Athenry Castle, Tower house in Athenry, Ireland.
Athenry Castle is a rectangular stone structure standing on the western bank of River Clarin, featuring tall arrow slits within its medieval battlements and crenellations. The ground floor contains storage areas, while the upper level houses a large hall accessible through an exterior doorway with a stone staircase.
Construction took place between 1237 and 1240 under Meiler de Bermingham and served as the first Anglo-Norman building in Athenry. The parapets were later modified into gables during the 15th century, reflecting how the structure evolved over time.
The castle entrance displays carved decorative elements and floral patterns that reflect the building style of medieval Irish masonry crafted by Norman lords. These carved details show how newcomers expressed their status and authority through architectural ornamentation.
Visit during daylight hours to see the stonework details and interior layout clearly. Take care with the narrow stairs and aged stone surfaces, as the site is historic and some areas are exposed to the elements.
The structure includes cross-shaped arrow loops integrated into the crenellations, an unusual design feature for defensive openings. This arrangement allowed archers to shoot from multiple angles, making it an efficient defensive solution for its time.
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