Markree Castle, 17th-century castle in Collooney, Ireland
Markree Castle is a 17th-century castle set on a sprawling estate with wooded grounds and gardens in Collooney. The River Unshin flows through the maintained landscape, while the building contains 31 bedrooms and a grand hall.
The property came into the hands of the Cooper family in 1663 after Cornet Edward Cooper acquired it during the period of Cromwell's campaigns. The castle retained its structure over the centuries and was later converted into a residence.
The castle preserves Gothic architectural details visible throughout its rooms and spaces, displaying traditional Irish design elements in shared areas. Visitors can observe these historical style features directly while moving through the building.
The castle is easily accessible and offers modern conveniences in all rooms such as direct-dial telephones, individual heating controls, and beverage facilities. Visitors should allow time to explore the surrounding grounds and gardens that extend around the building.
In the 1830s, a major telescope was housed here in a private observatory on the estate grounds. This facility enabled several astronomical discoveries and made the castle a scientific center of its era.
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