Tynte's Castle, castle in County Cork, Ireland
Tynte's Castle is a stone tower house in Youghal, County Cork, with three floors and small defensive windows. The building features thick walls, crenellations at the top, and a distinctive hipped roof hidden behind the battlements; its tapered base provides structural strength for this tall, narrow structure that once dominated the main street.
The tower house was built in the late 1400s by the Walsh family, merchants in Youghal, to protect their goods and family. After a rebellion, the Crown took control, then leased it to Sir Robert Tynte in 1584, and the building remained with the Tynte family for nearly 300 years until 1866.
The name comes from the Tynte family, who owned the building for centuries and used it to display their wealth and influence in town. It served as both a merchant's warehouse and family home, reflecting the importance of trade in Youghal's past.
The building stands on the east side of North Main Street in central Youghal and is easy to spot from the street. Entry inside is limited, so enjoy the exterior details and use its location near St. Mary's Church and the old marketplace to understand how the medieval town was organized.
The building likely served as a grain store in the 1800s, as shown by large window openings on the west side not typical of castle defenses. This later use reveals how old fortified houses adapted to new purposes to stay useful, and the changes tell a story of practical survival over many generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
