Springfield Castle, Norman fortress in County Limerick, Ireland
Springfield Castle is a medieval fortification consisting of multiple stone structures, including two large towers from different centuries and a central courtyard surrounded by subsidiary buildings. The various parts were constructed at different times, showing how the fortress evolved and expanded over the centuries.
The fortress was founded in the late 1200s by the Norman Fitzgerald family as a symbol of their power in the region. Over time, they married into local Gaelic families and became major landowners, deepening their ties to Irish culture and society.
The castle served as a gathering place for Irish artists and thinkers during the 1600s. A local poet found refuge here and recorded the family's story through verse, showing how central this place was to regional cultural life.
The site is located in rural County Limerick and is best reached by car, as public transport options in the area are limited. The grounds are extensive, so plan to spend time exploring and wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
One of the most striking features is a spiral staircase built directly into the thickness of the stone walls in the oldest tower. This construction technique was typical of medieval fortifications and reveals the skilled craftsmanship of the builders.
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