Castlegregory, County Kerry

Castlegregory - Caisleán Ghriaire - Gregory's Castle

Location of Castlegregory

Castlegregory Village is located in the South-West of Ireland in County Kerry. Situated on the Dingle Peninsula on the R560 road. Castlegregory is situated at the foot of a narrow neck of land which divides Tralee Bay from Brandon Bay.

History of Castlegregory

In the 16th century Gregory Hoare built a castle where the village is now situated. Tragedy surrounded this family beginning with the wedding of Gregory's son, Hugh, to Ellen Moore whose father was an old enemy of Gregory Hoare. On the day of the wedding(1566), Gregory fell dead on the threshold of his Castle when he was trying to stop the wedding party from entering his castle. The castle was passed onto Hugh and in 1580 Lord Grey Queen Elizabeth's deputy, stopped at the castle among Hugh's guests were Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain Denny, Edmund Spenser and Walter Hussey of Dingle. Ellen had objected to the arrival of her country's enemies and in a rage she emptied all the wine and beer onto the cellar floor. When Hugh found out what she had done he became so enraged he stabbed her to death. The next morning when Lord Grey was bringing Hugh to be charged of killing his wife Hugh Hoare collapsed and died on the very same threshold that his father had fallen on the day of the wedding.

An arched doorway from the castle of Gregory Hoare can still be seen in the village at Tailor's Row.

From 1891-1939 a narrow gauge branch railway from Tralee to Dingle with a branch line to Castlegregory was open. This line was very popular because of the beautiful scenery. However the light railway from Tralee to Dingle was dangerous and it was demonstrated by two events, the "pig special disaster" in which the train plunged off the Camp bridge in 1893, and some years later when the train was blown off the tracks by a gust of wind at Driscoll cottage.

In the Catholic church in Castlegregory is a stained glass window designed by Ireland's finest artist in stained glass painting - Harry Clarke.

The area has become renowned for surfing with the world championships been held there in 2000.

Castlegregory Visitor Attractions

Castlegregory Festivals

Castlegregory Accommodation Listings

Kellihers B&B, Holiday Home

Kellihers B&B is situated in Castlegregory Village on the Dingle Peninsula, a perfect location in a peaceful setting on the Dingle Way Walking Route.All bedrooms are en suite with television and tea making facilities ...

Season: All Year Occupancy: Self Catering