Inchiquin Castle

Inchiquin Castle lies in the townland of the same name, in County Cork, in Ireland.

Inchiquin Castle was first mentioned in 1286, when it passed from the FitzGeralds to the De Clares. In the 15th century it had several owners, amongst whom were the Earl of Ormond and the Earl of Desmond. It was built on the left bank of a winding tidal stream, called the Womanagh River, although this stretch is also known as the River Dissour.

In 1587 the castle was granted to Sir Walter Raleigh, although it was still inhabited by an old countess who was the widow of the Earl of Desmond. Raleigh sold it to Sir Richard Boyle in 1602, who had to wait 2 more years, until the death of the old countess (she is said to have been 140 years old), before he could take possession of it.

Inchiquin is said to have been damaged by Cromwellian cannon fire in 1649 and later by erosion from the nearby river. In the 19th century, it was described as a ruin.

The castle is rather special, as it is one of the few round castles in Ireland. All that remains today is the very damaged, 2-stories high remnant of a round tower with rather massive walls. No remains of eventual other parts of the castle have survived.

At present, Inchiquin Castle is situated on the premises of a private residence, so it can not be visited. A nicely situated ruin.

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