Dunlough Castle

Dunlough Castle, often also called Three Castles, lies on an isolated location on the Mizen Peninsula, in County Cork in Ireland.

Dunlough Castle started out as a 3-storey, rectangular tower house reputedly built by the O'Mahonys in 1207. All the present remains however date back to the 15th century. The castle was let to one of the Coughlans in 1627, who leased it to Boyle, the Earl of Cork, who in turn leased it to a lawless sept of the O'Donoghues. Legend has it that all the members of that ill-fated sept died either by suicide or murder. Also a 'White Lady' is said to roam the lake and that anyone who lays eyes on her will quickly die. It is not known if Dunlough was ever attacked.

Two other towers were added to the main tower house. A rampart then connected the towers, effectively closing off the neck of a large rocky headland between a cliff and the shore of the lake of Dun Lough. The complex is placed on a rampart of a prehistoric promontory fort.

Dunlough Castle can freely be visited. Just mind the roaming sheep. It will take a hike of about 30 minutes to reach it on ill-defined paths. This is actually one of my favorite Irish castles, mainly because of its magnificent, remote situation. Recommended!

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