Castlekirk

Castlekirk is a tower house ruin on an island in Lough Corrib with thick limestone and sandstone walls containing remnants of spiral staircases and fireplaces. The structure shows the architectural style of a medieval stronghold built to control water access and defend its inhabitants.

The fortress was built before 1118 by local leaders with assistance from a Norman lord and represents one of Ireland's earliest mortared stone structures. It was later taken over by a formidable maritime power who made it a base for naval operations.

The fortress is remembered for a powerful female leader who claimed it and used it as a base for her maritime operations. The place embodies a time when women wielded authority over strongholds and waters alike.

Reaching the castle requires a boat journey across the lake, so visitors should plan accordingly depending on weather and water conditions. The site is protected as a National Monument, so access may have restrictions or seasonal limitations.

Local folklore tells of a witch who moved stones across the water during construction and left behind a magical creature to guard the fortress. This legend persists in stories told about the island's mysterious origins.