Carrigadrohid Castle

Republic of Ireland, Ireland

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Carrigadrohid Castle is a striking 15th-century tower house located in County Cork, Ireland, near the village of Carrigadrohid. What makes it especially unusual is its position on a rocky island in the River Lee, making it one of the few Irish castles built in the middle of a river. It was constructed by the MacCarthy family of Muskerry around 1455 and later expanded with additional sections. The castle played a role in the conflicts of the 17th century and was besieged by Cromwellian forces in 1650. During the siege, Boetius MacEgan, the Bishop of Ross, was executed outside the castle after refusing to persuade the defenders to surrender. Following these events, the MacCarthys lost the property, and it later passed to the Bowen family. Over time the castle fell into disrepair, but local preservation efforts have helped protect the ruins. Today, Carrigadrohid Castle is admired for its dramatic riverside setting, distinctive architecture, and importance as a rare and picturesque example of Ireland’s medieval heritage.