Ballincollig Castle

Ballincollig Castle is a medieval fortress ruin near Cork featuring a rectangular stone enclosure with a tall slender keep in the center atop a limestone outcrop. The structure consists of walls, towers, and fortifications visible from multiple viewing angles.

The fortress was originally built by Norman settlers and later came under the control of the Barrett family from around 1458. The Barretts held it until the early 1600s when Sir Walter Coppinger took possession.

The castle shows Norman building styles that came to Ireland, with its defensive towers and enclosed courtyard. These structures reveal how medieval warriors fortified their positions.

The castle ruins can be visited year-round with access to the exterior areas featuring walls, towers, and the central keep. Wear comfortable footwear suited to uneven terrain and watch for rocky ground surrounding the structure.

The northern section of the ruins is older than the southern part, which was added during the 16th century to fully utilize the natural rock formation. These different construction phases are visible in how the walls and structures are arranged.