Dunsoghly Castle is one of the few 15th century fortified tower houses in Ireland to survive intact. It is located only about 2 miles from the runway of Dublin Airport and consists of a central 4 story block with square corner towers. It was built by Sir Thomas Plunkett whose family held the titles ‘Barons of Kileen’ and the "Earls of Fingal" and were one of the few premier Catholic peers of Ireland. It’s original 15th century wooden roof is also one of the last in the country to survive intact which was probably due to the castle being occupied by Plunkett family descendants up until the 1870’s. It’s building techniques have been copied as a model for the modern reconstruction for similar roofs for Rothe House, Kilkenny Castle and Bunratty Castle. Beside the castle is a small chapel dated to 1573. Above it’s doorway are interesting carvings representing the ‘Instruments of the Passion’. (please note that is located on private land).
There is a parking spot on GZ on access road. Beware for muggle windows.
More information and sources:
http://curiousireland.ie/dunsoghly-castle-st-margarets-co-dublin-c-1450/
http://www.irelandseye.com/aarticles/travel/attractions/castles/dunsogc.shtm
http://irishantiquities.bravehost.com/dublin/dunsoghly/dunsoghly.html
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056307461
http://humphrysfamilytree.com/Plunkett/sir.thomas.dunsoghly.html
http://www.originalwriting.ie/products/if-a-towerhouse-could-talk-the-history-of-dunsoghly-castle-and-the-plunkett-family
http://www.irishorigenes.com/content/dunsoghly-castle-number-1150-irish-origenes-castles-ireland-map