Dundrum Castle was originally built in the 13th century as part of a series of fortifications around Dublin erected by the Normans when they arrived in 1169. A newer castle was built in 1590 by Richard Fitzwilliam to help defend against raids from local Irish tribes. In 1619, William FitzWilliam was granted ownership of the castle for his defense efforts, but he was driven out in 1642, though he briefly returned in 1646. The Fitzwilliam family held the castle until 1790, after which it fell into ruins, existing today overlooking the modern Dundrum area.

1. THE HISTORY OF
DUNDRUM CASTLE

2. THE NORMANS
 When the Normans arrived in 1169, a series of fortifications
were built around Dublin. A castle was built in Dundrum as
part of this series of outer fortifications around the 13th
century.

3. 1590
 Later in 1590, a newer castle was built by Richard
Fitzwilliam as part of a strategic line of castles within the
Pale. The original village clustered around Dundrum Castle
and was considered a rural defensive outpost against
assaults and raids from Irish tribes and families such as
the O'Tooles and the O'Byrnes.

4. 1619
 In 1619, a relation, William FitzWilliam 3rd Vscount
FitzWilliam was granted the castle in recognition of his
bravery and courage while defending against these assaults
but was driven out in 1642.

5. 1646
 He returned by 1646 but left again, never to return, in
1653. His family held onto the Fitzwilliam seat until 1790.

6. TODAY
 The castle was never reoccupied and exists today as ruins
overlooking the Dundrum Bypass and the new shopping
centre.