Dripsey Castle, Carrignamuck

Dripsey Castle is a five-story L-shaped tower house in Carrignamuck featuring narrow slit windows, battlements, and machicolations. The structure stands north of Coachford village near the Dripsey River and contains various chambers across its levels, including a lobby, main chamber with fireplace, and smaller chamber on the ground floor.

The tower house was built in 1450 by Cormac McTeige MacCarthy, the 9th Lord of Muskerry, and served as the official residence for the heir to Blarney Castle. It represented a seat of power within the Muskerry territory.

The tower house contains timber frames from the former Church of Ireland parish church at Aghabullogue, which were reused during 1866 repairs. These materials remain visible as part of the building's structure today.

The ruins are freely accessible but located in a remote rural area with limited parking. Visitors should wear weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for uneven terrain and potentially slippery surfaces.

The Down Survey Map of 1656 documented both a castle and mill at this location and referred to it as Carrigomucke. This historical record shows the site was economically active and served purposes beyond residential use.

Location: Carrignamuck

GPS coordinates: 51.92694,-8.75528

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22