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Glanworth Castle: A Norman Fortress in County Cork

Discover the historic Glanworth Castle in County Cork, Ireland, with its medieval ruins and scenic views of the River Funcheon.

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Explore the ruins of Glanworth Castle, a 13th-century Anglo-Norman fortress in County Cork, Ireland. Discover its rich history, architectural phases, and scenic views overlooking the River Funcheon and the historic Glanworth Bridge.

A brief summary to Glanworth Castle

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle grounds and surrounding areas are best explored on foot.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Take the time to explore the nearby Glanworth Bridge, one of the oldest working bridges in Ireland.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach Glanworth Castle by car, navigate to the village of Glanworth via the R639. From Cork City, take the N40 and merge onto the M8 towards Dublin. Take exit 14 for the R639 towards Glanworth. Once in Glanworth, follow signs for Boherash. Parking is available near the castle. Note that the roads in the village can be narrow.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Glanworth Castle via public transport, take a Bus Éireann from Cork City to Fermoy. From Fermoy, take the Local Link bus 529 to Glanworth. From the Glanworth bus stop, the castle is a short walk. Bus Eireann tickets from Cork to Fermoy cost approximately €8-€10. A taxi from Fermoy to Glanworth may cost around €15-€20.

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Discover more about Glanworth Castle

Glanworth Castle, located in the village of Glanworth, County Cork, is a captivating historical site with origins tracing back to the late 12th century. Originally built by the Anglo-Norman Condon family, the castle passed to the Roche family in the 14th century and remained in their possession until the mid-17th century. The castle's strategic location on a cliff top above the River Funcheon reflects its importance in controlling the surrounding area. The castle's construction occurred in several phases, starting with a hall-keep surrounded by a protective wall. Over time, it evolved to include a tower house, gatehouse, kitchen, and even a free-standing oven. The castle saw action during the Cromwellian Conquest of Ireland in the mid-17th century, suffering damage from General Ireton's artillery in 1649. Despite this, it remained at least partially occupied into the 18th century. Today, Glanworth Castle stands as a ruin in a public park, offering visitors a glimpse into Ireland's medieval past. The site includes the remains of the hall-keep, sections of the curtain walls, and a northeast corner tower. From the castle, one can enjoy views of the River Funcheon and the Glanworth Bridge, a narrow, 13-arch limestone bridge dating back to the 17th century. Nearby, the Glanworth Mill, dating back to the mid- to late-19th century, once served as a flour and woolen mill.

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