Parkavonear Castle, Norman castle ruins in Aghadoe, Ireland.
Parkavonear Castle is a Norman castle ruin in Aghadoe with a cylindrical stone tower standing two stories tall. The thick walls and internal staircase connecting both levels show typical defensive construction from the medieval period.
The castle was built in the 13th century following the Anglo-Norman invasion of 1169, constructed as a defensive stronghold to control the local territory. It represents one of many fortifications that these settlers established across Ireland during this period of expansion.
The name comes from Irish words meaning 'field of the meadow', reflecting the agricultural landscape that once surrounded this place. Today you can still sense that rural character in the fields around the ruins.
You can reach the castle by driving west on the N70 road from Killarney for about one kilometer, then turning onto Ballydowny Drive. The site sits in an open field, so bring good shoes and be prepared for weather exposure.
This castle stands out among Norman fortifications for its rare circular design, while most castles of that era followed rectangular or square patterns. This unusual shape reflects practical choices the builders made when defending this particular location.
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