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Carrigadrohid Castle: A River Fortress

Explore Carrigadrohid Castle, a medieval tower house on the River Lee, offering a glimpse into Ireland's rich history and scenic beauty.

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Carrigadrohid Castle, a striking medieval tower house, stands on a rocky island in the River Lee, near the village of Carrigadrohid in County Cork. Built in the 15th century by the MacCarthys of Muskerry, it controlled river passage and trade. Today, its picturesque ruins offer a glimpse into Ireland's past.

A brief summary to Carrigadrohid Castle

  • River House, Gort Rd, Lee's Road, Carrigadrohid, Co. Cork, IE
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Take photos from the bridge for the best views of the castle and the River Lee.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Macroom to explore more of County Cork's attractions.
  • Check out Mullinhassig Wood & Poulanassig Waterfall, which is a short drive away from the castle.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from Cork City, take the N22 road towards Macroom. Continue on the N22 for approximately 20 kilometers until you reach Ballincollig. From Ballincollig, take the R585 road towards Carrigadrohid for about 15 kilometers. Upon arriving in Carrigadrohid, turn left onto Gort Road, then follow it to Lee's Road, where you'll find the castle. Parking is available along the road or in nearby areas. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Carrigadrohid Castle via public transport, take a Bus Éireann bus from Cork City to Macroom. The bus journey typically takes 35-45 minutes. From Macroom, a taxi is required to reach Carrigadrohid Castle, as public transport options are limited. The taxi ride should take approximately 10 minutes and cost around €15-€20. Bus tickets from Cork to Macroom cost approximately €6 - €10.

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Discover more about Carrigadrohid Castle

Carrigadrohid Castle, a 15th-century tower house, occupies a unique position on a rocky island in the River Lee. The MacCarthys of Muskerry, powerful rulers in Munster, constructed it to dominate the river and levy tolls. The castle's strategic location made it a key point for controlling movement and transportation along the River Lee. The castle's history is marked by conflict. In 1650, during the Irish Confederate Wars, Cromwellian forces besieged it. Bishop Boetius MacEgan of Ross, captured by the English, was brought to the castle walls and ordered to persuade the garrison to surrender. He instead urged them to resist and was hanged by his horse's reins in front of the castle. The garrison was defeated, and the MacCarthys were dispossessed. The Bowen family later acquired the castle, living there until the mid-18th century before abandoning it for a new manor house. Since then, Carrigadrohid Castle has fallen into ruin, though a local conservation group now maintains it. The castle is accessible via a bridge that connects to the second story on the east side. While the castle is not always open for visits, its exterior and setting offer a compelling historical experience.

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