Dunsany Castle

About this place

Dunsany Castle (Irish: Caisleán Dhún Samhnaí) is a modernised Anglo-Norman castle in County Meath, Ireland, notable as one of Ireland's oldest homes in continuous occupation, possibly the longest occupied by a single lineage, having been held by the Cusack family and their descendants by marriage, the Plunketts, from the 12th century to the present day. Figures associated with the castle include one of the originators of the fantasy genre, Lord Dunsany and the founder of the agricultural cooperative movement in Ireland, Horace Plunkett. Construction of the castle was started c. 1180 by Hugh de Lacy, who also commissioned the original Killeen Castle, nearby, and the famous Trim Castle. The castle is surrounded by its demesne, the inner part of the formerly extensive Dunsany Estate. The demesne holds a historic church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, a walled garden, a stone farm complex, and an ice house, among other features, and is home to a wide range of trees and fauna. It is today the subject of a large-scale rewilding project.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Dunsany Castle is located in County Meath, roughly 40 km (35 min drive) from Dublin. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Church of St. Nicholas (0.2 km away).