Desmond Castle, as it is popularly known, stands on the north bank of the river Maigue, on the outskirts of the village of Adare in Co. Limerick.
A castle or fortress is said to have first been built here by the O'Donovans, rulers of the region into the late 12th century.
Afterwards it passed into the possession of the Kildare branch of the FitzGerald dynasty.
They may be responsible for the majority of the remains of the present fortress.
This is one of a series of significant Desmond properties, which also include the banqueting hall in Newcastle West, another castle in Askeaton and Castle Matrix near Rathkeale, further west in County Limerick.
Reference: Wikipedia