Gallarus Castle, Medieval tower house in County Kerry, Ireland
Gallarus Castle is a four-storey rectangular tower house with vaulted ceilings on its upper floors and a mural stairway built into the east wall. The structure retains its original doorway on the north side and demonstrates solid stone construction throughout.
The castle was built during the 15th century by the FitzGeralds, a powerful Anglo-Norman family that controlled large areas of the region. It was constructed as part of their strategy to fortify and defend their territories on the Dingle Peninsula.
The castle shows how medieval Irish families built fortified homes to protect themselves and their land. These tower houses were common among the Anglo-Norman families who settled in Ireland during this period.
There is no dedicated parking area at the site, so visitors should plan to find parking nearby before arriving. Access to the upper levels requires climbing steep stone stairs and navigating narrow passages, which can be challenging for people with mobility restrictions.
A murder hole above the entrance passage allowed defenders to watch and attack anyone trying to enter from above, a clever defensive design of medieval castles. Few visitors notice this detail when they first walk through the doorway.
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