Medieval Irish Castles: Page 3
A new type of castle, the fortified house, appeared at the close of the sixteenth century which also signalled the end of construction of the tower house. Fortified houses had symmetrical lines, mullioned or transomed windows, multiple lozenge or diamond chimney stacks, and high gables. Rathfarnam Castle in Co. Dublin was one of the earliest fortified houses. Mallow Castle in Co. Cork is another. Coppinger's Court, dating from 1625 and just outside Rosscarbery, Co. Cork is well worth the visit.
These castles are mostly ruins, some in a poor state of preservation, but they all are fine examples of Ireland's castles. To better understand castle terminology, I've included a glossary. If you're interested in playing king or queen for the night, check out my links to Irish castle accommodations.
Back to page one
Until next time.
Where to Find Some of the Above-mentioned Castles and Ruins
Adare Castle
Situated on the banks of the Maigue in the village of Adare, 10 1/2 mi. southwest of Limerick (N21).
Athenry Castle
A little to the west of the Athenry town center near the R348.
Ballintober Castle
Located south of Castlerea in Co. Roscommon, Ballintober lies on the R367 between Ballymoe and Castleplunkett. The castle lies just off a country road adjacent to the town.
Ballymote Castle
Located in southwest Sligo, just south of the town of Ballymote on the R295.
Blarney Castle
Located in Co. Cork near where the R617 converges with the N18 (Limerick to Cork road).
Bunratty Castle
Located in Co. Clare just off the N18 and minutes from the Shannon airport. Visible from the motorway.
Cahir Castle
Located in Co. Tipperary where the N8 converges with the N24. Easily seen.
Callan Castle
Motte and remnants of a bailey are located just outside the town of Callan, Co. Kilkenny (N76).
Carrickfergus Castle
Located on the shores of Belfast Lough in Co. Antrim. Look for a spit of land just south of Carrickfergus Town on the A2 motorway.
Clonmacnoise
Located on the Galway/Offaly border on the River Shannon a few miles north of Shannonbridge (R444).
Coppinger's Court
Located just south of Rosscarbery and off the R597 in the townland of Ballinaclough. The ruin is actually on a narrow road that runs between Rosscarbery and Glandore.
Dublin Castle
The entrance is located, surprisingly, on Castle Street. Off Dame Street near the Liffey.
Duleek Castle
Located on the R150 southwest of Drogheda in Co. Louth.
Dunamase Castle
5km east of Portlaoise, Co. Laois, just off the N80.
Dungarvan Castle
Just off the N25 and near the mouth of the Colligan River at the inner circle of Dungarvan Harbor.
Ferns Castle
Located just off the R745, a short distance from the town of ferns, Co. Wexford.
Glanworth Castle
In Northeast Cork, just off the R512.
Greencastle
Located at the mouth of Lough Foyle in Donegal.
Kilkenny Castle
Located on the River Nore in the city center.
King John's Castle
Located in Limerick City Center near Thomond Bridge.
Mallow Castle
Located at the edge of the town of mallow, Co. Cork on the N72.
Maynooth Castle
Located in the town center adjacent the Royal Canal.
Rathfarnam Castle
Located in Rathfarnam village. (Rathfarnham By-Pass, between Rathfarnham road and Grange road Rathfarnham Village).
Roscommon Castle
Located in Roscommon Town, near the N63.
Trim Castle
Located in the Trim town center.
Waterford Castle
The castle is located 2 miles from Waterford City is uniquely situated on its' own private 310 acre island on the
River Suir.
| 
Suzanne Barrett's
