Ballinskelligs Castle, Medieval fortress on Ballinskelligs Bay, County Kerry, Ireland.
Ballinskelligs Castle is a stone tower house built on a narrow promontory along the western shore of the bay, featuring thick walls and strategically positioned openings overlooking the water. The ruins retain their original form and structural elements that once defined the building's defensive capabilities.
The castle was built in the 16th century by the McCarthy Mór family to protect the bay from pirates and collect fees from merchant ships passing through the waters. Its construction was part of a broader effort by local rulers to maintain control over maritime trade in the region.
The structure reflects how Irish noble families built their homes with strong defensive features typical of coastal towers in this region. Walking around the site today, you can see how these architectural choices shaped daily life and protection for those who lived here.
The castle ruins are accessible via a marked path starting from Ballinskelligs Beach, with parking available near the site. The ground can become muddy during wet weather, so sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
The castle sits on an eroding promontory, meaning the coastline gradually changes around the ruins as natural forces reshape the land. This ongoing transformation adds a layer of discovery, as visitors witness a place caught between human history and natural processes.
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