Macroom Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Macroom, Ireland
Macroom Castle is a medieval castle ruin in the center of the town of Macroom in County Cork, with the main tower and gatehouse still standing. The remains sit near a bridge crossing the River Sullane and now serve as a public park with riverside paths.
The castle was built between 1199 and 1209 under King John and was initially owned by the Carew family. It later passed to the McCarthy family, who held it until 1691 when control shifted again.
The castle served as a diplomatic meeting place when a papal envoy stayed there in 1645 to conduct negotiations with the local ruling family. This connection to religious and noble circles shaped how the place was understood as a center of local power.
The grounds are open and can be visited year-round through the medieval gatehouse that marks the entrance. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the riverside paths can be uneven depending on weather.
Admiral William Penn, the father of Pennsylvania's founder, once received the castle from Oliver Cromwell during the English occupation. This brief episode in the castle's story reflects the shifting control of Ireland during the 1600s.
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