Aghalard Castle, Medieval tower house in County Mayo, Ireland
Aghalard Castle is a three-story stone tower in County Mayo, built with square corner turrets for defense. The structure was originally surrounded by a defensive wall called a bawn, which enclosed the entire complex within the Irish countryside.
The castle was built around 1490 by the McDonnell family and served as a stronghold in the Irish landscape. During the 16th century, it was captured by English forces and eventually abandoned.
The castle shows the role of warrior families who served Irish lords and shaped the power structures of the medieval period. These families maintained their positions through military service and local alliances.
The ruins are located on rural land south of Castlebar and can be reached via country roads. It is wise to wear sturdy footwear and approach the site carefully, especially during wet weather conditions.
The McDonnell family held the property until the 1800s, when it was acquired by a prominent brewing businessman. This shift shows how Irish historical sites eventually passed into the hands of wealthy private collectors.
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