Castle Donovan, 16th-century tower house in County Cork, Ireland
The stone castle rises 60 feet high on a rock formation near the River Ilen, featuring thick walls and a spiral staircase inside.
The structure, originally named Sowagh, received its current name Castle Donovan through a regrant from James II of England in 1615.
The castle served as the principal residence for the Clann Cathail branch of the O'Donovan family, who controlled the surrounding territories.
The Office of Public Works completed preservation work between 2001 and 2014, making the structure stable for current visitors.
Cromwell's forces damaged the castle with explosives in the 1640s as punishment for the O'Donovan family's support of the Stuart cause.
Location: County Cork
GPS coordinates: 51.69214,-9.28278
Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:51
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