Harry Avery's Castle, Medieval fortress in Newtownstewart, Northern Ireland
Harry Avery's Castle is a medieval fortress ruin in Newtownstewart, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, characterized by two prominent D-shaped towers connected to a rectangular fortified base. The structure sits atop an artificially raised mound, creating a commanding presence in the landscape.
The fortress was built before 1392 by Henry O'Neill, a Gaelic Irish chief known as Harry Avery, who dominated the territory of County Tyrone. Its construction marked an important shift toward stone fortifications among Irish chieftains of that era.
The Annals of the Four Masters document Henry O'Neill's death in 1392, recognizing his contributions to justice and nobility in medieval Ireland.
The ruins are freely accessible to visitors every day with no entrance fee, making it an affordable historical site to explore. Be aware that there are no designated parking areas nearby and the ground can be uneven and rough.
This fortress is a rare example of a stone castle built by a Gaelic Irish chief rather than by English or Norman invaders. It demonstrates how local leaders adopted and adapted Norman architectural techniques for their own defensive structures.
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