Liscarroll Castle, Medieval fortress in County Cork, Ireland
Liscarroll Castle is a medieval fortress in County Cork with four round towers at its corners connected by a rectangular outer wall. The structure features a barrel-vaulted passageway through a central tower on the southern side that served as the main entrance.
The De Barry family built this fortress in the 13th century to defend the region against attacks from Gaelic clans. The castle became part of a network of defenses that strengthened Norman-English control in the area.
The castle's name reflects its roots in an ancient Irish settlement, and visitors today see it as a symbol of the region's medieval past. The ruin stands in farmland and creates a striking contrast to the rural landscape surrounding it.
The site is accessible via farm roads and the ruin sits in agricultural land, so wear sturdy shoes and watch for uneven ground. Visit during drier seasons since the ground becomes very muddy after rain.
Underground passages lie beneath the castle, though their entrances are sealed today for safety, leaving their original purpose a mystery. These hidden tunnels suggest the fortress was more complex than its visible walls reveal.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
