Athcarne Castle

The name Athcarne derives from Irish Áth Chairn, meaning ford at a burial mound, or alternatively Ard Chairn, meaning high cairn—referencing the prehistoric monument that lies to the southeast across the Hurley River. The site's historical significance long predates its castle. Anglo-Norman settlement began in 1172 when Hugo De Bathe, arriving with the Norman conquest, received lands at Athcar...