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Castles and Historic Buildings of Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland

 Castles of Ireland - Lohort Castle






Map by mapchart.net - Some rights reserved.


Location
near Cecilstown, County Cork, Ireland

Description
Lohort Castle is situated on the Castlelohort Demesne near Cecilstown in County Cork.

This historic castle is an impressive five storey fortified tower with rounded corners, standing over 80 feet tall. The massive walls are 10 feet thick at the base, narrowing to six feet. Around the top storey there is a machicolated parapet that runs unbroken apart for a short section on the eastern side. There used to be a deep moat around the castle with a drawbridge. The castle grounds cover more than 100 acres.

History
Lohort Castle was built around 1496 by Donogh Og McDonagh McCarthy in 1496. The castle was taken by the Irish forces during the Civil War. One of the bloodiest battles of the English Civil War took place on the grounds of Lohort Castle in in 1647 when over 4,500 men were killed in battle. Lohort was bombarded by Oliver Cromwell's troops in 1650 and captured, but the castle withstood the cannon fire due to the immense strength of its 10 foot thick walls.

The castle as it now stands was rebuilt around 1750 by Sir John Percival, the Earl Of Egmont, and the Percivals lived there until the20th century when it was burned down by the IRA in 1922. Some of the fireplaces from nearby Kanturk Castle appear to have been relocated to Lohort Castle - this was probably done when Lohort Castle was restored in the 18th century.


Other Castles in the Area
  Ballybeg Castle, County Cork
  Ballyclogh Castle, County Cork
  Ballyhooly Castle, County Cork
  Ballynamona Castle, County Cork
  Blarney Castle, County Cork
  Carrignamuck Castle, County Cork
  Castle Barrett, County Cork
  Castle Pook, County Cork
  Drishane Castle, County Cork
  Dromaneen Castle, County Cork
  Fantstown Castle, County Limerick
  Glenquin Castle, County Limerick
  Kanturk Castle, County Cork
  Kilbolane Castle, County Cork
  Kilmeedy Castle, County Cork
  King Johns Castle, Kilmallock, County Limerick
  Liscarroll Castle, County Cork
  Lisgriffin Castle, County Cork
  Mallow Castle, County Cork
  Wallstown Castle, County Cork







Wallstown Castle
Lohort Castle, Cork. The stepped gable and chimney stacks date from 1876.

Photograph by Mike Searle. Some rights reserved.  (view image details)

Wallstown Castle
Lohort Castle, Cork.

Photograph by Mike Searle. Some rights reserved.  (view image details)

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