birds. In winter tens of thousands of ducks, swans, geese and waders feed on the mudflats, and you may spot grey seals or Shannon dolphins.
Carrigafoyle controlled shipping into Limerick, hence its English nickname, the Guardian of the Shannon. At Easter 1580 English cannon under Sir William Pelham brought down its western wall; the fall helped push other rebel castles to be abandoned.
The castle is one stop on the village's two heritage trails, which also take in Lislaughtin Friary, Carrig Island, Aghavallen Church and a Napoleonic battery.
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