IRISH CASTLES

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle was built in 1260 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways.

In 2017 PCA conducted a full heritage survey of the West Wing of Kilkenny Castle for the OPW. Involving Laser Scanning Survey using a combination of a hand held laser scanner (Zeb Revo) for the underground tunnel and tripod mounted laser scanner (Leica P40) for the main survey area, supplemented by Topographic and Drone Surveys.

Dublin Castle

The history of this city-centre site stretches back to the Viking Age and the castle itself was built in the thirteenth century. The building served as a military fortress, a prison, a treasury and courts of law. For 700 years, from 1204 until independence, it was the seat of English (and then British) rule in Ireland. Rebuilt as the castle we now know in the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Dublin Castle is now a government complex and an arena of state ceremony.

PCA conducted a heritage level survey of the Cork Hill Gate at Dublin Castle, for the OPW in 2018. Involving Laser Scanning Survey, and Topographic Survey.

Desmond (Adare) Castle

Desmond Castle is built on the River Maigue near the town of Adare in County Limerick, Ireland. The original construction date of Desmond Caslte is not clear, but the O’Donovans, rulers in the region, may have made the first ring fort here in the early part of the 13th century. The earliest description of the castle is found in an Inquisition of Adare taken in 1329 – 1331.

In 2024 PCA carried out a complete survey of the castle and grounds, including a full topographic survey, measured building survey and photographic record. This consisted of total station survey, laser scanning, camera and drone photogrammetry.

Ballymalis Castle

Ballymalis Castle is a tower house and National Monument located in County Kerry. Originally built by the Ó Muircheartaigh family in the early 16th century, however others credit the Ó Fearghuis with its construction.

In 2025 PCA carried out a full measured survey of Ballymalis Castle including drawings to produce floor plans, sections, elevations and a topographical plan as well as rectified photography for all facades.

Gallarus Castle

Gallarus Castle, built in the 15th century, is an Irish tower house located in Baile na nGall, a Gaeltacht village on the Dingle Peninsula and is 1km away from the famous Gallarus Oratory.

In 2025 PCA conducted a full measured survey of Gallarus Castle including drawings for floor plans, sections, elevations and a topographical plan. PCA also conducted the survey of Gallarus Oratory itself in 2020.