Mallow Castle

Mallow Castle lies in the town of the same name, in County Cork in Ireland.

The ruined Mallow Castle we see today dates back to the late 16th century when, between 1585-1599, it was built by Sir Thomas Norreys or Norris, who was Lord-President of Munster. It had 2 predecessors which were situated some 40 meters north. Stones of the latest predecessor were used in building this 3rd castle. The castle is what they call, a 'stronghouse', which is transitional architecture from a stone-walled fortress to a fortified house.

In 1607 the castle went to the Jephson family through marriage. Mallow Castle held out against Confederate forces under Viscount Mountgarret in 1642 but was captured by Lord Castlehaven in 1645. It was however quickly recovered by the Parliamentarians under Lord Inchiquin. In 1689 the castle was finally burnt by the Jacobites.

The Jephsons then built themselves a new castle, some 70 meters northeast, by enlarging and ornamenting the former stables, turning them into a 4th castle in the style of a grand country house. That still stands today as a private residence.

Mallow Castle can freely be visited. A nice ruin. The latest castle can not be visited.

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