Carrigaphooca Castle

Carrigaphooca Castle lies next to the townland of Glounarig, in County Cork in Ireland.

Carrigaphooca Castle was built between 1436 and 1451 probably by Donal MacCarthy of Drishane Castle on a strategic location next to the route between Macroom and County Kerry. He was a member of the MacCarthys of Muskerry who had lost large portions of their medieval barony in this region during the 13th century and who at the mid-15th century were trying to recapture it. The castle probably had a purely military purpose, as it lacked fireplaces.

The MacCarthys were constantly involved in warfare, so the castle was attacked often, especially by Donal Cam O'Sullivan Beare. Cormac Teige McCarthy took refuge in the castle after he had sided with the Irish during the Siege of Kinsale in 1601. He stayed there until he was forgiven by Elizabeth I of England after he had written a personal letter of apology to her. In 1602 it was again attacked and sacked by O'Sullivan Beare.

Carrigaphooca Castle is essentially just a square 5-storey tower, although it has had 2 outer walls at some point in time, both of which have disappeared without leaving a trace. It was built on a rock that was said to be the haunt of a malicious phuca or ghost. Locally it is said to be one of the most haunted castles in Ireland. It also overlooks a prehistoric stone circle in a neighboring field.

Carrigaphooca Castle is situated on private property, so it can not be visited. I was granted access by a nice lady from the nearest farm. She handed me the key to the castle's entrance, so I could explore it all on my own. Her friendly border collie accompanied me all the way, which perhaps guarded me from encountering any ghosts! A very nice tower.

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