Why this matters
Built by the MacCárthandún (O'Carrigan) clan in the 15th or 16th century, Castle Castleroe West is an example of a defensive tower house in a region historically marked by Gaelic lordships. Its importance lies in its architectural preservation and its association with local clan history in a contested part of Ulster.
What is recorded here
A square tower with slightly rounded corners (int. dims 3.7m x 5.5m; wall Th. 2.5m), with at least two floors over the ground floor. The building stands to height of c. 7.5m. It is constructed of roughly coursed undressed mortared red conglomerate with dressed limestone pointed arch door surrounds. The original entrance is in the N wall with a mural staircase in the N wall leading off to the E. The ground floor is barrel vaulted with splayed loops in the N and W walls, and simple loops in the E and N walls. A N wall loop leads out from a rectangular recess. There are garderobes in the first and second floors in the S wall, opposite the entrance. A rectangular tower has been added to the SW corner. The tower house is incorporated into a now ruined house (at the W), probably of late seventeenth or early eighteenth century (Fitzgerald 1899-1902, 229-31, 251-2).
Add the human story, a picture, a first-hand message or a missing place.
Earn 5 points after the picture is checked and accepted.
Add a pictureAdd its storyTalk or ask a questionAdd a new placeThe monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
Conversation about this place
Questions and messages sit beneath the source record. They are checked before appearing.
No questions or messages yet.
Ask a question or join the conversation