ATHLONE CASTLE

A castle was built at Athlone in 1210 by John de Grey, probably on the site of an earlier motte. It was repaired several times during the 13th century. It has a central circular keep surrounded by a massive wall. There are large drum towers at the N and S corners of the E wall. The lower parts of the keep probably date from the earliest times but the castle underwent extensive alterations during the 17th century and again in the 19th century, when heavy guns were placed on top of the towers.

DELVIN CASTLE

Map Reference: N600627

Delvin Castle is said to have been built about 1180 by Hugh de Lacy for his brother-in-law, Gilbert de Nugent. However the building was probably not begun until the 13th century. It was originally a square building with four round corner towers and a gabled roof. Only the western half remains.

TYRRELSPASS CASTLE

Map Reference: N412375

The town takes its name from the important way through the bog where, in 1597, Piers Lacy and Captain Richard Tyrrel, ambushed and slaughtered an English force under Christopher Barnewall. The castle is a rectangular tower-house four storeys high with crenellations. The eastern section is carried one storey higher to form a long narrow turret. There are bartizans at the NW and SW corners. The tower is lit mainly by small single-light windows. Many of these have ogee heads and some have pecked decoration. There are two-light windows at the second floor in the N, S and W walls. The pointed doorway is in the E wall. Close to the NE corner, and separated from it by a short section of wall, is a large round turret with an ogee window. There is a modern one storey extension at the W end. The castle is now used as a restaurant and gift shop.