Rockfleet Castle, Tower house in County Mayo, Ireland
Rockfleet Castle is a tower house standing on the shore of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The structure rises several stories with defensive corner turrets designed to watch over the bay and surrounding lands.
The tower house was built in the mid-16th century and soon became home to a powerful maritime leader who controlled the bay. The building survived through the centuries as a reminder of how coastal defense worked during medieval times.
The castle served as a stronghold for one of Ireland's most powerful maritime leaders and reflects the way families controlled coastal trade and safety. Walking through the stone rooms, you sense how important this location was to people who lived by the sea and needed to protect what they had.
Access to the castle depends on tide conditions, as high water can make the path to the entrance difficult or impossible. Visitors should check tidal times before arrival and wear appropriate footwear for wet and uneven ground.
The second floor holds a hidden observation post reached through a concealed passage, showing how medieval occupants watched for intruders from inside the stone walls. This carefully designed lookout point was a key part of the castle's defense strategy.
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