dunmore castle and friary

The Castle:

The first castle was built here by de Bermingham about 1225, but it was burned by the sons of the kings of Connacht in 1249, by Fichra O'Flynn in 1284 and by Rory O'Connor in 1315. The present castle was probably built after the last burning. It is a massive rectangular tower of four storeys situated on a motte with the remains of a fortifying wall around it.

The tower is bare inside, and the mullioned windows on the top floor suggest that it was partially rebuilt and used in the late 16th or early 17th century. Although taken by Sir Henry Sidney, it remained in de Bermingham hands until the Cromwellian plantations, and was inhabited until the last century.

The Friary:

The Friary, near the centre of the town was founded for the Augustinian friars by Walter de Birmingham, Lord Baron of Athenry, in 1425. Of the whole monastery, only the church remains, consisting of a nave and chancel with a tower.

There is a fine and decorative 15th century west doorway.