King John's Castle, Medieval tower house in Kilmallock, Ireland.
King John's Castle is a four-story stone fortress on Sarsfield Street featuring pointed arch windows and crenellations. The building is defined by a large Gothic arch that passes through it, allowing the street to cut through the interior of the walls.
The fortress was built in the 15th century and later served as an arsenal and military hospital. These uses show how the structure adapted to shifting needs during conflict and warfare.
The castle shapes the streetscape of Kilmallock and shows how such structures symbolized local power in medieval times. People walk through the large arch at its base in their daily routines, keeping the building woven into town life.
The castle is open for exterior viewing year-round and stands under state protection. Its location on the central street makes it easy to reach and visible from various angles.
The passage through the base with its large Gothic arch was not a later modification but part of the original design. This allowed pedestrians to cross the street while the fortress maintained its role above them.
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