Roche Castle
East Ireland | County Louth
Roche Castle is Norman stronghold located about 10 km northwest of Dundalk, in County Louth. Castleroche, how is also called, consists of a roughly triangular in circuit of walls (determined by the shape of the rock it stands on), with two masive D-shaped towers with gateway between them and two storey great hall beside. It was built in 1236 by Lady Rohesia de Verdun. Legend says that she promised to marry architect, if he builds the castle she liked. When he finished, she had him thrown out of the window so he could not reveal the castle's secrets. In 1366, castle was bought by John Bellew, and in 1464 his grandson Richard obtained state grants for the repair of the castle. All English forces in Ireland were gathered at Castleroche in 1561, prior to marching into Ulster in the pursuit of Shane O'Neill (chieftain of O'Neill dynasty of Ulster). The castle eventually fell apart after being attacked by Cromwell's forces in 1641.
- OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS :
- Freely accessible
- CAR PARK :
- Roadside
Photos from Roche Castle
