Isert Kelly Castle, Tower house in Castlepark, County Galway, Ireland.
Isert Kelly Castle is a three-story stone tower rising about 21 meters high in Castlepark, surrounded by a fortified square enclosure. The structure follows the typical design of Irish tower houses with thick walls and compact interior spaces.
The MacHubert Burkes built this fortified residence in the 15th century as a family stronghold. The structure was set on fire by the Ó Dónaill clan during the Nine Years' War in 1596, leaving marks of that conflict.
The interior contains a fireplace dated 1604 with initials W.H., reflecting the architectural practices of medieval Irish nobility.
The site sits about 5 kilometers southwest of Kilchreest village and is not freely accessible. Visitors should seek permission from local landowners before attempting a closer look and respect private property boundaries.
Excavations from 2014 to 2016 revealed that a larger complex of halls, stables, cottages, and barns once surrounded the main tower. These discoveries show how extensive and multifunctional such medieval fortified settlements actually were.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
