Greencastle, Medieval fortress in County Down, Northern Ireland
Greencastle is a stone fortress positioned at the entrance to Carlingford Lough with rectangular walls and the remains of four corner towers. The structure measures approximately 18 meters long and 8.5 meters wide internally, displaying the typical layout of a Norman defensive stronghold.
The fortress was built in the 13th century by Hugh de Lacy to control the entrance to the bay. It fell to Edward Bruce in 1316 and continued to serve as an English garrison for about three centuries before eventually being abandoned.
The site was once a vital checkpoint for vessels entering the bay, and this strategic role shaped how it looked and was used. Visitors can still see today how much this place was tied to maritime traffic and the movement of goods.
The site is openly accessible, but visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven and some remains can be fragile. There is little shelter from wind and weather, so appropriate clothing is important and calmer days without strong winds make for better visits.
An impressive ditch carved into the rock surrounds the structure, tapering from top to bottom. It spans about 7 meters wide at the surface, narrows toward the base, and reaches several meters in depth.
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