Raphoe Castle, Historical castle in Raphoe, Ireland
Raphoe Castle is a stone fortress at the edge of town with remains from the 17th century, built to serve as both a bishop's home and a defensive structure. The layout shows the typical features of a fortification from that period.
The castle was built in the 1630s for Bishop John Leslie and faced multiple attacks, especially during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The conquest by Cromwell in 1650 left lasting damage to the structure.
The building shows how religious and military power were linked in Irish society, serving as both a bishop's home and a fortress at the same time. Walking through the site, you can still see how these two roles shaped what was built.
The site is open year-round and features information signs to help you understand its past. The ruins are easy to explore and accessible to anyone without special requirements.
Stone from a demolished round tower in the area was reused in the castle's construction, creating a direct link to earlier medieval structures. This practice was common and shows how older buildings were incorporated into new projects.
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