History & Heritage

Carrigaholt Castle is a 15th century tower house with a long and intriguing history. A public path allows access and information boards give details on the history of the building.

Carrigaholt features two piers, one at the edge of the village and one at the castle, aptly known as Castle Pier. Carrigaholt has a long history as a fishing port and this heritage continues today.

Kilcredaun Lighhouse is one of two lighthouses on the Loop Head Peninsula. It was built in 1824 and ceased operation in 2011. Yet it has remained one of the major landmarks of the area.

Kilcredaun is one of five Napoleonic batteries that have been built in the early 19th century to defend the Shannon Estuary from a possible french invasion. Today it s home to starlings, crows and other birds.

A holy well can be found near the cliff edge which might have a historic connection to the Kilcredaun churches.

The two churches at Kilcredaun, Teampaill Shearlais and Teampaill An Aird, date from 10th or 11th century but apart from this, little is known about these early Christian settlements.

Farming is the backbone of the Loop Head Peninsula and Carrigaholt is no exception. Many residents are at least part time farmers with a few beef or dairy cows in the fields.