1142 – Cahir Castle, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure.
1180 – Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim
One of the finest Norman castles in Ireland, Carrickfergus Castle is sited along the harbour front, controlling the seashore. Probably constructed by John de Courcey sometime around 1180,
1200 – King John’s Castle, Carlingford, Co. Louth
Known as King John’s Castle because it was allegedly founded by King John who stayed here briefly in 1210, the castle was more likely founded by Hugh de Lacy some years before.
1200 – Swords Castle, Co. Dublin
Built around 1200 as an episcopal manor, as the residence of the Archbishop of Dublin. Five sided around a considerable courtyard with elements from the 13th,
1203 – Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
In 1176 Strongbow granted the manor of Maynooth to Maurice Fitzgerald who erected a castle for protection against the native Irish.
1210 – King John’s Castle, Limerick
King John’s Castle, on the south side of Thomond Bridge head, built in 1210 “to dominate the bridge and watch towards Thomond”,
1210 – St. David’s Castle, Naas, Co. Kildare
Also known as King John’s Castle, and is the last surviving example of the many fortified houses in the town of Naas.
1227 – St. John’s Castle, Rinndown, Co. Roscommon
Built in 1227 by King Henry III of England, populated by up to 1000 people in it’s heyday. Destroyed, ruined and forgotten in less that 150 years,
1250c. – Bullock Castle, Co. Dublin
Built in the mid 13th century by the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of St. Mary in Dublin to protect the harbour for local fishermen.
1260 – Baldongan Castle & Church, Co. Dublin
The castle was constructed in the mid 13th Century, possibly by the Knights Templar, rectangular in plan with towers on each corner.
