Poulnalong Castle

Poulnalong Castle, also called Shippool Castle, lies on the east bank of the River Bandon, in County Cork in Ireland.

Poulnalong Castle was built as a tower house in 1543 by Philip Roche.

During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 it was held for the rebels by its owner Patrick Roche Fitzrichard. In 1642 it was attacked by the garrison of Bandon, during which apparently 100 rebels were killed, before it surrendered to Captain Adderly.

Later it was inhabited by the Merrick family until they moved elsewhere in 1787. The castle was finally abandoned in 1794. It appears to have stood in more or less good condition until 1907.

Poulnalong Castle can freely be visited, from the outside at least. It is rather overgrown and its interior can not be entered. A curious roadside castle.

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