Swift's Tower

Swift's Tower stands in the town of Castletownshend, in County Cork in Ireland.

Swift's Tower is situated on the grounds of Castle Townsend, on a wooded hill, overlooking the castle and the town's harbor. I could not find any historical info about the tower. I suspect it was built as a folly in the early 19th century, when having a mock castle or ruin on your estate was in fashion.

The castle below dates back to the 17th century but was never more than a country house, which was castellated in the early 19th century. Stones from an earlier castle, thought to have been on the site of Swift's Tower, were used in construction of the castle. I don't believe Swift's Tower is a remnant of that earlier castle based on its shape, thin walls and big window.

Some 100 meters east and still on the castle grounds is the ruin of Bryan's Fort.

Swift's Tower is a very simple tower ruin. Situated on the castle grounds, it can not be visited, maybe only as a guest of the boutique B&B in the castle.

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