Kilbolane Castle

Kilbolane Castle lies east of the village of Milford, in County Cork, in Ireland.

Originally, Kilbolane was a keep-less rectangular moated castle with round corner towers, like Liscarroll Castle. Only the south and west corner towers and 2 curtain walls remain.

Kilbolane castle was probably built in the late 13th century by an Anglo-Norman knight; Maurice de Rocheford. It was acquired in the late 14th century by Thomas MacShane FitzGibbon. His descendants extensively rebuilt the castle during the 15th century. They lost ownership in 1587, when they were forfeited. It was then granted to Hugh Cuffe. Three years later, however, it was regained by a Gibbon heiress, Helena, and her husband William Power of Co. Waterford.

In 1642 the castle was destroyed by Cromwellian troops. A couple of years later the ruined castle was then granted to a captain, John Nicholls, who built a simple residence against the, now lost, east corner tower and the adjoining curtain wall. His grandson John Bowen. Bowen demolished most of the castle, around 1695, to gain building materials for his new Kilbolane House, nearby.

The remaing parts of the castle survived because the south corner tower had been sold to the Weekes family, who also claimed the west corner tower. The Bowens challenged this in court, but at a large financial cost. Kilbolane House was torn down in the 19th century.

At present, Kilbolane Castle is situated on the grounds of a nearby country house. It can not be visited due to the risk of falling masonry. This must have been a strong castle. Very nice.

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