Woodstock Castle, Tower house in Athy, Ireland.
Woodstock Castle rises three stories high on the western bank of River Barrow, featuring stone walls and underground storage chambers. The location utilizes the riverbank position to control a strategic ford crossing at this point.
Robert de St Michael, a Norman lord, constructed this defensive structure in 1201 to control a strategic ford crossing the river. The structure served for centuries as an important post to monitor traffic routes in the region.
The castle displays medieval architectural elements, including mullioned windows and carved stone details that reflect Norman building techniques.
Visitors can observe the exterior structure from the riverside path, while the surrounding area provides views of County Kildare's landscape. The building is accessible from public routes and requires no special arrangements to visit.
Local records indicate the presence of a subterranean tunnel connecting the castle to White's Castle across the river. This hidden passage likely served as an escape route or enabled secure exchange between the two positions.
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