Donore Castle, Medieval tower house in County Meath, Ireland.
Donore Castle is a medieval tower house in County Meath with a rectangular base and a height of approximately 12 meters. The structure features three stories with vaulted ceilings on the lower floors and a spiral staircase within its walls.
The castle was built in the 1430s by the Mac Eochagáin family after King Henry VI of England supported funding for defensive towers in Ireland. This was part of a broader strategy to strengthen English control in County Meath.
The entrance doorway displays carved stone heads showing a king and a bishop, reflecting the artistic traditions of medieval Ireland. These decorations were typical for castles of that era and demonstrated the family's status and connections.
The tower displays defensive features such as thick stone walls and narrow window openings typical of medieval Irish fortifications. Visitors should note that interior spaces are limited in accessibility and viewing the exterior is most rewarding.
In 1650, the castle was attacked by Cromwellian forces led by Sir John Reynolds, resulting in the deaths of approximately 40 McGeoghegan family members. This tragic raid marks one of the bloodiest moments in the structure's history.
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