Stella's Castle

Portrane, Ireland, Ireland

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Stella's Castle, also known as Portrane Castle or Bob's Castle, is a late medieval tower house located in Portrane, a coastal village in County Dublin, Ireland. The castle dates from the 15th century and was originally part of a larger complex that included agricultural buildings such as a threshing house, hemp yard, and farmyard. The castle is most famous for its association with Esther Johnson, known as “Stella,” the close friend and correspondent of writer Jonathan Swift. She is believed to have lived there in the early 18th century, which led to the building acquiring its popular name. Architecturally, the structure is a three-storey fortified tower house featuring defensive elements typical of the period, including a murder hole above the entrance passage. Later additions, such as a brick chimney and upper-level modifications from the 17th and 18th centuries, reflect changes made over time. Today, Stella's Castle stands as an important heritage landmark that provides a glimpse into medieval life in the Dublin region. Conservation work carried out by Fingal County Council in 2021 helped protect and preserve the historic structure for future generations.