Huntington Castle, also known as Clonegal Castle, is a 17th-century castle in Clonegal, County Carlow, Ireland, near the border with County Wexford.
History
Huntington Castle was built in 1625 by Sir Laurence Esmonde, 1st Baron Esmonde. It has remained a private family home ever since, and for generations has been the residence of the Durdin-Robertson family.
The Temple of Isis
Huntington Castle is best known today as the home of the Temple of Isis, founded in the 1970s by Olivia Robertson and her brother Lawrence Durdin-Robertson as the headquarters of the Fellowship of Isis, an international interfaith organisation devoted to the divine feminine. The temple occupies the vaulted basement of the castle and is open to visitors as part of the guided tour.
Gardens
The castle is set in mature parkland with formal gardens, ornamental ponds, an ancient lime avenue and a famous yew walk that pre-dates the castle itself.
Visiting
Huntington Castle is open to visitors during the summer season. Guided tours of the castle interior and the Temple of Isis are available, and the gardens can be explored separately. For current opening times, tour schedules and admission prices, please check the official Huntington Castle website.
For more historic Irish castles to visit, see our guide to 49 of the best castles in Ireland.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
No Thanks
Tuesday 2nd of December 2025
The history of the residents of the castle provided here is entirely inaccurate, fair to assume this text is AI generated.
Love To Visit Ireland
Tuesday 7th of April 2026
Thank you — you were absolutely right. The Butler and Fitzpatrick attributions in that earlier version were AI-generated and factually wrong. Huntington Castle was built in 1625 by Sir Laurence Esmonde, and the castle has been the home of the Durdin-Robertson family for generations. It is also famous as the home of the Temple of Isis, founded in the 1970s by Olivia Robertson and her brother Lawrence Durdin-Robertson. I have rewritten the page with the correct history. Genuinely grateful for the catch — please flag anything else you spot.