Rathmacknee Castle

Rathmacknee Castle is a five-story tower structure surrounded by a five-sided defensive wall, featuring characteristic Irish battlements. The fortress includes rooms with fireplaces, defensive observation points, and a specialized bartizan built into the outer wall.

The Rosseter family built this fortress in the late 15th century as a regional stronghold. It remained under their control until Cromwellian forces seized it in 1654.

The castle reflects traditional Irish tower house construction with functional features like murder holes, garderobes, and vaulted stone ceilings. These elements allowed residents to defend and inhabit the structure simultaneously.

The castle sits about 4 miles (6 km) west of Rosslare Strand and is protected as a national monument. Visitors should expect uneven ground and limited interior access in some areas.

The fortress features a specialized bartizan integrated into its outer wall, adding extra defensive reach. This design allowed defenders to monitor multiple approach angles simultaneously.

Location: County Wexford

GPS coordinates: 52.26930,-6.49050

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:25