Conna Castle, 16th century tower house in County Cork, Ireland
Conna Castle is a five-story square tower house built around 1500 and set on a limestone elevation in County Cork. The tower rises about 85 feet (26 meters) high and retains one original ceiling along with fragments of defensive walls around its base.
The castle was built around 1500 by the Earls of Desmond as a stronghold in the region. It became a site of conflict during English military campaigns, particularly in 1599 when the Earl of Essex arrived, and again in 1645 during Lord Castlehaven's campaigns.
The castle represents how Irish defensive structures were built to show power and control during medieval times. Its stone walls still stand as a reminder of the conflicts between local rulers and outside forces.
The castle interior has been closed for restoration work since 2015, but visitors can walk through the surrounding public park and view the structure from the outside. The site is easily accessible and offers good vantage points to observe the tower from different angles around the grounds.
In 1915, Alfred L'Estrange donated this castle to the Irish state, marking the first time such a heritage property changed hands in that manner in Irish history. This gift helped secure the building's future and set a precedent for heritage protection in the country.
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