Ardee Castle, Medieval tower house in Ardee, Ireland
Ardee Castle is a four-story stone tower house with a rectangular shape, featuring defensive turrets at its north-west and south-west corners. The entrance is defended by external protective features, and the interior contains a barrel-vaulted ground floor with a spiral staircase in the north-west turret that rises to the upper levels.
John St. Leger built this fortress in the 15th century as a defense against attacks from English forces and the O'Neill clan. The structure remained a key defensive position for the region throughout the following centuries.
The castle served as a courthouse and jail for the local community until 2006, holding an important place in how justice was conducted in the region. Today it stands as a gathering point where people connect with their own past.
The castle sits in the center of Ardee on Castle Street, making it easy to reach on foot from most parts of town. Local guides offer tours year-round that help visitors understand the building's history and features.
The castle features a rare barrel-vaulted ground floor design that has survived to the present day, showcasing medieval building techniques. This architectural detail sets it apart from many other Irish tower houses of its period.
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