castles historical ireland

It is square in plan, but has an L-shaped addition to guard the entrance. Access is gained directly to the ground floor, and a stairway leads up immediately to the main first-floor chamber, which is defended by a murder hole in the vault above. Access to the upper floors was gained by a spiral staircase within the walls. The tower was probably built by a member of the Savage family in the 16th century, and in 1635 Patrick Savage's brother-in-law, Sir James Montgomery of Rosemount, repaired t...

A 15th century three-storey tower, one half of which has fallen away. The tower stands in a polygonal bawn with square turrets. A building in the south-east of the bawn was apparently added later. The castle was owned in 1574 by the MacDonnells who had been mercenaries in the Burke armies. In 1596 Brabazon, Clanrickard and Darcy captured the castle but evacuated it shortly afterwards on hearing of the approach of Red Hugh O'Donnell. It remained in MacDonnell hands until bought by Sir Benjam...

Situated on the rocky hill south of the landing place, and also known as Dun Formna, this is a 15th century tower, set in a stone ring-fort, which is one of Inis Oirr's (Inisheer) striking features as you approach the island....

Although tradition says that it was the Ormonds who built it in the 14th century, the oldest part of the castle dates back to the 13th century. The oldest parts are the three round turrets and their joining curtain wall overlooking the river. These formed part of the outer fortifications of the original castle which surrounded a square enclosure in the centre. The tall square tower was built possibly in the 14th century, but has 15th century additions. The oriel window high up in its south w...

Remains of a castle built by the Wogans who came to Ireland with Henry 11. The castle is mentioned in 1454 when it was attacked by another branch of the Wogan family. It was fortified in 1641, but surrendered to General Mant in the following year, when Nicholas Wogan was outlawed for treason. The main surviving free-standing structure is nothing but the two-storey gatehouse leading to the enclosure in which the castle stood. It has a mullioned window in the east wall. It possibly dates to th...

An imposing tower house and bawn with rounded turrets and wishing chair. Built in 1495 by the Mountgarret family. On private land....

Cahir Castle is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles situated on a rocky island on the river Suir. The castle's attractions include an excellent audio-visual show called "Partly Hidden and Partly Revealed" (English/French/German/Italian). The show informs visitors of all the main sites of the area. There are also several exhibitions.

The castle was acquired by the Office of Public Works as a National Monument in 1964 and a major scheme of conservation work was undert...

Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork castle with added stone tower. Fine views from top of the mound. Free access always. Clough village, at junction of A24 and A25....

A small oblong tower, with two three-quarters round turrets (one a staircase) at diagonally opposite corners, and dating to the late 16th century. It was originally surrounded by a strong wall and traces of the ditch outside this wall still remain. It was taken by Docwra in 1601 but returned to Sir Cahir O'Doherty in 1603. It was besieged again in 1607 but not take by the English until 1608 and was later granted to Sir Arthur Chichester. For a long time it remained an important English garrison....

This 16th century O'Hynes castle, with six sided by windows, set on a rock on the edge of Galway Bay by the approach to Kinvara has been restored.
From mid-May to mid-September medieval banquets are held and guests are afterwards entertained with Irish music and dancing as well as the reading of extracts from writers with local connections -Yeats, Lady Gregory, Martyn and blind Raftery the poet....