Portlick Castle

Portlick Castle is a fortress on the eastern shores of Lough Ree that combines a four-story stone tower with Georgian and Victorian additions. The structure stands within a protected natural area near Athlone and reveals distinct building phases through its layout.

The castle was built around 1500 by the Dillon family and served as their residence for generations. Political turmoil forced an occupant to leave Ireland around 1696, after which the structure gradually fell into decline.

The castle displays how builders layered their styles across generations without completely erasing the past. Walking through it reveals how military forms gave way to comfort and decorative ambition.

The site sits within a protected natural area and can be viewed from both the shoreline and nearby roads around Athlone. Visitors should expect wet ground conditions due to its lakeside position and plan accordingly for outdoor exploration.

A major fire in 1861 destroyed sections of the castle and left it abandoned for over a century. An Australian poet purchased the derelict property in the 1980s and undertook a thorough restoration that brought the building back to life.

GPS coordinates: 53.48300,-7.90000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00