CastlesDramatic castle ruins which once were medieval marvels are worthwhile visiting. Once the home to the wealthy and powerful who wanted to leave their mark on Sligo's countryside.
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Castles in Sligo
Ballinafad castle
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Ballinafad castle, or Castle of the Curlews as it is also known, is located in the ancient road called the Red Earls road that linked Ballymote to Boyle.
The castle was built around 1590 to protect the pass over the Curlew Hills.The plan of the castle is modelled on those of 13th century castles, with a small central square block dwarfed by four massive towers at the corners which are round outside and square inside. The towers of the north contained a circular timber stair rising the full height of the building. Opening times: 24hours, 7 days Admission fee: € 0 |
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Ballymote castle
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Ballymote castle is a large rectangular castle, built around 1300. Ballymote castle is a large enclosure castle, the most symmetrical of all the Irish "keepless" castles. The gate The entrance, with a double towered gate, is in the north wall and had twin D-shaped towers. It has a gatehouse typical of the period, the outer portions of which have almost completely disappeared.
Ballymote castle passed back and forth between the O'Connors of Sligo and the McDonagh clan in the 14th and 15th century. By 1584, the castle had come in hands of the English crown. Opening times: 24hours, 7 days Admission fee: € 0 |
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Classiebawn castle
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Classiebawn Castle sits on top of a hill overlooking Mullaghmore and the coast towards Sligo. It is a striking building right beside the rugged "wild Atlantic Way". Classiebawn was originally built for Viscount Palmerston.
The castle was largely built in the 19th Century. It was designed by J.Rawson Carrol, a Dublin based Architect. Opening times: Not open to the public - privately owned Admission fee: NA |
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Moygara Castle
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Moygara Castle is one of the three castles built by the O'Gara Clan. The imposing ruin of the castle is distinguished by its large square bawn with residential towers at each of the four corners and a gatehouse in the western wall.
There are numerous gun loops in the walls around the castle. Nearby the gate tower are 2 keystones on the ground which once had carvings on them, but both have been weathered. Opening times: Closed to the public (renovations works ongoing) Admission fee: NA |
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Roslee (Easkey) castle
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Built in 1207, the castle became home to the O'Dowd chieftans of Tireragh. The castle was originally built for Oliver McDonnell who came to the area to marry an O'Dowd widow. A dominant landmark in West Sligo, the castle is beside Easky pier. Much of the original structure of the castle has been lost over time, yet the main body of the castle remains.
Opening times: 24hours, 7 days Admission fee: € 0 |
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