castles historical ireland

Moyry Castle is the shell of a square 3-storye tower with musket-loops in all four walls, built during Mountjoy's northern campaign in 1601. It stood within a protecting awn wall, part of which is still visible....

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...

The rugged Donegal highlands may be one of the bleakest places in Ireland, but in a secluded valley beside a mountain lough is a most remarkable garden....

A landmark dominating land and sea which has for centuries been the gateway to Northern Ireland....

Glinsk Castle or fortified house is situated near the River Suck, 6.4km north-west of Creggs village. It is one of the finest examples in Ireland of architecture in transition from fortified castle to castellated house.

This castle was built in 1675 by Sir Ulick Burke, Third Baronet of Glinsk. It appears to have been built on the site of an earlier castle. The mosts outstanding of the architectural features are the two fine chimney stacks which lend the castle a sense of elegance....

Athlone Castle was built in 1210 by John de Gray, Bishop of Norwich, for King John of England. From 1569-1672 it was the headquarters of the Presidents of Connacht. The Castle was occupied by Col. Richard Grace, Governor of Athlone during the first Siege of Athlone in 1690 and also played a major role in the second Siege of 1691.

In the Napoleonic era the Castle was remodelled for defence and took on much of its present appearance. The Castle served for almost 300 years as an...

Known as the Castle of the Curlews, this castle was built around 1590 to protect the pass over the Curlew Hills. It was garrisoned by a Constable and ten wardens from 1610 to 1626 and, after a stout resistance, had to surrender in 1641 due to lack of water.

The plan of the castle is modelled on those of 13th century castles, with a small central square block dwarfed by four massive towers at the corners which are round outside and square inside....

A 14th/15th century castle on the shore of Galway Bay, it was originally the seat of the Blakes.
When the Blakes left Oranmore the house attached to the castle was demolished. The castle has since been re-roofed and made habitable....

The castle is rectangular in shape with massive square towers at each corner. The main block has four storeys, the towers have five. There is a fine Renaissance door in the first floor on the north side and a more traditional pointed door on the ground floor on the south side.

The flat 'Burgundian' arch is a feature of the ground-floor windows, while those on the upper storey and Tudor with two or three mullion. The castle has a remarkable number of well-preserved fireplaces.

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The Park and surrounding area are rich in historical features; early settlers found Lough Erne a convenient and safe transport route and the islands provided solitude and security; hence on many islands monastic sites were established such as at Devenish and White Island. Both are accessible by ferry (seasonal).

During the 1939-45 War, Lough Erne played an important role as the most westerly flying boat station, from which aircraft protected the allied convoys from the U-Boat threat i...