Castle Otway

Castle Otway is a stone structure near Templederry in Ireland, rising from a hilltop with a seven-section front facade. The ruins display a blend of medieval fortress design and 18th-century manor house features combined into a single building.

The estate was granted to John Otway in 1685 and became a significant residence for the family over the following centuries. Fire destroyed the structure during the Irish Civil War in 1922, leaving only the ruins visible today.

The castle once housed the renowned Otway Harp, a 16th-century stringed instrument that reflects the artistic refinement of the estate's former owners. Today this harp resides in Trinity College Dublin's collection, connecting the place to Ireland's musical heritage.

The ruins stand on private farmland and require advance permission before visiting the site. Parking is available in nearby Templederry village, which makes a convenient stopping point for exploring the area.

The site merges a medieval square tower with an 18th-century manor house built in the Queen Anne style, creating an unusual architectural combination. This unexpected mixing of fortress and country house design is what gives the ruins their distinctive character.

GPS coordinates: 52.77926,-8.08151

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05