CASTLES COUNTY ROSCOMMON

McDermott's Castle rises from Castle Island in Lough Key, County Roscommon, representing over 800 years of Irish history and one of the nation's most significant historical sites. The MacDiarmada clan ruled this region from the 10th to 16th centuries, with fortifications dating to at least the 13th century and the current tower house likely from the 16th century. The castle's distinctive crenellations date to the 19th century following restoration commissioned by architect John Nash in 1810. The dramatic setting amid the waters of Lough Key, combined with its architectural heritage and connection to the powerful MacDiarmada dynasty, makes McDermott's Castle an iconic symbol of Connacht's medieval power and cultural significance.

Ballintober Castle is an exceptionally rare early 14th-century keepless fortress in County Roscommon, built by Richard de Burgh on lands bordering the O'Conor kings of Connacht. Often claimed as the only surviving early medieval castle of an Irish ruler, it reflects sophisticated Norman military architecture. Captured by Cromwell's forces in 1652 and again seized after the 1690 Battle of the Boyne, the castle has been subject to ongoing archaeological investigation through the Castles in Communities research project, which has uncovered evidence of construction sequences and a nearby deserted medieval village, contributing significantly to scholarly understanding of medieval Irish settlement patterns.

Cloontykilla Castle is an 1839 sporting lodge designed by renowned architect John Nash, situated on the shores of Lough Key within Rockingham Demesne in County Roscommon. The castle features romantic medieval-inspired architecture with crenellated walls, slender turrets, and portcullis-like gates enclosing a courtyard. Set within 20 acres of mature forest grounds populated with wild deer and red squirrels, the castle rests on an ancient Bronze Age settlement site. The property gained international recognition when featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs, achieving the program's highest viewership ratings.