Kilkishen Castle

Map Reference: R487723 (1487, 1723)

This tower-house was probably built in the early 16th century and owned by Rory MacNamara in 1580.



In the past 30 years a great amount of damage has been done to this castle. As recent as 1979 the castle was complete with 4 walls reaching to full height. But now only the north and east walls still remain intact. The south and west walls have collapsed leaving a large amount of rubble at the base of the castle. The area of the castle containing the spiral staircase is still there however access is particularly difficult considering the unstable nature of the remaining walls and the rubble at the base of the castle.



The castle stands at 5 storeys high. There are several arrow slits in the north and east wall. There are also the remains of a machicolation at roof level.



Liam recently supplied a detailed description of the castle and more photographs. In the north wall there is an opening where there was once an arrow slit. This allows access to the spiral staircase. On the ground floor there is a small guard room to the left of the main entrance (which, unusually, contained a rusted mould for a sword.) The spiral staircase is to the right. The staircase is well maintained up to the 3rd floor but above the 3rd floor there are bits of rubble on the staircase and even holes in some parts so care must be taken. The staircase leads up to a small room which contains a murder hole overlooking the hallway. This room is lit by two arrow slits as are all subsequent floors. Over this there is another small room but the two rooms above this have collapsed. Unusually there is one room more in the staircase tower than the main part of the castle would have had. The tower has six storeys while the main part of the castle would have contained five storeys. On the 6th storey of the tower is a ledge which is out in the open. The roof above this has collapsed but you can still climb even further to the roof of the castle. Here you can see a small ledge where the machicholation sits.





Some dramatic views of the outside of the castle





View of the murder-hole



Part of the damaged spiral stairway



View of the third and fourth floors showing the underside of the spiral stairway



View of the roof