Tully Castle, Plantation castle on Lower Lough Erne, Northern Ireland
Tully Castle is a stone fortification with a T-shaped floor plan, featuring a square central section and a rectangular wing. The structure includes a barrel-vaulted kitchen chamber and various defensive features typical of early 1600s military architecture.
The fortification was built between 1612 and 1615 for Sir John Hume as a new settlement stronghold in the region. During the 1641 rebellion, Rory Maguire's forces attacked it on Christmas Eve, causing severe damage that shaped its appearance for centuries.
The fortification shows Scottish building styles from the Plantation period, visible in how the towers and stairs are designed. Visitors can observe these architectural choices while walking through the different rooms.
The grounds are open year-round, but the best time to visit is from July through mid-September when facilities are staffed. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and can become slippery after rain.
The kitchen chamber features an enormous fireplace with multiple cooking recesses but surprisingly has no windows. This dark space was deliberately designed for food preparation within a fortified structure, revealing how military buildings handled everyday needs.
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