Bryan's Fort

Bryan's Fort lies in the town of Castletownshend, in County Cork in Ireland.

Bryan's Fort is situated on the grounds of Castle Townsend, on a wooded hill, overlooking the town's harbor. It was apparently built by Colonel Richard Townesend around 1650. It was a small star fort; a square main building with angled bastions at its 4 corners, provided with loopholes for small cannon and musketry. It served to protect the anchorage in the sheltered part of Castlehaven harbor.

Following the completion of the fort, Richard also built a residential castle, below the fort, near the shoreline. In 1690, under the command of Colonel O'Driscoll, the rebels unsuccessfully besieged the fort and the castle. Soon after, they were attacked again by about 500 of them led by MacFineen O'Driscoll and Richard was forced to surrender. He was subsequently paid £40,000 in compensation for the destruction of his home.

Richard then proceeded to build a new castle some 100 meters west of Bryan's Fort, on the site where nowadays Swift's Tower stands. This new castle was destroyed by renovations in the early 19th century, after which its stones were used to build the present castle.

Bryan's Fort is a nice ruin although a bit overgrown inside. 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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Bryan's Fort

Bryan's Fort lies in the town of Castletownshend, in County Cork in Ireland.

Bryan's Fort is situated on the grounds of Castle Townsend, on a wooded hill, overlooking the town's harbor. It was apparently built by Colonel Richard Townesend around 1650. It was a small star fort; a square main building with angled bastions at its 4 corners, provided with loopholes for small cannon and musketry. It served to protect the anchorage in the sheltered part of Castlehaven harbor.

Following the completion of the fort, Richard also built a residential castle, below the fort, near the shoreline. In 1690, under the command of Colonel O'Driscoll, the rebels unsuccessfully besieged the fort and the castle. Soon after, they were attacked again by about 500 of them led by MacFineen O'Driscoll and Richard was forced to surrender. He was subsequently paid £40,000 in compensation for the destruction of his home.

Richard then proceeded to build a new castle some 100 meters west of Bryan's Fort, on the site where nowadays Swift's Tower stands. This new castle was destroyed by renovations in the early 19th century, after which its stones were used to build the present castle.

Bryan's Fort is a nice ruin although a bit overgrown inside. Situated on the castle grounds, it can not be visited, maybe only as a guest of the boutique B&B in the castle.

Gallery

Details
Hits: 3636