Ballyhannon Castle, Medieval tower house in Quin, Ireland
Ballyhannon Castle is a medieval tower house in County Clare with five stories and thick defensive stone walls. A carefully carved spiral staircase winds through the building to connect its different levels.
The MacNamara family built this tower in 1490 during a period of advanced masonry techniques in the Kingdom of Thomond. The castle was constructed when many similar defensive buildings were being raised across the region.
The castle displays typical Irish defensive design with its stone construction and traditional interior finishes that reflect medieval craftsmanship. Walking through the rooms, you notice how the original building methods shaped daily life in that era.
The interior is spread across multiple levels and the staircases are narrow and steep, so sturdy shoes and time to climb are necessary. Plan to move slowly through the building to experience each floor safely.
The tower retains its original 15th-century structure while being equipped with modern conveniences like electric heating and fully outfitted kitchens. This blend of medieval construction and contemporary comfort is remarkably rare for a castle this old.
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