Corluddy Castle, Corluddy, Co. Kilkenny
Corluddy Castle stands in the Kilkenny countryside as a remarkable example of a 16th-century Irish tower house.
Corluddy Castle, Corluddy, Co. Kilkenny
Built around 1560, this four-storey stronghold showcases the defensive architecture typical of its era, with thick limestone walls, narrow windows, and a commanding presence over the surrounding landscape. The castle’s construction reflects the turbulent period of Irish history when local lords required fortified residences to protect their families and holdings from rival clans and political upheaval.
The tower house follows a traditional rectangular plan, measuring approximately 12 by 9 metres, with walls nearly two metres thick at the base. Each floor served a distinct purpose; the ground level typically housed storage and livestock, whilst the upper floors contained the main hall, private chambers, and battlements. Original features include a spiral staircase built into the corner walls, murder holes above the entrance, and remnants of the bawn wall that once enclosed the castle grounds. The structure retains many architectural details such as carved stone window surrounds, gun loops, and the corbelled roof that would have supported the original slate covering.
Today, Corluddy Castle remains privately owned but stands as an evocative reminder of Ireland’s medieval past. Though roofless and partially ruined, the castle’s walls remain largely intact, allowing visitors to appreciate the skill of its original builders and imagine life within its walls centuries ago. The site represents one of hundreds of similar tower houses scattered across the Irish countryside, each telling the story of a land shaped by centuries of conflict, resilience, and architectural ingenuity.