Mountjoy Castle

Mountjoy Castle is an early 17th-century fortress in Brockagh built on a hilltop overlooking Lough Neagh. It features a central rectangular block with four spear-shaped corner towers that create its distinctive silhouette.

The Earl of Mountjoy, Lord Deputy of Ireland, constructed this fortress between 1602 and 1605 using locally made red clay bricks from Coalisland. Its construction symbolized the establishment of British control in the region.

The castle occupies the site where an earlier O'Neill stronghold called Fuath na nGall once stood, marking a shift in territorial control. Today you can see how the landscape itself bears witness to these changes in power.

The castle grounds remain open to visitors throughout the year, with three of the original four towers available to explore. Wear sturdy shoes as the site sits on a hilltop with uneven terrain.

The structure mixes stone in its lower sections with red clay brick above, an unusual combination for its period. This blend of materials created a resilient building that has survived centuries of weathering.

GPS coordinates: 54.55889,-6.60778

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24