Rathgormuck Castle

Rathgormuck Castle, sometimes also spelled as Rathgormack, lies in the townland of the same name, in County Waterford, in Ireland.

When exactly Rathgormuck Castle was built is unknown. It was first mentioned in 1640, so probably dates back to the 16th, or maybe even 15th century. In 1655, it was owned by Nicholas Power, but was forfeited and subsequently came into the possession of Robert Davies. By 1850 the castle was described as being 'in ruins'.

The castle, a tower house, has a rectangular plan. The partly blocked entrance in the south wall was probably inserted at a later date for farming use. The low roofed extension against the west wall is also not contemporary with the castle. Originally it had a bawn with, at least, one flanking tower, east of the castle. The owner told me that there was a face-corbel on the outer face of the north wall, but it had disappeared under the ivy.

At present, Rathgormuck Castle is situated on the premises of a farm, behind a private residence, so it can only be visited with permission from the owner. A rather simple ruin. There is also a nice ruined church with a graveyard opposite the entrance to the farm.

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