Carriganass Castle

Carriganass Castle is a 16th-century fortress in West Cork featuring a central four-story tower with four corner turrets. The structure sits on elevated rock beside the Ouvane River and is enclosed by a defensive stone wall.

Dermot O'Sullivan built the castle in 1540 to establish a stronghold for the O'Sullivan Bear clan in West Cork. The structure represented an important defensive position during a period when Irish clans asserted their territorial power.

The name Carriganass comes from Irish, meaning 'Castle on the Rock of the Waterfall'. The location beside the Ouvane River shaped how the place was used and perceived by its inhabitants.

The site is accessible to visitors exploring West Cork and lies along major walking routes in the area. The surroundings and river landscape are best explored on foot.

The castle incorporates the natural rock formation as part of its defense system, blending geology with architecture. This combination of landscape and structure was a clever building approach used by medieval Irish builders.

Location: County Cork

GPS coordinates: 51.75409,-9.37904

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07