Drishane Castle, Medieval tower house in County Cork, Ireland
Drishane Castle is a stone tower house built in the 15th century, rising from a limestone rock formation in County Cork. The structure has four stories, narrow slits for defense, and crenellations at the top, characteristic of Irish fortified towers.
The castle was built around 1450 by the MacCarthy family as a military stronghold in a strategic region. Following the Williamite War, the family lost their lands and control of this fortified tower.
The tower house was the residence of the MacCarthy family and later served as a convent school run by nuns. Visitors can see how the building shifted from noble family stronghold to a place of religious education through its layout and surroundings.
The grounds are typically open from May through September, with visits outside this period available by arrangement. The site offers walking paths and outdoor areas to explore, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
The castle grounds now serve as an international equestrian cross-country course, an unexpected modern use for a historic fortress. This alternative purpose shows how old defensive structures can be repurposed for contemporary activities.
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