Ardamullivan Castle, Tower house in County Galway, Ireland.
Ardamullivan Castle is a six-story stone tower standing on a rocky outcrop with small defensive turrets at the corners and narrow window slits for protection. The structure displays typical features of an Irish tower house from the medieval period with reinforced walls and strategically placed openings.
The O'Shaughnessy clan built this fortification in the 16th century to secure their control over the region. The family maintained the tower until 1650, when political power shifted in the area.
The interior walls display medieval wall paintings showing religious figures like Saint Christopher and scenes of suffering and redemption. These images reveal how faith was part of daily life for those who inhabited the tower.
The site lies about 5 miles south of Gort and welcomes visitors free of charge to explore the tower. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the ground is rocky and uneven and climbing the interior stairs requires steady footing.
A deadly clash between Dermot O'Shaughnessy and his nephew John in 1579 resulted in the deaths of both men within the tower walls. This incident reveals the violent power struggles that sometimes tore apart families competing for control of such strongholds.
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