Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Minard Castle



Minard Castle was built by the Knight's of Kerry and may have been the last Fitzgerald castle built on the Dingle Peninsula.  
Walter Hussey a Norman had a garrison in the castle in 1641.
During this time the castle was attacked and destroyed and all inside killed by a Cromwellian army led by Colonels Lehunt and Sadler.

The beach beneath the castle is a natural storm beach and has large sandstone boulders.
Some of these stones are claimed to have been used for ogham stones in the locality.

Minard is very easy to find - it is signposted just off the N86.
This very striking ruin was a revisit for me.
If you are in the area I would place Minard on the top of your list of the many must see places close by.